Veronica Wangari

Her name is Veronicah Wangari, and she was born and raised in Gitothua, Ruiru as a second born in a family of six. Veronicah attended Nginduri primary school and later joined Mitahato for secondary school education.

With her nativity and the curiosity to explore the universe, Veronicah found herself in an unfortunate situation where she was impregnated at only 20 years of age. She moved in with her boyfriend out of frustration and disappointment for happiness, a sense of belonging, emotional stability, and financial support. The situation went from worse to worse as the father of her unborn child regularly abused her physically.

This young girl decided to run for safety at her parents’ house but things turned ugly. When her boyfriend became remorseful and apologized, she returned to his house hoping he had completely changed positively. Unfortunately, he instead became more physical where she was abused more until she experienced a miscarriage at seven months pregnant. At this point, Veronicah was rescued by policemen who were concerned about her ugly encounter. Later, the beautiful girl, Veronicah returned home to her parents where she closed herself off for one year.

Through her friend, Veronicah was introduced to the USAID Tumikia Mtoto, DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, Safe) program staff who empathetically offered a listening ear to her pathetic story and enrolled her in the program.

When she was narrating her ordeal, the staff realized that she was already drained emotionally and her physical appearance was wearing out since she had gone through physical abuse at the hands of the father of her lost child. She had gone through so much emotional and psychological torture. Veronicah was first of all taken through several counseling sessions under the DREAMS program. This was to ensure that she was strong again so she could start appreciating her worth.

She was later offered Evidence-Based Interventions (EBIs) like Financial Capability training (FCT) where topics like managing finances appropriately, planning and saving for the future, and spending credit well while avoiding unmanageable debts among others are taught. Additionally, Veronicah was trained on the topic of Entrepreneurship in case she becomes a business owner. To top it up, this promising young woman was offered Post Violence Care (PVC) as well as Combined Social-Economic Approach (CSEA) services where she was employed as Adolescent Girl and Young Women (AGYW) Ambassador in the DREAMS program.

Her self-esteem has since improved as she can raise her voice confidently. Veronicah has gained her financial independence as an AGYW Ambassador and the youthful glow on her face is back. From her story, it is with no doubt that Empowerment for young women who are going through emotional and physical abuse is key as it rejuvenates them. As they are emotionally assisted, their financial stability should also be considered.

“It has been a tough trip but am grateful that my life was made brand new. I was on the verge of depression until an angel, from the DREAMS program visited me and turned My scar into a shining star,” Veronicah concludes.