A DREAM DELAYED:
A YOUNG BRIDE’S BOLD PURSUIT.
By Mesfin Tesfaye, Quality Assurance and Training Manager, Rediate Wujra, Corporate Communications and Public Relations Manager, & Sando Sagne, Quality Assurance and Training Officer, PSI Ethiopia
At just 15 years old, Dinknesh faced a decision that could determine her entire future. In her quiet village of Gerese in Southern Ethiopia, early marriage was more than a tradition — it was an expectation. For many adolescent girls, it meant the end of their education and the beginning of a life defined by limitations. Though married to Seid, a supportive and understanding young man, Dinknesh yearned for more. She dreamed of learning, academic success, and a future that extended beyond the boundaries of her village.
In Ethiopia, early marriage remains a significant barrier to education and independence for young girls. UNICEF reports that 40% of girls in Ethiopia are married by the age of 18. This statistic reflects a reality that forces many to abandon their studies and perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality.
Yet, Dinknesh, with unwavering determination, refused to let this societal norm define her. Driven by hope and a thirst for knowledge, she sought guidance from Nurit Mohammed, a local Health Extension Worker, who understood the unique challenges faced by girls like her.
Through PSI’s Counseling for Choice (C4C) approach, which is part of the broader Sexual and Reproductive Health and Quality Improvement (SAHQI) initiative, Nurit provided information about family planning options. After careful consideration, Dinknesh selected Jadelle, a contraceptive method that would allow her to delay pregnancy for five years and pursue her education.
Returning to school was not easy for Dinknesh. Adapting to a classroom environment while navigating societal expectations required resilience and courage. Yet, inspired and supported by her husband, she re-entered the 8th grade with renewed focus. Today, she is determined to complete high school and, if fate allows, attend university.
Dinknesh’s story is a testament to the power of informed choice, the significance of support, and the transformative impact of education. She is not just a young wife; she is a determined student, a hopeful dreamer, and an inspiration to countless adolescent girls in her community.
Her journey highlights the importance of initiatives like SAQHI and C4C in empowering young girls to make informed decisions and reclaim their futures. It is also a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can rise above tradition and embrace a future filled with possibility.
Support programs like SAHQI and Counseling for Choice to ensure more girls like Dinknesh have the opportunity to achieve their dreams. Together, we can create a world where every girl has access to education, choice, and a bright future.
