Revisiting Nerat's story
Revisiting Nerat's story
A young mother daring to transform her future
When we first met Nerat Dabwol in early 2024, she was a 15-year-old from a rural village in Plateau State, Nigeria who had been forcefully married, had a baby and was forced to drop out of school.
Pressured by marriage, household responsibilities and caring for her child, Nerat’s dreams of becoming a naval officer seemed unrealistic.
At the time of our first story, we were preparing to launch our Adolescent Girls Programme later that year in Nigeria. Nerat had just heard about the programme from her grandfather and was eager to participate. The programme focuses on equipping young girls with essential skills, increasing their knowledge about health and rights, and creating a safe space for them to interact and express themselves.
After seven months, we connected with Nerat again to see how her life has transformed since enrolling in the programme...
This is my story
In October 2024, I joined the Women for Women International Adolescent Girls Programme with 50 other girls. This moment proved my life wasn't over, and I could rewrite my story. I learned what it means to be a teenager, as society had pushed me into womanhood too soon. The programme reminded me that I have a right to grow, dream and make my own choices.
I’ve learned about the negative effects of alcohol and substance abuse on young people, particularly how it can hinder brain development. This knowledge helped me talk to a friend struggling with drug use, and she has since made positive changes in her life.
I have learned about sexual and reproductive health rights, as well as the risks associated with dangerous sexual behaviour—a topic that is often considered taboo in my community.
This knowledge has encouraged me to make informed choices about my health. I have also understood the importance of proper nutrition for myself and my family. With my parents' support, I make sure we have nutritious meals. I often help my mother with cooking or prepare meals on my own, focusing on incorporating more fruits and vegetables into our diet.
The business training sessions inspired me to start a staple food business that I am confident will thrive in my community. This venture will boost my resources and help me become self-sufficient.
I now realise my strengths and my right to take charge of my life and future.
Most importantly, my parents have supported me throughout the training. They have attended several community and safeguarding meetings with the programme teams, which has gradually shifted their perspective on education and supporting girls.
With the monthly stipends I receive from the programme, along with some assistance from my mother, I have started a sesame seed business at home, and it is generating some profit. Additionally, I joined a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) group where I save money with my friends.
As a young mother, I want my son, Bright, to have a better life than I did, and dream of him becoming a banker.
Before I had started the programme, I didn’t think I’d ever want to go back to school to complete my education. But now, I plan to return to school in September so I can be a strong role model for Bright.
Upon completing secondary school, I will go to university to achieve my goal of becoming a naval officer. With my father promising to take care of my school fees, I, in turn, am also committed to ensuring my son enrols in school.
Slowly but surely, I feel I can take back control of my life and transform not only my future but that of my son’s as well.
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