Aisha’s Story : Escaping Domestic Violence and Rebuilding with Support
Aisha, a mother to a two-year-old boy, navigated a life of turmoil, silently enduring the wrath of an abusive husband. With a past marriage behind her and a young child to protect, she found herself trapped in a relentless cycle of despair, too fearful to seek help and break free from the chains of her reality.
The primary problem for Aisha was domestic violence and suffering at the hands of her abusive husband, which affects her physical and mental health and well-being. Her existence in Anfac Camp in Mogadishu was a constant struggle for survival, overshadowed by the looming threat of violence. Until Xalimo Mumin, a dedicated member of the Women Early Warning Committee, (A committee established in the IDP camps in Kahda and Daynile districts by SWCCA through the project) discovered Aisha’s situation during a routine camp visit aimed at ensuring the well-being of its inhabitants. Beyond the initial crisis intervention, the Women Early Warning Committee (WEWC) and SWCCA supported Aisha’s short-term recovery and empowerment through psychosocial support, skill-building workshops, and training. This comprehensive approach helped her gain the confidence.
Aisha and her son live in Anfac Camp, a setting typical for internally displaced persons (IDPs) which suggests limited and variable income sources. Post the support, Aisha hopes to start her own business with the help of start-up kits, potentially get a source of income to fend for herself and her son.
Initially, her greatest worry was the abuse from her husband, the safety of her child, and their future. Following the intervention, her concerns likely shifted towards rebuilding her life and ensuring a stable and secure future for her son.
Strong quotes:
“Living in despair and faced with the fear for my life and that of my son trapped in domestic violence and a violent husband one fine morning I met Xalimo Mumin during her routine rounds in the camps and all I can say is that has been the beginning of a new dawn for me to break free from the chains and realize my rights just like any other human being.”
“Living in despair and faced with the fear for my life and that of my son trapped in domestic violence and a violent husband one fine morning I met Xalimo Mumin during her routine rounds in the camps and all I can say is that has been the beginning of a new dawn for me to break free from the chains and realize my rights just like any other human being.
SWCCA supported Aisha’s short-term recovery and empowerment through psychosocial support, workshops and training. This comprehensive approach helped her gain the confidence to break free from the abusive marriage.
Aisha now hopes for and appeals to well-wishers to help her start her own business with the help of start-up kits, potentially get a source of income.
Initially, her greatest worry was the abuse from her husband, the safety of her child, and their future. But now, her concerns likely shifted towards rebuilding her life and ensuring a stable and secure future for her son for herself and her son.
Save the Children, as the donor, underpinned the transformative efforts that reshaped Aisha’s life in Deynile District through SWCCA, the local partner. This support has been pivotal in training community workers like Xalimo, who identified and acted on Amina’s dire situation. Moreover, their support reflects a dedication to empowering Somali women and girls.
Interviewee’s story in their own words (Quotes) :
“I was trapped in darkness, but the training and care I received were rays of light, possible only because someone believed in our potential to rise.”
“Because of SWCCA’s support, I’m not just a survivor; I am a force for change in my community, and my voice is finally being heard.” Supported by Save the Children