In Her Shoes: Claudette

Every heart holds a story. When we share these stories, that is how we learn, relate, and know that we are not alone. Today we are honored to hear from Claudette from Rwanda. Fix yourself a cup of tea, open up your heart, and let Claudette tell you what it is like to be IN HER SHOES…

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I have four children. My first baby was born while I was in secondary school (middle & high school). My teacher impregnated me. I couldn’t take the final exams that year, so I never finished school.

There was such shame around my situation that my family beat me and my child. They abandoned me, and I had to leave my baby at home when they disowned me.

A friend told me that prostitution would give me enough money to provide for my baby. This was my life for three years. I had so many problems that I turned to alcohol to keep the pain away. I became pregnant for the second time while I was selling my body and doing what I could to survive.

Another friend, a good friend, told me that I could have a small business selling avocados. Since then I have not had to rely on prostitution, and I no longer needed alcohol.

Then I met my husband. It has been difficult. He came and hurt me with a weapon, but we are still together. The more I pray, the more his bad habits go down. We have two more children together.

When I look at myself, I can’t recognize the person I was a few years ago, or how far I have come. I see myself so much better now. There is increasing peace in my home and in my life. Back when I was in prostitution and alcoholism, I only weighed 38 kg (83 lbs.), but now I weigh 57 kg (125 lbs.) and I am much better.

I am thankful for where God has taken me from. I love to sing songs about how far I have come.

My greatest HOPES are for my children and family. My firstborn does not have a father. I am afraid of what my firstborn will ask about their father and his family. I hope my children can stay in school because school means that they will be raised well.

There are so many women in situations just like me. I am thankful to share my story with you. I feel better now that I have shared it - and I hope that it helps others to not have the same bad that I experienced in my own life.

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*Story told to Ginger Lobdell and translated by Eva Mugisha

**Friendly reminder that all of the women we photograph and share their stories have given their permission.

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A big MURAKOZE (Thank you) to Claudette for sharing her story with us today. We are working on expanding job training in Rwanda so Claudette and others can continue to make a living and provide for their families, and girls will not have to sell their bodies. If you would like to spread HOPE around the world, CLICK HERE to purchase a handmade bag from Rwanda for your very own, or CLICK HERE to donate today!

Every heart holds a story. If you have a story from your life that you would like to share, please email Ginger@SheHopes.org or contact us HERE.