By Madeline Balser | Development Manager
Asha was born in Somalia and raised in Kakuma Refugee Camp. Life at the camp was tough, marked by distressing memories of her father's abusive behavior towards her mother. Driven to escape the abuse, Asha and her mother left everything behind and made a new home in Busia, Kenya where Asha completed her primary education. To support her secondary education, Asha’s mother sought employment as a domestic worker in Nairobi.
With the help of her mother's employer, Asha finished high school but could not continue her education. Her future seemed bleak; her mother's income could not support her, so she decided to look for work. Asha settled in the Eastleigh neighborhood of Nairobi and began hawking tea and coffee on the streets. Unfortunately, she became pregnant and was abused by the baby's father.
Unable to endure the mistreatment, she returned to her mother, who, due to societal norms, advised her to have an abortion since she wasn't married. "In Somali culture, it is an abomination to get pregnant out of wedlock," cites Asha. Pregnant, frightened, and unemployed, Asha had limited options. She stayed with friends temporarily, but her inability to contribute to expenses led them to kick her out.
"I was so stressed. I did not know if I should abort the baby. It was not right. I had nowhere to stay. I was slowly falling into depression,” says Asha.
With no other options, Asha sought refuge at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) offices in Nairobi. There she was referred to RefuSHE's Safe House for safety and protection. She joined the Safe House in May 2023 in poor health and in need of urgent medical care. Before her stay at the Safe House, Asha had never received prenatal care. "My blood levels were so low,” says Asha. “I had to go to the hospital where I was advised to take iron supplements to protect my unborn baby."
After spending four months in the Safe House, Asha successfully gave birth to a lovely and healthy baby girl. She is still receiving medical care, counseling, and essential supplies for both herself and her newborn at RefuSHE.
"At the Safe House, I have learned how to care for a newborn,” says Asha. “RefuSHE has given me clothes for my baby and a place to stay until I am back on my feet."
In addition to receiving basic necessities, 25-year-old Asha is learning cottage skills like baking, knitting, and beading. She also participates in regular trauma-informed yoga classes and Zumba sessions which contribute to her healing process. Her friendly and assertive demeanor has led to her taking on leadership roles at the shelter. "I'm looked up to by other residents, and I'm always willing to assist with various activities," says Asha.
Despite her past hardships, Asha is now happier and on the path to recovery and healing from her trauma. "I am prepared and excited for the next phase of my life," says Asha.
Once her daughter reaches a few months of age, Asha is eager to enroll in the Digital Skills Training program at RefuSHE. "I want to learn computer skills which I know will open opportunities for me to get jobs that require basic computer proficiency," says Asha.
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