Momotaz's Story :: Courage in the Heart: Stories of Gender Justice + Legal Empowerment

MOMOTAZ'S STORY View Momotaz's Photo Essay

Momotaz was abused by her husband after she gave birth to their first daughter. Her husband had an affair with another woman and left Momotaz with their two daughters. Momotaz reached out to BRAC's free legal aid services in order to find a solution through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). ADR is a BRAC instated procedure where parties are able to settle disputes outside of the courts. Unlike the Shallish (the traditional Bengali form of ADR) BRAC's ADR allows women to speak for themselves, and have their voices heard, rather than participating in silence while men represent them. BRAC helped her get a divorce and receive 700 taka ($ 10) every month for child support as well as 35,000 taka ($ 500), which she invested by buying some land. Momotaz is able to provide for her daughters with the income she earns off the land. With the help of BRAC, Momotaz and her daughters are now living in an environment where they feel safe.

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MOMOTAZ'S STORY

Momotaz with her daughter. When Momotaz filed her divorce case she knew that she would most likely spend the rest of her life living with her parents. In an abusive marriage, women in Bangladesh often only have the option of remaining with their husband or living in a male relative's home.

Mohammed Mustafa, a BRAC Program Officer, driving to Momotaz's home. He checks up on those who have received legal aid to ensure that they are doing well and to direct them to other BRAC services that can help them.

Momotaz meeting with Mohammed. He says, 'Women in our country have been oppressed for a long time. I grew up in the village and saw this for myself. Things are changing. Education and awareness are playing a part. They know their rights and now ask for help with any legal problems they face.'

Momotaz decided to go to BRAC after her local Citizen Action Group <i>(Polli Somaj)</i> explained to her, 'If you want to go to court, you have to spend a lot of money, but if you get help from BRAC, they will take only 10 taka (14 cents) the first time you come, after that you will not have to pay again.'

Momotaz's plot of land. Momotaz is able to provide for her family through the income she is earning by growing vegetables and rice on the plot of land she bought after her divorce.

Momotaz's neighbor, who attends BRAC Citizen Action Group <i>(Polli Somaj)</i> meetings with her.

Momotaz, covering her chickens which she purchased with the money she won in her divorce. BRAC also provides advice and support to help women provide for themselves by investing in income generating endeavors.

One of Momotaz's neighbors, repairing a boat. Bangladesh is located in the Ganges Delta. Water plays a huge part in regions such as Faridpur where Momotaz lives.

A girl who lives in Momotaz's community.

Momotaz's mother holding her granddaughter in their courtyard.

'I hope my daughters and I will have a safe life.' With the help of BRAC services, Momotaz and her daughters are now living in an environment where they feel safe.