“My name is Lisa Hazel Munyuru. I’m 20 years old, married, and a mother of one.

I got married at 16, when I was still in school. I fell pregnant, and that’s why I had to get married so young. After that, I had no skills and no income. I was just at home, fully dependent on my husband. It was hard. I always wanted to be financially independent, but I didn’t have the money to study or start something of my own.

That changed when I joined Young Africa. Through the life skills training, I learnt things I had never been told before — that I have bodily autonomy. That I have the right to know my partner’s status before engaging in sex. That knowledge gave me confidence — not just in my relationships, but in myself.

Today, I run my own salon. I do people’s hair and sell extensions. I earn my own money and contribute at home. My husband respects me more now — I’m treated as an equal partner, not someone who’s just there to depend on him. I feel seen, valued, and capable.

My dream is to become Zimbabwe’s biggest supplier of hair extensions. I believe I can do it.

To other young mothers who got married early like me — I just want to say: it’s important to work for yourself. Use every opportunity to gain skills. It can change your life the way it changed mine.

I’m truly grateful to Young Africa. Because of this opportunity, I have hope — and a future I’m building with my own hands.