Roza - Forced into prostitution

Roza is 18 years old. Her father was disabled during the recent conflict. Her mother is in prison, charged with running a brothel from her home.

Roza’s mother forced her to ‘take’ a client; a traumatic experience which resulted in an illegitimate child. Ashamed, but determined to provide for her baby as best she could, Roza took to begging on the streets of Iraq.

She continues to bear the burden of society’s perception of her, which prevents her from building a life for her and her child. Says Roza, "I want to protect and keep my son with me, despite whatever people say". "I can’t talk to anybody and I can’t meet anyone because if people knew who I was they would put me in jail. So it's better for me and my son to keep ourselves away from other people. I will stay with my son for the rest of my life. I want to get money to feed my son and buying medication for him".

Roza buys medicine for her son from pharmacies but she can’t take him to the hospital because she doesn’t have the required legal documents for him. Desperate to find a way out of her situation, Roza asks; "Now you know everything about my problem can you tell me please is there any solution? Can I be a part of this community?