Meet Hamidah
Since joining Watoto Neighbourhood, Hamidah’s discovered the power of telling her story, for herself and for others.
When Hamidah was 14 years old, she was kidnapped and trafficked into a neighbouring country. Locked in a windowless room, she was raped and kept as a slave for almost two years.
“The room was so dark, I didn’t know if it was night or day. A man would rape me. His son would visit too, and a third man. If I refused, they would starve and beat me. I still have the scars on my back.”
Eventually Hamidah escaped. She returned home to Uganda and learned she was HIV+ and three months pregnant. She felt like her future was gone.
A WOMAN WHO FOUND FREEDOM FROM THE SCARS OF HER PAST
In 2016, Hamidah was invited by a friend to Watoto. She shared, “In discipleship classes they talked about forgiveness, and for the first time I shared my story—the whole story—in front of 100 women. I was able to forgive. When I look at my son now, I forget all the pain I suffered, and he gives me joy. I know he doesn’t have a father, but I know we have a Father in God, and He’s a good Father.”
“I want to thank everyone at Watoto who’s accepted me and shown me love. Before, when I would shake someone’s hand, they’d go and get soap to wash away the touch. It means so much that I can tell my story and people will still sit with me and hug me. Thank you for accepting me and for your love and kindness.”
Meet Hamidah
Since joining Watoto Neighbourhood, Hamidah’s discovered the power of telling her story, for herself and for others.
When Hamidah was 14 years old, she was kidnapped and trafficked into a neighbouring country. Locked in a windowless room, she was raped and kept as a slave for almost two years.
“The room was so dark, I didn’t know if it was night or day. A man would rape me. His son would visit too, and a third man. If I refused, they would starve and beat me. I still have the scars on my back.”
Eventually Hamidah escaped. She returned home to Uganda and learned she was HIV+ and three months pregnant. She felt like her future was gone.
A WOMAN WHO FOUND FREEDOM FROM THE SCARS OF HER PAST
In 2016, Hamidah was invited by a friend to Watoto. She shared, “In discipleship classes they talked about forgiveness, and for the first time I shared my story—the whole story—in front of 100 women. I was able to forgive. When I look at my son now, I forget all the pain I suffered, and he gives me joy. I know he doesn’t have a father, but I know we have a Father in God, and He’s a good Father.”
“I want to thank everyone at Watoto who’s accepted me and shown me love. Before, when I would shake someone’s hand, they’d go and get soap to wash away the touch. It means so much that I can tell my story and people will still sit with me and hug me. Thank you for accepting me and for your love and kindness.”