From 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day), the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign is a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world. This year’s theme is to “End Gender-Based Violence in the World of Work”. These 16 days we will be sharing the stories of our very own ‘Siyani Sahelian’ (Wise Friends) who have faced violence and freed themselves through education. There are many more like them but they are faceless; these have come to the forefront due to their deeds and images.
I could not do anything other than cry when my ‘Chacha’ (uncle) was beating my mother because she started working in a local factory after my father’s death. I had never felt so helpless. I am the eldest child and have one younger brother. My family has struggled financially since the death of my father. In an effort to provide for my brother and I, my mother started to work in a factory. I had to drop out of school after completing middle school: the finances were too strained and my uncle wasn’t allowing it either. My uncle declared that I cannot leave the house for my education and my mother cannot go outside for labour because we will bring shame to the family name. My younger brother is too young and cannot help either. A few women in the community secretly help my mother by providing some cash periodically. Although I stopped my studies and was at home, I never gave up on my studies. I always sought ways with which to resume my education because education is the only thing that can change our circumstances. When I saw the Siyani Sahelian initiative by Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) in Muzaffargarh, my mother and I took a stand against my oppressive uncle and relatives, who did not hold back with their resistance. Eventually, we won and I resumed my education in hopes of freeing my family from my uncle and rising above the violence against my mother and I. Despite the hardships, taunts and crises, I believe I will rise to change my world and protect my fellow girls and women against violence and oppression, using education as our weapon. I feel stronger than ever, and for once in my life I am not helpless.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA)
