Gatsibo District: Empowering Teen Mothers - Certa Foundation's Holistic Interventions
On May 30, 2024, Harerimana Euphrasie, Certa Foundation’s dedicated pro bono lawyer in Gatsibo District, conducted a pivotal outreach session in the Kiramuruzi Sector. This visit was part of Certa Foundation's ongoing commitment to providing holistic support to vulnerable populations, including children who have experienced child defilement and teen mothers facing numerous challenges. During her visit, Ephrasie met with four teen mothers and a pregnant teenager, all of whom are navigating the complexities of young motherhood under difficult circumstances.
Euphrasie’s session was structured to address multiple dimensions of the issues at hand. She began with a comprehensive education on gender-based violence (GBV), focusing on the legal protections available to these young mothers and their children. By doing so, Euphrasie aimed to empower the teenagers with crucial knowledge about their rights and the legal avenues they can pursue to seek justice. This is a core aspect of Certa Foundation’s mission: to ensure that individuals, especially those in vulnerable positions, are well-informed about the legal framework designed to protect them.
Legal aid and counseling are fundamental components in the fight against GBV and child defilement. By providing these services, Certa Foundation not only helps victims understand their rights but also builds their confidence to pursue justice. Access to justice is a critical step in the healing process for victims, as it enables them to hold perpetrators accountable and seek redress for the harm they have suffered.
Beyond legal counseling, Euphrasie’s visit underscored the importance of connecting victims with a network of supportive services. Understanding that legal aid alone is not sufficient, Certa Foundation strives to offer a holistic package of services. During the session, Euphrasie connected the teen mothers and the pregnant teenager with relevant non-legal support services provided by other like-minded organizations. These partnerships are essential in providing comprehensive assistance that addresses the multifaceted needs of victims, including psychological counseling, healthcare, and social support.
For the teen mothers and the pregnant teenager, this holistic approach is vital. These young women face a myriad of challenges that extend beyond legal issues. They require emotional support, healthcare, educational opportunities, and sometimes even basic necessities like food and shelter. By linking them with organizations that can provide these services, Certa Foundation ensures that they receive the well-rounded support necessary to rebuild their lives and secure a better future for themselves and their children.
Certa Foundation’s commitment to offering a holistic package of services reflects a deep understanding of the interconnected nature of thechallenges faced by victims of GBV and child defilement. It is not enough toprovide legal aid in isolation. A victim-centered approach that includescounseling, healthcare, and social support is essential in addressing the rootcauses of violence and ensuring long-term recovery and empowerment for survivors.
In conclusion, by offering legal aid, raising awareness about GBV, and connecting victims to a network of supportive services, Certa Foundation is making significant strides in promoting justice and healing for victims of violence. This holistic approach is essential in ensuring that victims not only survive but thrive, equipped with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to overcome their challenges and build brighter futures.