In the rural village of Besimen in Dedza T/A Kachere, Malawi, Dayiseni and Sayita faced unexpected challenges as teenage mothers. Forced into early marriages after becoming pregnant, their futures seemed dimmed by societal pressures and parental insistence.

However, hope arrived in the form of a peer leader from the Breaking Barriers project. Advocating for their rights to education and autonomy, the peer leader engaged local leaders and parents, gradually shifting perspectives on forced marriage.

With newfound support, Dayiseni and Sayita were welcomed back into their homes, liberated from the constraints of early matrimony. Joining Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) groups, facilitated by Breaking Barriers, they found empowerment and belonging.

Engaging in discussions on reproductive health and entrepreneurship, Dayiseni and Sayita seized opportunities for growth. Participating in small businesses and village savings initiatives, they secured financial independence and contributed to their families’ well-being.