Faith M's Story

I used a basket as a symbol of my strength. Here I have put all my problems--the rapes, the situation with my mum, HIV/AIDS. I carry this basket to show how much strength I have.

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I was raised by my single mum in the Kayaba slums [of nairobi’s industrial zone]. My mum was married but then divorced. My brothers and I are all from different fathers. Mum was always drunk and she used to beat me up all the time. It was so hard living with her. Sometimes I used to run away from home and stay on the streets.  One time the world missionaries came and took me to their school. I went there from class 3 to 8. Sometimes my mum would come to school and quarrel with me.  She would take me from school to help her sell alcohol.

Sexual assaults lead to HIV

I am not sure how I got infected because I was raped three times when I was young and on the streets. I was raped by a policeman when I was in class 6. I did not even know about sex and feared that the man would hurt me if I told anyone, so I kept it a secret. The second time I was raped was in 1999 in my own house. The third time I was going to look for a job when six men attacked me and raped me. I did not go to the hospital. A Good Samaritan took care of me until my wounds healed. I was so ashamed, I thought people would think I was prostituting myself, so I did not tell anyone. I had gone through so many rape ordeals that I hated myself.

I got to know about my status when I was working at Jambo Biscuits. I had fever and pneumonia and my private area was swollen. At first I was in denial. I went through a lot of counselling and accepted my status. I started looking at HIV as a friend living in my body.

Since I learned my status my life has changed. I take care of my son, who is in class 4. I plait hair and wash clothes to earn a living. I also sell beautiful beads. I like being busy so that I do not get depressed. I eat well to keep up my health. My mum chased me away because I am HIV-positive.

A body map tells a story

My experience in body mapping reminded me of the early years of my life and helped me reflect on my life and my future. I was happy and motivated. The most memorable moment is when I painted my strength on my map. I used a basket as a symbol of my strength. Here I have put all my problems--the rapes, the situation with my mum, HIV/AIDS. I carry this basket to show how much strength I have. I have put in my meditation, which helps me relax and pay attention to my body.  Body mapping helped me see AIDS as normal. It taught me to express myself through drawing. I would like to use this to help my child to understand me and HIV.  I have great hopes that my future will be good.