domestic violence

Amidst sectarianism, conflict, and fundamentalist violence, the staff of Warvin Foundation for Women’s Issues (WFWI) have continued undeterred with their project to support victims of domestic violence. They have gone, meticulously, successfully, setting up a project that monitors and evaluates the current set-up of women’s shelter, and lobbies the government and stakeholders to bring about an improvement.

The following are personal testimonies from WELDD women who attended workshops hosted by Shirkat Gah in Pakistan, and found from there the inner courage to stand up to their unfortunate circumstances.

Naseem has come far in terms of personal development and self-awareness. From an abused child and a wronged wife, Naseem has emerged as a strong, confident woman, one of the most active and energetic leaders of the Purple Women’s Movement, having resolved almost 15 cases of domestic violence in her area.

The festival of Mach Kacheri, a celebration of the coming of winter practiced in parts of Sindh and Balochistan provinces of Pakistan, is traditionally only celebrated by men. This year, however, WELDD women leaders patriarchal norms and established traditions to hold their own Mach Kacheri celebrations.

In Sri Lanka, religious Quazi courts have jurisdiction over marriage and divorce settlements within the Muslim community. The activist Raleefa challenged a Quazi judge’s decision, exposed his decisions on divorce and violence which were unfair to women, and had him removed from office. This is how she managed it.