Louisa Bentil shared her story, and it is one of resilience, determination, and empowerment in the face of adversity. At age 17 during Senior High School 2, she found herself pregnant and faced a sudden halt in support from her family and community due to the stigma surrounding teenage pregnancy. This could have been a crushing blow to her education and future prospects, but Louisa refused to let it define her.
Despite the initial challenges and the stigma she encountered, Louisa found the courage to return to school after a brief hiatus. In 2019, she encountered the support and guidance of an organization called PAYDP (Purim African Youth Development Platform), under the Adolescent Girls program funded by UNFPA and Canada. Louisa became a member of the Young leaders clubs (YOLE clubs) and a RHESY facilitator. She was part of activities such as Adolescent Focus among others which provided her with crucial education on Sexual and Reproductive health (SRH) and Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). These programmes not only equipped her with knowledge but also helped her build confidence and assertiveness, enabling her to navigate the challenges she faced.
Furthermore, Louisa seized opportunities for skill development provided by PAYDP, such as training in household detergent production and Batik Tie and Dye techniques. These skills not only provided her with alternative sources of income but also allowed her to contribute to larger initiatives, such as producing T-shirts for events like the Kayayei fair and fulfilling orders from organizations like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Louisa also found a calling in community service and further became a facilitator in the club and educated her peers in the community. Her involvement in community outreach efforts led to her selection and training as a Community Assistant Police, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact in her community and her aspirations to pursue a career in law enforcement as a police woman. Louisa said “the training and practices UNFPA has taught has helped me to teach other young girls in the community and also my child’.
Overall, Louisa’s story shows how education, empowerment, and persistence can change lives. Despite challenges, she has become a source of hope and inspiration for others in her community.