Photo Credit: Refugees International
11/14/2006

Many of the girls that are released by the Lord’s Resistance Army return back to the homes of their families either pregnant or with small children. While there are some programs for these young girls, they are often stigmatized by their families upon return. As another mouth to feed is an additional burden to the household, when times get tough these girls are sent off to fend for themselves. Sometimes, they even find themselves back with the very men who abducted and impregnated them. Research has shown in other countries that some of the most vulnerable women are the returned female combatants. Many fear the stigma and do not come back to their home communities, preferring the relative anonymity of urban areas. More focus on programs for all young women and education programs for girls can help these young women from being ostracized from their homes.