Being a single mom is tough! But being a single mom in India is tougher. These moms go through criticism, harsh judgments, and discrimination every day.
Rather, than applauding their courage to move out of bad marriage, our society chooses to taunt them for standing up for themselves.
But at IForHer, we applaud their courage and strength. Because we feel they deserve to be recognized for stepping out of toxic relationships to give their kids a better chance at life.
Here’s one such brave story of a single mom who chose not to suffer at the hands of an abusive husband and build a life for herself and her kids.
While sharing her inspiring story with HOB, this single mom shared how she gathered the courage to step out of the relationship with her monstrous husband:
“I was forced to marry at 17. He was 10 years older. Since the beginning, his parents treated me horribly–they never let me go out or talk to anyone.
Over time, we had 3 kids. Before marriage, he told me he had his own business, but after, his business collapsed and he refused to work. So I took it upon myself to earn and started working as a receptionist in a hospital.
But soon after, he started beating me. He accused me of having affairs with people at the hospital, and if he ever saw a man even look at me, I’d get beaten with a stick or belt. I took it all, but fought to work hard for my kids.”
But it wasn’t till her kids became the victim of her abusive husband, she thought of leaving him for a better life.
“Once, I was celebrating my birthday at the hospital with my colleagues when I got a call from my daughter. She was weeping and begging me to come home–He was beating her saying– ‘Your mom’s out there having affairs, so you’re getting beaten because of her’.
I was shaking. A friend took me home. When he saw me, he was about to bash my head with a stick, but my friend snatched it from him and called him inhuman. She warned him to step away, and took me and my kids out of the house.
That’s the day I left him.”
Like a true fighter, she built a life of dignity for herself and her kids.
“Soon after, I got a rented room for the 4 of us and started working tirelessly for my kids’ future. I got promoted to a nurse, and then to head nurse. Alongside, I even worked as a domestic helper.
I feel horrible about it but, I’d sometimes steal rotis for my kids from that house. I took loans, worked 24/7 and managed to send my kids to school.
We lived frugally, but every Christmas, I saved some money to buy them a gift.
It’s been 15 years since I left, and now all my kids are earning, and I’m a full-time head nurse. I have great friends at work too. Now, it’s just me and my kids–we have dinner together every night and every birthday, they decorate the house and bake a cake. They also spoil me with bags and dresses.”
In the end, she shares how she wants to seek inspiration from her nightmarish past.
“But even today, when I talk about the abuse, I break down. I still have that pent up sadness, but my kids are helping me to overcome. I’m 43 now, and my goal is simple–I just want happiness. I want to think about my past and be grateful that I’m no longer where I was, and count my blessings that I’m in a much better place now.”
Despite all her struggles, this single mother chose to stand tall and become stronger with every hurdle. Her fight to create a life of dignity and respect is an inspiration to many of those, who are battling in a toxic relationship.
At IFORHER, we have a humble request: If you know of someone who is struggling with abuse in the toxic relationship, don’t tell them to stay in the relationship for their kids or for family. Don’t discourage them by saying – Log kya kahengey? Rather give them the courage to fight for a life of dignity and respect.
Because in the end, all of us deserve a healthy and happy life.
