Thandiwe lives with her daughter, her husband and her in-laws in a remote village in Zambia. When Thandiwe was pregnant, she had to leave school and marry the father of her child.

I still don't feel ready to be a mother because I didn’t expect to have a child now. Before I was pregnant, I was in the sixth grade. I wanted to become a chef and work in town. Then I met a boy who was in the ninth grade. We didn’t have a relationship, we only met about five times – that’s all. I was scared when I found out I was pregnant. When my parents knew about it, they brought me to my husband's house and just left me. I didn’t want to go there but they forced me to marry him.

During the pregnancy, I was with my husband and we planted crops in the fields. When my labour pains started, I was taken to the clinic with money given by my parents. The delivery was very difficult; it took two days. I ruptured my vagina, got stitches and was given salt water to apply as treatment. I was told to come to the clinic after one month to get an injectable contraceptive. So I did. Right now I don’t want any more children; maybe when Anna gets older.

I have no time to myself. When I wake up at four o’clock in the morning I sweep the yard, wash plates, collect water, look for firewood, cook and wash clothes. Then my husband and I go to the fields to work and come back around two o’clock in the afternoon. In the meantime, Anna stays with her grandmother.

My mother-in-law is the one who helps me most. She carries my baby and also helps with washing the clothes and buying soap. I haven’t visited my family since I came back from the clinic after my delivery. My husband and in-laws don’t allow me to make many visits to my family. My parents come sometimes, though, and bring along things for Anna.

When I think about the future I only think about my education. I liked math and would love to go back to school. I've talked with my husband about this and he said I could go back to school after Anna grows up and is able to walk.

I don’t have any set plans for Anna but I do hope she will get an education. When she gets older I will tell her, "My child, work hard and finish your education. Don’t rush into marriage. Finish your schooling so that you can support us as well in the future”.

More stories about child, early & forced marriage

Other issues

Very early motherhood This is the story of Mulenga
Education This is the story of Lumilene
0:00 / 0:00