Sosna's story was featured in our member Save the Children's report An Equal Start (page 14). Special thanks goes to Juliet Bedford at Anthrologica.
Sosna, comes from a poor family in North Wollo, Ethiopia, and was married when she was about 13. She became pregnant soon afterwards but lost her baby during the birth, which also left her with fistula – a hole between her vagina and bladder.
Like many girls who suffer from fistula, Sosna got divorced and was ostracised by her family. With help from the office of Women and Children’s Affairs, she received medical treatment and at 18 got married again. Once again she got pregnant, once again her baby died during birth and again she was left suffering with fistula. She got divorced from her second husband and is now living alone, supporting herself as best she can through petty trade.
“It must stop here,” she says, referring to child marriage. “I would appreciate it if people would join me in fighting this problem.”
Sosna is part of Save the Children’s Protecting Girls and Women from Harmful Traditional Practices project. Learn more about Save the Children's work in Ethiopia.