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

MONGIDA'S STORY View Mongida's Photo Essay

Mongida was able to free herself from an abusive marriage with the help of BRAC's free legal aid services, which helped her file a case against her husband. Mongida had endured domestic violence because her family was unable to pay sufficient dowry. (Dowry is the money, goods or land that a bride's family offers her husband in marriage. Dowry-related domestic violence is a severe problem in Bangladesh.) Mongida won the case, divorced her husband and received 30,000 Taka ($430). She decided to save the money she received from her husband, and now supports herself and her three children through her work as a maid.

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MONGIDA'S STORY

Mongida and her younger son in in front of their house Mongida provides for her family by working as a maid for a family who lives nearby her.

Mongida washing her family's dishes. In addition to providing for her family, a large portion of Mongida's time is dedicated to doing household work for the whole family.

Mongida pumping water in her house. Being divorced, she is left alone to care for all of her family's needs.

Like all women who have open cases with BRAC, Mongida attends BRAC Legal Aid Workshops meetings regularly. The Legal Aid Workshops provides women with an opportunity to discuss their cases and exchange advice.

A BRAC program officer helps facilitate the Legal Aid workshops and offers guidance to women who are in the middle of legal proceedings. Women who seek justice by prosecuting human rights abusers must have courage to challenge norms, many women describe how talking with others in their same position helps them find the strength to persevere.

Mongida's brother's home, where she lives.

Mongida talks with her neighbor who she is a maidservant for while holding her youngest son.

Photo taken by Mongida of her neighbors.

Mongida, taking a photo of her neighbors.