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Aisha
Aisha
Nabukeera
The scars are the reminders of what I have been through, but they will not dictate where I am going.
@ Gates Archive/Jonathan Torgovnik
Aisha
Nabukeera
The scars are the reminders of what I have been through, but they will not dictate where I am going.
Aisha's Story
I experienced child abuse. I am now a youth activist and leader of the Aisha Nabukeera Foundation, which advocates for children’s rights and assists survivors of child abuse in Uganda.
Tackling issues that have been historically neglected in my country, I provide essential emotional and practical support for children overcoming and escaping the complexities of family abuse, knowing all too well the life-changing impact of abuse.
Aged 10, I was handed a dress by my stepmother to put on. Unbeknownst to me, the dress had been soaked in petrol. My stepmother then handed me a pack of matches and asked me to light a candle. Engulfed by flames and left alone, I endured severe burns over 80% of my body. With little support, I had to overcome the severe trauma and permanent disfiguration of my body.
The scars are the reminders of what I have been through, but they will not dictate where I am going.
After spending over 2 years in hospital, I fought to return to school, eventually leading me to pursue my passion for Social Administration, achieving a Bachelor of Arts from the Ugandan Christian University.
My journey begins at a place of confusion and hurt. Initially hiding the burns on my body and dealing with the emotional trauma of my childhood abuse, alone – I learnt to embrace my beauty and sense of self, entering the Miss Uganda beauty pageant in 2015, winning ‘Miss Rising Woman’. I am passionate about sharing my story to raise critical awareness of SDG 5, focusing on child abuse, female empowerment, mental health and community action.
@ Gates Archive/Jonathan Torgovnik
Introduction to the 12
@ Gates Archive/Jonathan Torgovnik
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