Celebration Of Empowerment

Stories of Change
Stories of Change
Shabana
Onampilly Center
“I have a lot more courage now to speak out. I was married very young at the age of 14, when I was studying in the 9th grade. Someone came
with a lot of money, and said they would give us a lot of gold, and my parents arranged the marriage. Actually my marriage was originally
arranged with my cousin from childhood. We became very good friends. But later because of financial reasons the family opposed this, and
separated us. Of course, my family also had my interest at heart, and they felt I would be happy in the new family. It was as if they had adopted
me. After one pregnancy they felt I lost my good looks, I had no money of my own, and they did not like this.
My health was an issue, and they sent me back home saying I should stay there and recover. By then I had two children. I said I would leave
only if both of them came with me. They did not agree to this. My younger child cannot stay without me, so they let me take the younger
child. After one year I heard my husband had remarried, without my permission. Now if I file a court case against him, the court will support
me and he will be in jail, because he went against the law. I cannot do it though, because there is nobody to support me. We are not financially
well off. Even if I sue, they will bribe the court and get away with it. I remarried the man I was originally supposed to marry. He already has one
wife and two children. But seeing my situation, after consulting with other family members he married me. No one is against it, not even his
present wife. We live right next door to them.
After seeing the videos in the LEE classes the women have started sharing their stories, and sorrows with each other. In the past we would just
keep it hidden within us. We did not know we could talk about it and change the situation.
I was very withdrawn, and never spoke to anyone about my problems. Then, I came here and saw the videos in the LEE class. I met all these
people and was able to unburden myself and share my feelings. That itself was a big change, and I felt a lot stronger after that. It was hard to
find that kind of support in the family or neighborhood. I was always afraid to talk to people about these things. I never knew whom I could
trust, and who would ridicule me.”
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