In the heart of Uganda’s Kamuli district, a 23-year-old young woman named Nakasi Safina is defying expectations and charting her own course. While many of her peers are already mothers, Nakasi is focused on building a different kind of future. She's learning to drive and taking charge of her reproductive health, thanks to the support from Norway funded EYE Universal SRHR programme.
"Many people in my village think driving is only for men," Nakasi shares, a determined glint in her eyes, "but I know I can do it."
Her journey hasn't been easy. She's faced skepticism from her community and even her boyfriend, who initially felt threatened by her ambition. But Nakasi remains undeterred. "I don't have to get pregnant for a man to have a future," she declares.
With each turn of the wheel, Nakasi is steering towards a life of independence and empowerment. She envisions a world of possibilities opening up – a driving job, a loan for her own car, a chance to break free from traditional expectations.
"Can you imagine the look on their faces when they see me driving into the village?" she asks, a mischievous smile spreading across her face.
The determination in Nakasi's voice is palpable. She's not just learning to drive; she's learning to take control of her life. The skills she's gaining, both behind the wheel and through her participation in a savings group where she's learned about sexual and reproductive health, are empowering her to make informed choices about her future.
“My boyfriend and I choose condoms. It's about protecting my dreams and building a future where I'm in control,” says Nakasi Safina, on making informed choices about her sexual and reproductive health.
"Knowledge is power," she continues, echoing the sentiment of countless young women across Uganda who are striving to break free from limiting norms and create a brighter tomorrow.
Nakasi is one of the 219,789 young girls that have not only acquired skills under the EYE project, but also been empowered to make safe sexual and reproductive health choices. The EYE project is implemented by UNFPA and partners including Care International in Uganda, Marie Stopes Uganda, National Planning Authority (formerly NPC) and Naguru Teenage Centre in Kamuli and Mayuge districts.
It focuses on supporting young people, especially adolescent girls, to decide over their own bodies, and access SRHR information and services. Busoga region has one of the highest teenage pregnancies in the region with over 1 in 4 girls pregnant before their 18th birthday.
Written by Kalenzi Uwera Prisca
