An expectant mother in the suburbs of Kalerwe hangs freshly-washed laundry to dry.
Racheal Mutesi, a social worker in the suburbs of Kalerwe, runs a temporary safe space where girls who are victims of sexual abuse can seek refuge, advice, care and support without judgement.
A pregnant teenage girl visits a medical worker at St Nicolas Clinic after experiencing abdominal pain for several days. A reluctance by expectant teens to attend routine checkups is a sign that maternal health outreaches are failing to reach some of the people that need them most.
St Nicolas Clinic in Kalerwe, where teens can come to access medical attention. With the rate of poverty in this community being very high, the cost of contraceptives and a low rate of sensitisation about their proper use is blamed for many pregnancies.
A portrait of a young mother in Kalerwe doing laundry as part of her everyday life routine.
Leticia*, 17 years old, lives in the suburbs of Kalerwe and dreams of a career in music or dance. Girls like Leticia are denied a safe passage to adulthood by inaction on gender-based violence.
*The names of some of the people pictured have been changed to protect their identities
A condom wrapper on a street in Kalerwe.
Despite the visible presence of the police, when it comes to the safety of women and girls, security in this community is more of an illusion than a reality. Cases are not pursued, suspects are left to roam free and police officers are not properly trained in how to protect their most at-risk populations.
Racheal Mutesi is pictured during a counselling session with one of her clients. Sarah* gave up her child after birth and she struggles with depression as a result of this decision.
A pregnant teenage girl visits a medical worker at St Nicolas Clinic after experiencing abdominal pain for several days. A reluctance by expectant teens to attend routine checkups is a sign that maternal health outreaches are failing to reach some of the people that need them most.
A mother of 18 sits with her son in her arms. The ring she wears is a symbol of marriage, and thus society’s acceptance of teenage parenting and marriage.
A pregnant teenage girl visits a medical worker at St Nicolas Clinic after experiencing abdominal pain for several days. A reluctance by expectant teens to attend routine checkups is a sign that maternal health outreaches are failing to reach some of the people that need them most.