The International Rescue Committee works with 380 Congolese adolescent girls in Tanzania's Nyarugusu refugee camp, building their life and leadership skills. Adolescent girls should not be viewed as victims: girls can be at the forefront of change in their families and communities when given the opportunity.
Sifa Mateso’s father passed away when she was in primary school. Her mother was left alone to care for her and her sibling. At age 14, Sifa decided to get married.
“I thought I could make a better life and assist my mother and my sibling,” she explains. “My mother faced many difficulties. The situation at home was getting worse every day.”
Soon after her first child was born, Sifa’s husband began to abuse her, both physically and emotionally. She divorced him, packed up and headed back home with her child.