The documents, seen by The Times, illustrate the magnitude of the cross-border movements of single mothers from the 1930s until the 1980s. They show the women’s names, on baptism records from a ...

Zefer explains that there were actually fewer Eritreans at the baptism than at their wedding. Many chose not to come because they were not sure whether they would be allowed to cross the border.

The recent peace between once bitter enemies Ethiopia and Eritrea has transformed lives there.