“Family Planning Gave Me My Life Back”: Nyabenda Evelina’s Story from Nakivale Refugee Settlement.
At 37 years old, Nyabenda Evelina, a mother of seven, a refugee from Burundi, and a resident of Kabazaana Village in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District, Uganda, shares a powerful testimony of how access to family planning transformed her life, restored her marriage, and brought stability to her household.
Evelina recalls the early years of motherhood with hardship and exhaustion. “I had my first three children one after the other, without any space in between,” she says. “I was constantly weak and tired, and my children were unhealthy because we couldn’t afford a balanced diet.”
Before she was introduced to family planning, Evelina had no knowledge of contraceptive methods. The rapid succession of births left her overwhelmed. “The children would wet the bedroom, and I was always unkempt. My husband didn’t like it. He became distant and started seeing other women because I was always breastfeeding and had no time for him. I was just too tired to be a wife.”
Everything began to change when Shared Action Africa brought health services to her village through its mobile clinic and community outreach program. It was during one of these sessions that Evelina learned about the Sayana Press injectable contraceptive. Realizing the opportunity to reclaim control over her life, she immediately opted for the three-year injection.
“Family planning gave me my life back,” Evelina explains. “After starting on Sayana, I began spacing my children. I could work, rest, and take care of my husband again. Our marriage was restored, and now we live in peace.”
With fewer childcare demands and improved health, Evelina and her husband have been able to focus on economic stability. “Now we produce children at our own pace, and we can support them well,” she adds. “There is happiness at home. I live without stress, and I’m working towards my development dreams.”
Evelina expresses deep gratitude to Shared Action Africa: “Thank you for loving our communities and for changing my life.” Nyabenda said.
Evalina story stands as a testament to the life-changing impact of accessible family planning services in refugee communities.