Paschalina’s Journey to Breaking Barriers and Taking Charge of Her Life
For the first time, I feel like I am in control of my own life. I understand my body, my rights, and my future. No one can make those choices for me anymore.
At just 23 years old, Paschalina Edward from Bereko Ward, Kondoa District in Dodoma, Tanzania, has faced more challenges than many experience in a lifetime. Born in Babati, Manyara, she grew up in a household where survival took precedence over dreams. Her parents worked tirelessly to provide, leaving little room for discussions about education or the future. After completing secondary school, she found herself at a standstill, uncertain about her next step.
In 2022, in search of opportunity, Paschalina moved to Kondoa and took up a job at a palm oil factory. It was there that she met the father of her child, and soon, her life changed as she stepped into motherhood. Forced to leave her job to care for her newborn, she was suddenly immersed in a new world of responsibility. Regular visits to the health clinic introduced her to critical knowledge about maternal and child health, family planning, and gender-based violence. But despite the information, she often hesitated to ask questions, afraid of being judged by the older healthcare providers.
Everything shifted in December 2023, when she received an unexpected phone call from the Bereko’s Ward Executive Officer, inviting her to a training session at the local government office. Unsure of what to expect but eager for a change, she attended.
I remember looking around the room and realizing I wasn’t alone. There were other young women just like me, searching for answers and a way forward.
The five-day training covered sexual and reproductive health, HIV and STI prevention, entrepreneurship, and leadership. But what stood out most to Paschalina was the openness of the discussions. For the first time, she felt truly seen and heard. The trainers, young people like her, created an environment where no question was too embarrassing, and no concern was dismissed.
From the moment I understood what the training was about, I promised myself I wouldn’t miss a single day. It felt like someone had finally switched on a light inside me.
By the end of the training, Paschalina was no longer the hesitant young woman afraid to speak up. She now visits the Bereko Health Center with confidence and actively encourages other young women to do the same.
I used to think these topics were not for people like me. Now, I talk to my peers about safe relationships, reproductive health, and the importance of seeking medical support. It’s not just about me anymore, it’s about making sure no girl feels as lost as I once did.
One moment that deeply impacted her was meeting a young girl in her community living with HIV. The girl, who sold mandazi (fried dough), faced severe stigma. People avoided buying from her, fearing they could contract the virus through her touch. Witnessing such injustice, Paschalina knew she had to act. Using the knowledge from her training, she spoke to community members, explaining the realities of HIV and debunking harmful myths. While stigma remains a challenge, the girl’s business has improved, and conversations around HIV are slowly changing in the community.
Paschalina’s story reflects the profound impact of investing in young women’s leadership, knowledge and economic resilience. From navigating motherhood to becoming a confident health advocate in her community, her journey shows what is possible when young women are equipped with the tools to lead and the space to be heard.
This story is part of our ongoing series highlighting the impact of the Girls Leadership Program. The program focuses on strengthening financial security and resilience among adolescent girls and young women through entrepreneurship training and life skills, addressing key gaps in access to opportunity and economic empowerment. To learn more about the programme, visit this webpage.
