At the age of 26, Buddhimaya found herself confronted with formidable challenges in her life. A mother to a beautiful child, her story was marred by domestic abuse and betrayal. Following the birth of her first child, Buddhimaya’s husband subjected her to unspeakable torment and cruelty. The situation became so unbearable that they ultimately divorced, leaving Buddhimaya to shoulder the burden of raising her child alone.
Despite the profound pain she endured, her husband managed to rekindle their relationship, against her own better judgment, and they reconciled. Unfortunately, history repeated itself, and the cycle of abuse resumed. Her husband resumed his physical and psychological torment, leaving Buddhimaya with no choice but to escape from the toxic relationship once more. In the midst of this turmoil, she discovered she was pregnant with her second child. Her husband seized this opportunity to level false allegations against her, accusing her of infidelity.
Seeking refuge and support, Buddhimaya turned to an organization that aids women suffering domestic violence. She made the heart-wrenching decision to entrust her first child to the care of her mother-in-law, believing it would offer a safer environment. However, even in this situation, her husband relentlessly pursued her, even targeting the organization itself. Buddhimaya eventually gave birth to a baby boy, bringing both joy and anxiety into her life. Her husband’s threats persisted, now directed also at his innocent child. Recognizing the gravity of her situation, the National Women’s Commission stepped in and referred Buddhimaya to Opportunity Village Nepal, the partner organization of GSIF Nepal, where she could access legal support and embark on the journey to rebuild her life. Within a supportive environment, Buddhimaya found comfort and received legal assistance to protect herself and her children. She was empowered to file a case against her husband.
To ensure that she and her children had a roof over their heads and were protected from further harm Buddhimaya was offered a place at the Safe Home. ‘There I could finally find some peace and security. It was like a ray of light breaking through the darkness. I felt a renewed sense of hope, knowing that I and my child were safe from the constant threats and violence.” she said. Counselling played a pivotal role in helping her process the trauma she had experienced and develop coping mechanisms to deal with the emotional and psychological aftermath of the abuse. The counselling sessions provided a safe space for her to share her experiences, express her emotions, and regain her confidence.
Opportunity Village Nepal recognized Buddhimaya’s potential and provided her with an opportunity to reintegrate into society through a fancy (cloth) support program. With unwavering determination and resilience, Buddhimaya embraced this opportunity and worked tirelessly to rebuild her life. She developed new skills through training programs and gained confidence in her abilities. The fancy shop she opened radiates charm and elegance and not only provided her with financial stability but also empowered her to achieve financial independence and discover the courage to venture even further. She expanded her entrepreneurial horizons by offering and selling ‘chatpate’.
Buddhimaya commented: “I now have the resources to support myself and provide a better future for my children. The transformation in my life from before to now is remarkable. Before, I was trapped in a cycle of abuse, filled with fear and self-doubt. Now, I am a survivor, standing tall and proud.”
Her successful reintegration into society serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of compassion, determination, and collective support.
