Motherhood transforms life in ways both tender and tumultuous, shaping identity, priorities, and purpose. For the young women in this series — child-mothers between 18 and 25 — it has meant navigating societal judgment, family pressures, and personal sacrifice, while discovering courage, resilience, and love that often goes unseen.

I became an orphan at the age of two and spent over a decade of my childhood in an orphanage. While the orphanage provided shelter, it could not replace the warmth, guidance, or affection of a mother. This absence sparked a lifelong curiosity: What does it truly mean to be a mother?

From 2019 to 2022, I began this project to explore the lives of child-mothers in Rwanda — young women who became mothers while still in school or early adulthood, facing cultural stigma and social pressure while carrying the profound responsibility of nurturing life. This series, Child-Mother, is the second part of my larger motherhood project, Uri Mwiza Mama. It focuses on child-mothers, whose courage and love shape the next generation, often overlooked by society.

The Cultural Landscape

In Rwanda, girls who become pregnant before marriage face immense social pressure. Families may ostracize them, and in some cases, punitive measures are taken. Child-mothers are often labeled irresponsible, without recognition of the circumstances — which may include rape, abandonment, or unintended relationships. Even with legal protections and government support, stigma persists.

In rural areas, young mothers may be forced to leave school, while in urban settings, scrutiny comes from peers, teachers, and neighbors. Despite ongoing efforts to empower women, cultural expectations remain powerful, and child-mothers often carry the burden of shame alongside the demands of parenting.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, these challenges intensified. Economic hardship, school closures, and social restrictions forced many young mothers into precarious situations, sometimes compelling them into unwanted relationships. The pandemic highlighted the fragility of support systems for child-mothers and revealed the extraordinary resilience required to navigate daily life.

Ernestine Uwamahoro: Strength in Responsibility

Ernestine, 23, is a university student in civil engineering. She became pregnant in her second year and now lives with her mother and four younger sisters. “Being a mother means accepting responsibility for my child,” she says. “I have to take care of myself so I can be strong and healthy for him.”

Her days are a rhythm of study, childcare, and household tasks. She bathes her six-month-old son, folds his clothes, prepares meals, and returns to her textbooks, balancing deadlines and diaper changes with remarkable composure. Her father is absent, and while her mother provides support, the responsibility rests largely on Ernestine’s young shoulders.

Reflecting on the father of her child, Ernestine admits, “We don’t share many things in common. I don’t think he will be my husband. But I must provide for my child, and that is my priority.”

Despite societal judgment, Ernestine approaches her life with quiet determination. She has adjusted her habits, avoiding drinking, smoking, or partying, and focuses on her child’s well-being and her future. Her story is one of perseverance, patience, and courage that is often invisible to the public eye.

Afissa Usanase: Transformation Through Motherhood

Afissa, 19, became a mother at a very young age and left school due to her family’s financial struggles. “Having a child has changed everything,” she says. “I no longer drink, smoke, or party. Being a mother is taking care of my child with love and responsibility.”

Afissa’s life is consumed by childcare, household chores, and creating a stable environment for her baby. Despite her youth, she has found in motherhood a sense of purpose and maturity that had been absent before.

In Rwanda, young mothers like Afissa face judgment from neighbors, school authorities, and extended family. Yet their determination to care for their children demonstrates extraordinary resilience. Afissa’s story exemplifies how early motherhood can catalyze personal transformation, instilling responsibility, empathy, and growth far beyond her years.

Thérèse Tuyisenge: Balancing School and Parenthood

Thérèse, 21, is a high school student raising her six-year-old son while pursuing her senior six education in math, economics, and computer studies. “A mother is a little god to a child, a hero, and a teacher,” she says. Her words capture both the spiritual and practical dimensions of motherhood.

Every day is a careful balancing act — attending classes, completing assignments, and caring for her child. Becoming a mother while in school attracts scrutiny from teachers and peers alike. Yet Thérèse continues her education, determined to provide a better future for her son. Her story highlights the dual pressures faced by child-mothers in Rwanda: societal judgment and the challenge of continuing education while parenting.

Thérèse’s journey is a testament to the resilience of young women who refuse to allow circumstances to define them. Her philosophy of motherhood — hero, teacher, god — reflects her belief in the transformative power of love, guidance, and care.

Uwanse Inèse: Transformation and Self-Discovery

Uwanse, 25, became a mother during her final year of college. Having grown up without a mother, she approached motherhood with deep awareness and responsibility. “Being a mother is change and transformation,” she says. “You become stronger than you were before. You endure more, make new choices, and learn what is most important.”

Her days are filled with study, childcare, and household tasks. She draws strength from her own motherless childhood, using it to guide her through the challenges of raising a child while pursuing higher education.

Uwanse’s story illustrates the complex intersection of personal ambition, cultural expectation, and maternal responsibility. Her reflections reveal how young mothers often redefine themselves while nurturing their children, discovering resilience and strength they may not have known existed.

If you would like to learn more about this project, please visit the following websites:

Fotodemic – Uri Mwiza Mama

The New Times – The Life of Single Mothers: A Photo Essay

Changing Lives – Motherhood Project