Empowered to Stay in School: Uwase Janet’s Journey with Family Planning in Nakivale.
Empowering Refugee Girls Through Family Planning: How Shared Action Africa Helped Uwase Janet Stay in School and Secure Her Future in Nakivale Settlement.
At just 22 years old, Uwase Janet, a student at Nakivale Vocational Training Centre Institute in Uganda’s Isingiro District, is an inspiring example of how access to family planning education can transform the life of a young refugee woman. Through a program implemented by Shared Action Africa under the ARJ (A Raise for Reproductive Justice for Refugee Girls) initiative, Janet and many other young women have gained vital knowledge on reproductive health and the power to make informed choices.
Janet recalls how her life changed after Shared Action Africa visited their institute. “They counselled us on the different family planning methods and how effective they are,” she says. “I chose the Sayana injection, which works for three years, and it has been so effective for me.“
Having a boyfriend, Janet knew the risks of unplanned pregnancy. But with the knowledge and access to family planning, she has been able to protect herself and stay focused on her education. “Family planning has helped me avoid unwanted pregnancy. I’m still in school and almost finishing my course,” she shares with pride.
Unfortunately, not all her peers have had the same journey. “The girls I was studying with dropped out of school because of unplanned pregnancies,” Janet says. “But I stayed because I used the skills I got from the training by Shared Action Africa. It really helped me succeed.“
Janet speaks highly of the support offered by the organization. “I appreciate Shared Action Africa for the love they have for the girl child. My life is simple and enjoyable now,” she says. “I haven’t faced any challenges using the family planning method I chose.“
Uwase Janet’s story is a testament to the life-changing impact of reproductive health education and support in refugee settings. Thanks to Shared Action Africa, she is not just surviving but thriving—with her future still bright and within reach.