“I am 15 years old and I hope to become a journalist. I am writing a book about issues surrounding girls in Africa to encourage girls that no matter what may happen to them, God is always there for them. I am a survivor of rape, but God has given me more strength than I had. He saved me and I know that he has a greater purpose for me in life.”

 

“I had a hard time coping, because I thought all men are the same. It was really hard for me to be around men, but now I know that God loves me and not all people are the same. When I was 13 years old, in grade 9, I was walking to tutoring one day when three men with knives stopped me. They told me that if I did not cooperate with them, they would slaughter me. They looked strong, and I was afraid.

They took me to a bush. One man raped me. The other two men wanted to rape me also, but I saw a piece of metal on the ground and hit them with it. I managed to escape.

When I got home, my mother took me to the hospital and the doctors tested my blood for diseases; I did not contract anything. I had strong abdominal pains after the rape, and the medicines I took caused a problem in my stomach.

I am in grade 11 now, and am doing better in my education.

The rape was so dramatic for me that I did poorly in grade 9. It was hard for me to concentrate in school because I was one of only a few girls. I thought the boys were my enemies and I felt unsafe.

I had a lot of anger in me, and a lot of hurt. I felt rejected by my family because they couldn’t understand how I felt. Living meant nothing to me, and I decided to commit suicide.

I swallowed a great deal of medicine, but nothing happened to me so I took a knife and cut my arm. Right when I cut myself, I realized that what I was doing wasn’t right. When I bled, I realized it would be better if I gave my life back to Christ.

Now, I know that God is here for me and has helped me regain strength. I can stand up for myself.

I am doing well in school, and plan to become a journalist and a writer. I wrote a book about youth in Zambia, particularly rape cases, girls marrying early, and girls prostituting themselves for money. I continue to work on the book to encourage girls that no matter what, God is there for them. I can tell them my life is better now.
Each person has a purpose. God saved me because he knew I can do good things for others. I want to help children who experience disturbing things to have a place to say, ‘We are home.’

For other girls who have experienced rape, focus your work on your education and things you are good at. Give your life to Christ and use your talents. God will give you the strength you need to pass through it; nothing else can make you pass through it.

I’m a survivor of rape, but God has given me more strength than I had. He saved me and I know he has a greater purpose for me in life.”