For many teenage girls, questions about sex, relationships, and their bodies can feel overwhelming – especially when there is no safe, trusted adult to turn to.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, that silence can have life-changing consequences. Half the population is under 17! And yet millions of young people still struggle to access contraception and other essential reproductive healthcare. Without clear information and support, too many girls face early pregnancy before they are ready.
That’s why young women like Esther are making such a difference.
Meet Esther
At 21, Esther is an MSI Big Sister in Kalemie, DRC. Big Sisters are only a few years older than the adolescents they support, making them trusted mentors who can talk openly about sexual health, contraception, and the choices girls have for their future.
As the eldest of eight siblings, Esther has always cared for younger people. But seeing so many girls in her community become pregnant while they were still young is what inspired her to step forward.
“If we had all stayed with our arms crossed, doing nothing and saying nothing, that young generation would be lost,” Esther said.
Reaching girls where they are
Now, Esther spends her days meeting young people in schools, neighbourhoods, and community spaces. Sometimes she goes door-to-door. Every day, she speaks with around 30 to 40 adolescents, encouraging them to think about their ambitions, protect their health, and make informed choices.
And when the day ends, her work continues. In the evenings, Esther hosts a youth radio program, reaching even more young people with honest, practical information they may not hear anywhere else.
Changing futures
Esther’s work is not always easy. Some parents are resistant, and not everyone welcomes these conversations. But she keeps going because she can see the difference it is making.
Girls who once felt their future was limited to marriage are beginning to imagine something more. Esther has also seen how access to contraception is helping girls stay safer and healthier.
This is the power of MSI’s Big Sister program. In a recent pilot, healthcare providers working with a Big Sister saw 53% more adolescent client visits – showing just how powerful peer support can be.
Because of support from people like you, young women like Esther are helping girls grow up with more knowledge, more confidence, and more control over their future.
