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Kheidama's story

Kheidama's experience reflects that of many slaves in Mauritania who are forced to work for their masters throughout their lives and are subject to sustained violence and abuse.

"I was born slave. My three sisters and my brother were all given away to our mother's master when we very young. My mother died a slave.

"It was my job to look after the family's animals all day long. I would take the sheep to get water in the morning and in the afternoon I would take the camels. I never took a break and I was never allowed to rest.

"I would come back home in the evening completely exhausted. Sometimes I was so tired I would become clumsy and would make silly mistakes and I would be beaten by the mistress's youngest son.

"Sometimes to punish and frighten me I would be left down the well.

"My mistress's oldest son would also rape me - I always had to be at his disposal.

"I have seven children, all girls aged between six and 20 years old. I finally ran away from my mistress with one of my daughters. Another three were able to escape on their own and another was rescued by SOS Esclaves.

"Now five of my children are with me but two of my children and my grandchildren are still with the young son of my mistress. I worry a lot about them. When my daughters are put looking after the herds, the children have to stay behind and I worry that the mistress's family will abuse them This is why I have asked for SOS Esclaves' help to free them.

"Since I have been freed I have been earning a living with small jobs, preparing millet and doing small jobs for people, but now I am paid for the work I do."

Read about Slavery in Mauritania
Read about SOS Esclaves

bonded labour in India

Kheidama was born into slavery and was subjected to violence and abuse until she fled recently
©Anti-Slavery International