Lul, a 19-year-old girl, has endured a series of traumatic experiences, shattering her dreams of a better life. Over the past few years, she has silently suffered through two perilous and forceful abortions, performed by unskilled midwives in her village. Trapped in a society where girls' voices are ignored, neglected, and uncared for, Lul found herself engulfed in a darkness of despair and devastation.
The source of Lul's anguish was none other than her own father, who had been forcefully subjecting her to sexual abuse since her mother's tragic passing during the COVID-19 pandemic. To escape the catastrophic drought, Lul's family was forced to relocate to an IDP camp in Beletwayne. As the eldest and only girl among five children, Lul had taken on the responsibility of caring for her family alongside her mother. However, after her mother's death, she was left to shoulder the burden alone, with her father's drug addiction and violent behavior adding to the turmoil. Most of her siblings were entering adolescence, further complicating her responsibilities.
Fortunately, the plight of Lul came to the attention of the community mobilizers working on the FCDO project. Sensing the urgency of the situation, they reported it to the project manager and began engaging with Lul discreetly, ensuring her father remained unaware of their actions. Initially hesitant, Lul gradually opened up about her harrowing experiences after receiving counseling and dedicated support from the project team.
Recognizing the need for a safe space and comprehensive assistance, Lul was encouraged to visit the Women and Girls Safe Space (WGSS) and connect with the empathetic staff members. There, she found solace and formed meaningful friendships with individuals who were willing to listen and understand her pain. The FCDO project provided Lul with various forms of support, including dignity kits, case management services, and cash assistance. Additionally, she was referred to other clusters for further assistance. Lul also had the opportunity to participate in skills training programs facilitated by these clusters, helping her regain confidence and envision a brighter future.
As her miseries began to dissipate, Lul made the courageous decision to contact her maternal uncle residing in Ethiopia. Recognizing the potential for a fresh start, the uncle swiftly arrived, and Lul, supported by the clusters, embarked on a journey to Ethiopia, hopeful for a brighter future.
Lul's story is a stark reminder of the realities faced by young girls in communities where their voices are stifled, and their well-being is neglected. However, through the intervention of the FCDO project and the unwavering support provided by various clusters, Lul has managed to survive the horrors she endured and begin rebuilding her life. Her journey serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of creating safe spaces, offering comprehensive assistance, and empowering survivors like Lul to reclaim their lives and envision a future filled with hope.
All names of the individuals mentioned in the story have been changed to protect their identities.
