A 15-year-old girl was once part of the global issue of child marriage before escaping the severe sexual abuse inflicted by a 35-year-old man.
Latifa, coming from a family of six in Tanzania, was married off at 15 and forced to share a bed with a stranger. Despite her love for education, particularly science and physics, she often went hungry and only ate twice a day.
Dreaming of becoming a doctor, Latifa expressed her aspirations to work in a hospital and help sick children. However, her dreams were shattered when she was traded to Salum by her father. Unaware of the implications, she tearfully accepted her fate, undergoing a forced marriage ceremony.
Salum took Latifa to Dar es Salaam, where she endured loneliness and abuse while he worked. The young girl struggled with her new responsibilities and suffered physical and emotional torment at the hands of Salum. After giving birth, she sought medical help at a hospital supported by Plan International.
Following the birth of her daughter, Salum abandoned Latifa, leaving her homeless with her baby. She resorted to begging for food at a local market, living in dire conditions with her infant daughter.
Fortunately, Latifa was rescued by a woman named Happy, who provided her with shelter and support. With Happy’s assistance, Latifa now earns her own income through a community savings program. She is determined to provide a better life for her daughter, ensuring that she receives an education and is not subjected to forced marriage.
Throughout her journey, Latifa’s resilience and determination have been unwavering, showcasing the strength of her spirit in overcoming adversity.