Kale and her elderly mother lived a peaceful life in the small village of Fuchucha, nestled in the Konso Zone. Kale was a bright student in grade 10, dreaming of a future filled with possibilities. However, in 2021, their lives were shattered when conflict erupted in their village. The violence was swift and brutal, leaving their home in ruins. With no place to call home, Kale and her mother sought refuge with her sister Alito in Dogatu City, also in the Konso Zone.

Alito, married with three children and expecting her fourth, welcomed them with open arms. Despite the crowded conditions, Kale found solace in helping her sister around the house. She took on many responsibilities, from cooking and cleaning to caring for her nieces and nephews. The family celebrated the arrival of Alito’s new baby, a moment of joy amidst their struggles.

But Kale’s life took a dark turn on a Wednesday morning in December. Alito had taken the baby for its first vaccination, leaving Kale alone with her sister’s husband. In a horrifying act of violence, he sexually assaulted her, threatening to kill her if she ever spoke of it. Kale was left traumatized and terrified, unable to confide in anyone.

Unbeknownst to her, Kale became pregnant as a result of the assault. Her body began to change, but she was too consumed by fear and shame to understand what was happening. Her elder brother, noticing her growing abdomen, repeatedly asked if she was ill. Six months later, the truth came to light. Her brother discovered her pregnancy and, in a fit of rage, beat her severely, causing her to lose consciousness. The family, bound by a sense of misplaced honor, refused to take her to the clinic.

The next day, her brother forced her to take pills to abort the pregnancy, obtained from a pharmacist friend. The ordeal left Kale in excruciating pain, and she nearly lost her life. It was only then that the family relented and took her to the hospital, where she underwent an abortion.

During the session, Kaliya discovered that PAPDA, funded by UNFPA, offers comprehensive support to GBV survivors, including financial assistance for medical, legal, and accommodation fees. PAPDA also provides skill-building sessions, peer-to-peer discussions on sexual and reproductive health, and awareness-raising sessions on gender-based violence. Inspired by other survivors’ stories, she reported the abuse she endured. She quickly received counseling, was referred to medical professionals, and was provided with legal aid to seek justice against her uncle. Recognizing the importance of education in breaking the cycle of abuse, she was also helped to re-enroll in school, giving her a renewed sense of purpose and hope for the future.

Despite the trauma and suffering, Kale found the strength to seek justice. With funding from UNFPA through PAPDA, she brought charges against her sister’s husband. The legal battle was long and arduous, but Kale’s courage never wavered. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of standing up against injustice.