Community Spotlight: Marie’s Journey Towards a New Beginning

Since arriving in Kenya in 2009 as a refugee, 42-year old Marie has had to navigate extremely difficult circumstances, including being drawn into survival sex work shortly after her arrival. 

The years that followed were marked by isolation, violence, and shame. Marie moved from house to house as neighbours became hostile toward her. She also lived with the constant threat of assault. Over time, these experiences caused her to withdraw from the world around her. 

"I have had to move houses a lot because neighbours are often cold towards me due to the work I do. Sometimes you can get stabbed or beaten up in this line of work. These experiences made me isolate myself a lot." 

Through it all, one thing anchored her: her two daughters. As they grew older, Marie's desire to shield them from the life she had known became stronger. But wanting change and knowing how to begin are two very different things. 

A First Step Toward Healing 

When Marie first heard about RefuSHE's counselling sessions, she was emotionally and physically exhausted and ready for something to change. What she needed most was a safe space where she could speak freely and feel heard. 

"I wanted to protect my daughters from this life as they are now older. It was not an easy decision, but I wanted to try. I wanted to feel free." 

The early sessions were not easy. Opening up, especially in a group setting, required courage she was not sure she had. But over time, something began to shift. 

"The biggest takeaway from counselling is that there is still hope to keep living and fighting. Before, I used to wonder if life would ever get better for me. During the sessions, I heard the stories of other women who picked themselves up, and that inspired me." 

A New Chapter 

It has now been nearly a year since Marie made the decision to leave sex work behind. Life remains a daily challenge. Rebuilding stability rarely happens overnight. However, her outlook has changed significantly. 

Today, Marie runs a small hawking business in Nairobi and is slowly building a future on her own terms. 

For Marie, counselling offered more than coping strategies. It helped restore something deeper: the belief that her story is not over and that a different path is possible. 

Her resilience is quiet but powerful. She is a mother determined that her daughters will inherit hope rather than hardship. 

Learn more about RefuSHE’s trauma-informed mental health services.