Sarah's story of hope and resilience

Sarah (pseudonym) lives in Katete District in Eastern Province. She got married at the age of 16 after her father died. Her mother could no longer afford to support her secondary school tuition fees and decided to marry her off to a man more than twice her age. Every night, she was sexually and physically abused by her husband. Efforts to leave her husband were met by strong opposition from her relatives particularly her mother who feared ridicule from her friends.

She was rescued from ongoing physical and sexual abuse by the World Vision supported - Nileleni Group. She has since returned to school in Katete and is now in grade 12. Sarah is now working towards attaining her childhood dream.

“I am working and studying hard so that one day I can become a Police Officer because I love their work and the way they look.”

Sarah is only one of the many children that are affected by early child marriages and sexual violations in Zambia. We are committed to keeping children safe from harm and violence. Our promise to children is to do everything we can to see that happen by working with traditional and faith leaders, key government departments, such as the Victim Support Unit of the Police and Social Welfare, to advocate against child violations, such as child marriages and sexual violations.

It takes Zambia to end violence against children, be part of our campaign.