My journey as a teenage mother began in 2011, during my first year at university, when I found myself staring at a positive pregnancy test. I was only 18 and felt like my world had collapsed. I dropped out of school, hid from my peers, and struggled to find meaning or direction. But through the support of my parents and a life-changing opportunity from the National Employment Fund, I rebuilt my life. Today, I proudly embrace motherhood and use my story to encourage other young mothers navigating similar challenges.
Working closely with displaced teenage mothers in the North-West Region of Cameroon, I’ve come to see that my story is far from unique. One young mother who deeply touched me was Brendaline. Her experience mirrors the harsh reality many girls face, and the strength they show in rising above it. Let me share her story.
Beyond Survival: Empowering Teenage Mothers in Cameroon
“Aunty, I beg buy orange,” a young girl rushed up to me as I struggled through the busy crowd at the food market in Bamenda. She was holding some nylons, and I noticed that each contained three medium-sized, carefully peeled oranges. I shook my head, indicating to her that I didn’t need oranges. After taking a few steps ahead, she called out again, “Aunty, I beg you, I no sell any since morning and I need for feed pikin (my children).”
Something about her tone and what she said made me turn my head in her direction. The girl was almost in tears as she looked at me. “Na 100 francs for one paper,” she added. This time, I could see tears rolling down her cheeks. I moved closer, hugged her for a few seconds, and then bought three nylons of oranges.
Brendaline took me to the spot where she sat to peel oranges before heading out to sell them. There, on a simple loincloth, lay a baby boy fast asleep. As we talked, I learned that Brendaline was just 16 years old and already a mother of two.
She had been a Form 3 student at Government Bilingual High School Bamenda when she became pregnant by a classmate she was in a relationship with. When her father found out, he took her to live with the boy’s family, saying she had brought shame to his name.
Unable to cope, she fled to stay with a friend, leaving her daughter behind. Not long after, she discovered she was pregnant again, barely a year and a half after her first child. She saw no future for herself or her children. The boy who had fathered her children was as unprepared for parenthood as she was, but worse, he was irresponsible and offered no support. To survive, Brendaline would collect fruits on credit from a prominent supplier, sell them, and then repay what she owed. The little profit she made helped cover her daily needs.
“Aunty, I know things go better. I must hustle for ma pikin them,” she said, smiling brightly despite everything, her face glowing with determination. That moment melted my heart. Memories rushed back. I knew then and there, I had to do something.
All she needed was a small sum of money to start buying fruits directly, instead of borrowing. That way, she could earn a better profit and care more sustainably for herself and her children.
Fast forward to today, Brendaline became the proud owner of a fruit table at Ntarinkon market, selling a variety of fruits. Life got better than it had been before we met. She could now save a little every day and provide for herself and her baby, at least to some extent.
She dreams of one day becoming a fruit supplier herself and even expanding her business to produce natural fruit juices.
Brendaline’s story is just one of many. Every day, countless girls like her face rejection, poverty, and the harsh consequences of early motherhood, yet they continue to fight with courage and resilience. My own experience as a teenage mother has given me an understanding to connect with them, and the drive to be part of the solution. I came to kanthari because I believe that with the right tools, knowledge, and network, I can go beyond individual support and build a lasting system of change. Here, I am gaining the skills I need to design impactful programs, mobilize resources, and advocate effectively for young girls and adolescent women.
My mission is clear: to be a strong voice and create safe, empowering spaces where teenage mothers like Brendaline don’t just survive, but thrive.
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