“The Injection That Changed My Life”, Twisabe Evvetu’s Journey to Empowerment in Nakivale.
At just 23 years old, Twisabe Evvetu, a refugee from Burundi now living in Kabazaana Village within Uganda’s Nakivale Refugee Settlement, has endured hardships that many never face in a lifetime. A mother of three, Twisabe’s early years were marked by loss, rejection, and immense uncertainty—until she discovered the life-changing impact of family planning.
Twisabe became pregnant for the first time while still in school.
Alone and struggling to raise her first child, she later became pregnant again by a different partner who, like the first, refused to take responsibility.
Her life began to shift when she encountered a Village Health Team (VHT) member supported by Shared Action Africa, an organization working to empower women and girls in refugee and host communities. The health worker provided accurate information on reproductive health, and Twisabe opted for the one-year injectable contraceptive.
“That injection changed everything,” she says. “It was the injection of my life—it brought back my happiness.”
With newfound control over her reproductive choices, Twisabe was able to focus on rebuilding her life. She secured work, regained confidence, and eventually met a caring and supportive partner who later became her husband. Today, they are raising a healthy one-year-old child together and sharing responsibilities as equals.
Twisabe reports no side effects from her family planning method and actively encourages other young women to seek reproductive health services.
“Family planning gave me a second chance. I now have a voice in my home and the freedom to live and plan for the future.I thank Shared Action Africa for empowering me and changing my life. That injection didn’t just prevent pregnancy—it gave me back my life.” She said .