Some stories are so powerful that they take away all your pain, doubts and negativity and leave you with so much of positivity that you feel refreshed. Today we are celebrating one such story of persistence, courage, and determination.
It is heartbreaking how our society treats women unfairly. But what makes us hopeful about the future are those brave souls who don’t let society break them. These brave souls stand against societal injustice to create a life of dignity not only for themselves but for their loved ones.
One such brave soul is this 60+ years old inspiring single mom, who fought against an abusive husband and a toxic marriage. She overcame society’s regressive thoughts about a single mother at every step of her life.Â
While sharing her inspiring story with HoB, this courageous woman mentioned:
“I’ve always wanted to be a nurse and at 19 when I cleared my SSC, I thought that I could become whatever I wanted — but I was wrong. My parents forced me into getting married to a man who lives in a nearby village. I accepted their decision, moved away and tried my best to become a home maker.
But life had different plans. She further adds how her marriage turns out to be toxic and abusive.
A few months into our marriage I was pregnant and at that age I was scared, but little did I know that I would have a lot more to fear. My husband, brought home another young woman, casually and began living with her without even giving me an explanation. I can’t describe those feelings into words. There’s no worse pain than emotional pain and I knew that I couldn’t live like that.
But she refused to live a miserable life. She left her abusive husband to create a better life.Â
I left him and came back here to Bombay only to find that there was no comfort back home either. People were doubting my character, asking me humiliating questions about my child and treating me like an outcast. At 20, this was a huge burden for me to bear, but it was the fact that I had a child in my stomach that gave me strength. I ignored what people were saying and silently began working to support myself.
My brother allowed me to stay with him as I worked at multiple houses to support myself and save for my child’s needs. I kept myself so busy that there was no time to listen to anything that was being said and it got even better when my son was born — my entire struggle melted away.
With great pride I sent him to school…I still remember his first day. There were times when it was tough to juggle my jobs, cook for him, pick him up for school, but we managed and managed really well — today he works at a machine factory and has a beautiful family of his own in a small town near Bombay. I could have lived with him, but I love my life here…
She shares the most inspiring message for all those struggling to create a life of dignity and respect.
Yes, I am a divorced woman, but my life has had more meaning than that. Let me tell you that the initial challenges have made me a strong independent woman. Through this process, the one thing I’ve learnt is to keep growing and pushing forward.
Since the past 10 years, I’ve joined a library and read two books a week…which has helped me grow and understand affairs of the world. I also stitch quilts and bags as a side business while continuing to work as domestic help at a few houses.
At 60, I’m not only a single mother, but a single grandmother and I’m not ashamed to be called a ‘divorcee’. In India we only have modern technology, but no modern thinking. Being divorced isn’t bad, sometimes there’s no other way out. Hopefully, someday we’ll be more accepting…but until then I’m not going to be embarrassed –I’m proud of the life I’ve lived.”
At IFORHER, we are so inspired by this granny and her undying spirit to not let society dictate her life. She stands tall against the society’s regressive thought process.
We hope her encouraging story would make you not only applaud her but also inspire you to not let patriarchal society break your determination to lead a dignified life.