I trusted older men, not knowing they were taking advantage of me.

Susan Maria was born in Northlake, Kasarani. Life was very difficult while she was growing up, as she was raised by her grandmother. She never knew her father, and her mother left when she was still very young. Because her grandmother was financially unstable, Susan only managed to reach class four in school. She tried to look for work, but due to her young age, no one would hire her. Out of desperation, she began begging for money so that they could afford food. One day, she went to town in search of work and met a woman who offered her housework. However, she was never paid—her only reward was food. Eventually, she ran away from that place and ended up living on the streets. Life on the streets was harsh. Susan endured a lot at the hands of men. Some would exploit her and pay her very little—sometimes only 200 to 250 shillings for an entire night. She was still very young when she began this life of struggle. Now, Susan has a small baby, and she is really struggling to take care of herself and her child.