By Peninah | Director
I was married at 15 years after my parents died in an accident.Am the first born in a family of 3 siblings.My 2 brothers were gunned down by police as they became armed robbers and my younger brother is 10 years old and i lived with him and my 5 year old daughter in Mathare slums.
I became a victim of gender based violence as my husband was a drug addict and i had bruises and marks in my body and swollen face most of the days.We starved and lost hope in life and my younger brother opted to go into the streets.At 18 years,i had already tested a bitter life and had nothing in life to look up to.I could not get out of the house because i looked terrible from the beatings.My problems led to desperation and i was contemplating to commit suicide together with my daughter.
I met Safe spaces in a community Gender based violence forum 3 years ago.I felt like my hopes were rekindled after the Forum.I visited their offices more often,got counselling,got food,taught about women issues on their sexuality and reproductive health and got directions on how to restart my life again.After a deep thought, i left my marriage as it was not worth what i was looking for-love care,protection and understanding which i missed from my parents."Mammy,you look happy nowadays and your face is not as fat asa it used to be when we were living at daddys place"My daughter told me 2 months ago,she was refering to my swollen face from the beatings."yes i dont live that life anymore"I told her.Am saved from that agony by one opportunity i got in life that i hold so close in my heart,an opportunity to learn a lifeskill in Automechanics that would transform my life forever.I feel like safe spaces is the place you go when you are dead in your life dreams and get that spirit to start living again.I got everything there.I hold a certificate in Automechanics and i am going on with my Diploma Course now.When i am not in class i do casual jobs in neighbouring garages and earn some cash to help my daughter.I hope to get a job in Future and go an dlook for my brother in the streets as he is athe only family i have.
I thank safe spaces and all people who support the programme. Positive Life begins there.
Agnes
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