The story of a girl activist - Sierra Leone
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Version 0 of 1. In Waterloo community, girls are not treated fairly. They see a lot of sexual harassment and often are beaten by men. Many girls have cheapened their lives because they have become involved with prostitution and going to clubs to meet men where they drink, smoke and are put at risk from sexual predators. <strong>Biggest challenge:</strong> My own personal biggest challenge was the moment I found out I was pregnant. I was young and had to drop out of school to become a teenage mother. I thought it was the end of my life. I couldn't live with myself. I had no financial help, and didn't want to be like other girls on the streets. I needed to do something. I was inspired to start campaigning because of the work that Forward and G2G (girl to girl empowerment movement) has taught me – that life doesn't end as a result of teenage motherhood. I was taught that you can achieve anything with a little hard work. Sharing my experience gave me the confidence to advocate for others just like me. I learned that you have the power in you to make a difference. <strong>Proudest moment:</strong> By the grace of God I managed to return to education. Also, thanks to Forward, I got to travel on an aeroplane for the first time to another country, something someone like me would have never had the opportunity to do usually. We went to Ghana to meet other girls who work on similar issues there. I am pleased to be part of this work as I can help women in my community and I get the opportunity to speak with other young women like me to tell them that they don't have to be victims. In the next year, I want to complete my Wace (West African Counsel Examination) examination and go to university. In the next five years, I wish to learn and visit other places. Finally, 10 years from now I wish to live a life away from poverty, as a normal proud young woman. <em>Fatimata's name has been changed at the request of Forward.</em> <strong>This content is brought to you by </strong><strong>Guardian Professional</strong><strong>. To get more articles like this direct to your inbox, sign up free to become a member of the </strong><strong>Global Development Professionals Network</strong> Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. |