written by Ellilta staff, names changed to protect identity
Bayi was born in Bahirdar in 1999 G.C. She is the youngest among her siblings, which include three brothers and one sister. The family struggles with very limited farmland, making their daily life quite challenging. Due to financial constraints, her father made the difficult decision to send her to live with his sister in Addis, hoping for a brighter future for her. Sadly, her aunt did not provide the education she needed and instead employed her as a nanny for her children from a young age. Bayi remained in her aunt’s home until she turned 17. Upon returning to her hometown, she was confronted with the harsh reality of her family’s extreme poverty, which motivated her to work diligently to support them. After her return, she found a job as a maid, but it was not enough to lift her family out of their struggles. In her quest for better opportunities, she encountered a woman involved in prostitution and, seeking financial relief, she joined that life. Unfortunately, this decision led to her enduring multiple assaults, including a traumatic gang rape by seven men. This horrific experience haunted her, stripping away her confidence, self-worth, and hope. The only thing that kept her going was her desire to help her family.
One night, a social worker discovered Bayi. Initially, she was withdrawn and reluctant to engage with others. However, during her time in rehabilitation, she gradually opened up and became more sociable. Although she struggled to forgive her attackers, she found solace in the love of Christ, which helped her release her feelings of vengeance and shame. Bayi has always had a passion for learning, and during her rehabilitation, she learned to crochet and bake English and cinnamon rolls. She is now on the verge of starting vocational training and is filled with excitement for this new chapter in her life.
