Breaking the Silence: Young Mothers Share Their Stories of Survival

As part of Women’s Month, single young mothers gathered at the Mustadafin Foundation in Bridgetown on Tuesday, August 12, to share stories of survival, abuse, and determination to build better futures.

Despite enduring trauma, these women are determined to complete their education and gain skills to support their families. Many expressed hopes for their children to attend school, find work, and follow their dreams.

One survivor, Samantha*, shared how her abuse began at the age of seven, with her mother dismissing her cries for help. She partly blamed her mother for failing to protect her from her abusive boyfriend. Samantha was raped at the age of seven, but when she confided in her mother, she was met with disbelief. “I was raped many times at the age of seven. I told my mother about the rapes, but she always covered for my rapist. At some point, she said I was just seeking attention,” she said.

Samantha’s ordeal continued into her teenage years when her boyfriend, the father of her daughter, also abused her. “He would beat me almost every day. There was a time when he beat me until I had a concussion, and I spent days in the hospital. Remember, this is someone with whom I have a child,” she said, sobbing.

With the support of the foundation, she has now completed her Grade 12 education.

Another survivor, Monique, left school after Grade 8 when her partner began locking her in a room and beating her. ““He would throw everything at me, including chairs. I was hospitalised many times. He wouldn’t even help with my child’s clothes. Today, my child is growing up, and I am grateful. But I want to say to young women, ‘Stand your ground,’” she said.

Founded by Ghaninisa Johnstone Cassiem, the Mustadafin Foundation has empowered hundreds of women to tell their stories and access training opportunities. "It has been a journey. Their stories are heartbreaking. No one listens to these young single mothers. Not all had choices. They go through so much. We needed to ensure that their voices were heard. We provided 16 of them with the opportunity to participate in various training sessions. They are rewriting their stories to inspire others.

 “Women’s Month is about resilience, love, beauty, and power. When we take power into our hands, we must ensure that it is used to restore dignity and pride in our homes, communities, and country,” she said. With the foundation's assistance, more women are becoming active in the economy as entrepreneurs, developing skills for a brighter future she said.

Western Cape Social Development MEC Jaco Londt praised the foundation’s work and urged women not to suffer in silence. “It is a scourge on our society that young women have to endure these challenges and abuse. My plea is that you do not suffer in silence; speak out and reach out to organisations like Mustadafin and the Department of Social Development. You are not alone. If you take advantage of these opportunities, we can help you fulfil your potential,” he said.

Mr Londt acknowledged that there is still a long way to go to achieve full emancipation for women, but he believes that collective action is essential in the fight against abuse.

Motivational speaker Layla Miller encouraged the women to use their experiences to inspire others: “It is time to step into the light and empower other women.”

*Name changed to protect identity.