Empower Feed Educate Single mother headed families

Single Woman’s Path from Desolation to Renewed Hope: A Tale of Resilience

Mother: Single Woman aged 34
Daughter: Daughter 1 aged 15
Daughter: Daughter 2 aged 13
Son: Son aged 11

Narrative:

Born into a destitute, low caste family in a remote village in Myagdi, Single Woman’s life unfolds as a poignant narrative, casting a stark light on the distressing tradition of "Chori Bibaha" that has plagued young girls in Nepal for centuries. Rooted deeply in Nepali culture, this practice involves the forced marriage of a girl, with "Chori" signifying theft and "Bibaha" representing marriage – a grim portrayal of the abduction and involuntary union of a girl to her cousin or a man of his choosing.

This ritual is, in essence, a form of systematic rape, sanctioned by a centuries-old belief system that thrives on the subjugation of the female gender.

At the age of 13, Single Woman's childhood abruptly ended as she was compelled into marriage with a man nearly twice her age. Thus commenced a protracted ordeal, exacerbated by the harsh reality of entering a poverty-stricken household laden with debt. Not only was her husband significantly older, but he was also entangled in a debt to another family in the village, bound to a life of servitude in order to repay loans.

Tragedy struck with devastating force when her husband faced a fatal accident while cutting grass on a hill. Left behind with two daughters aged 6 and 4, and a son aged 3, Single Woman found herself plunged into a vortex of poverty and debt, with nowhere to turn. Desperation led her to embark on a harrowing journey, wandering with her two daughters and a son, surviving through begging and whatever means necessary.

At the age of 25 Single Woman’s journey brought her to Hemja, near Pokhara, where she continued to eke out a meagre existence through laborious chores, including dishwashing, laundry, and fieldwork. Life remainedunbearably harsh, with the spectre of hope seemingly distant. Fate, however, intervened when Single Woman’s elder daughter, now 15, sought work, catching the attention of one of our board members.

Upon learning of their heart-breaking story, the board member extended an invitation to our office, where Single Woman and her daughter applied for support. Realizing the dire circumstances they faced, our organization welcomed them with open arms, offering a chance to break free from the relentless cycle of hardship.

Single Woman’s life resonates not only with her personal struggle but also with the broader narrative of countless Nepali families, especially from the marginalized 'Dalits,' who grapple with survival in remote villages. The shackles of tradition have bound generations, compelling girls to domestic duties while restricting education predominantly to boys.

Embraced by “BEF” as an Educare family, Single Woman and her daughters embark on a transformative journey, breaking free from the relentless cycle of hardship. This marks the beginning of a new chapter, offering them a chance at a brighter future and instilling hope for what lies ahead.

The journeys of many within our Educare Family serve as a stark reminder of the power of compassion and support, illuminating the path from the darkness of tradition to a brighter, more promising future. Simple in concept yet profound in impact, their tales stand as a testament to the transformative power of support and care, making the seemingly impossible transformation possible.

– It is Simple, It’s simply B-E-F!

Sincerely yours,

Surendra, Raymond & TEAM