In the land of Shivalavandu, sun-drenched village nestled between rolling hills, a young girl named Furaha , grew up dreaming of a life beyond her surroundings. Her days were filled with the sounds of nature and the warmth of community, but her heart yearned for knowledge. She studied diligently, often staying up late under the flickering light of a kerosene lamp, determined to change her destiny. Furaha’s hard work paid off when she earned a scholarship to a prestigious university in the city. The bustling campus was a world apart from her village, filled with vibrant voices and endless possibilities. It was there she met Jonte, a charming classmate whose smile lit up her days. Their connection blossomed quickly, and before long, they were inseparable.
However, Furaha soon faced a harsh reality. With little understanding of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), she found herself unprepared when she became pregnant. Fear and confusion clouded her judgment. In her desperate attempt to regain control over her life, she sought abortions—three in just three years. Each time, the emotional toll grew heavier, leaving her feeling isolated and burdened. One day, as she sat in the hostel, Amara met Zara, a fellow student who radiates warmth and understanding. Sensing Furaha’s struggles, Zara reached out and struck up a conversation. As they shared stories, Zara revealed her own journey, filled with ups and downs, and, crucially, educated Furaha about contraception, bodily autonomy and SRHR. One word that stuck in Furaha’s mind is “Abortion should not have the power to put her down. It gets better with time.” For the first time, Furaha felt a flicker of hope. With Zara's guidance, she learned about the choices available to her, the importance of informed decisions, respecting her body and the power of her own voice. Equipped with this knowledge, Furaha realized she could chart her own path.
Empowered and transformed, Furaha decided to share her story. She organized workshops in her university and eventually returned to her village, where she gathered young girls in a small community hall. With passion and purpose, she spoke about her experiences—her struggles, her mistakes, and the lessons learned. “Knowledge is your strongest ally,” she told them. “You have the right to make informed decisions about your bodies and futures.” The girls listened intently, inspired by her courage. They asked questions, shared their fears, and began to see the importance of understanding their own health.
Furaha’s journey became a beacon of hope, guiding others toward empowerment and knowledge. With each story shared, she helped dismantle the silence surrounding abortion, creating a community where young women could confidently claim their futures. As the sun set over the village, casting a golden hue across the fields, Furaha felt a deep sense of fulfillment. She had turned her pain into purpose, ensuring that no girl would have to navigate her path alone. The legacy of her journey would live on, lighting the way for generations to come.
It surely gets better with time.
This story was written and produced as part of 'Advancing Reproductive Justice: Inclusive Narratives, Voices, and Agency for Just and Fair Society' project supported by KELIN through subgranting.