The Story of Mariam: Reflections on My Work in GBV Prevention & Response
By Stella Abah, WI-HER Gender, Social Inclusion, and Community Engagement Advisor
One of the success stories that I am most proud of in my work in gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response is the case of a survivor of domestic violence who was able to escape her abusive husband with her three children and start a new life with the help of USAID Integrated Health Program (IHP)’s GBV Technical Working Group.
Mariam (real name withheld) came to us after she was severely beaten by her husband. Her stepson, family, and friends declined to support her because her husband was also an influential lawyer in the State. She was terrified and had no idea how to escape the situation because she had reported him several times to his family, friends, and workplace, but no action had been taken. Luckily, she heard about the Kebbi Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Nigeria and came for services. We provided counseling and medical services and referred her for legal aid and shelter, including financial support. Through the Federation of Female Lawyers Association (FIDA), our legal team helped her obtain a restraining order from the court, and she relocated to a safe place. We also helped her enroll in a vocational training program that enabled her to become financially independent.
Mariam now lives happily with her children in her village with her mother and other family members, selling “talla madara” (milk balls) as a small business. She is grateful for the support and guidance that we gave her and says that we saved her life. She said, “I was referred here by someone from my community. She told me that I will be supported, and I am so grateful for the love and support I received. Shelter was offered to me and my three children. I received adequate medical attention. We were fed daily, and they equally ensured my wards attended school on a daily basis. Words cannot express my gratitude to you all.”
She equally affirmed that, if not for the support she received, her ex-husband would have threatened her family so much that she would have had no option but return to her abusive partner. “Now, I share my story with other intimate partner violence survivors and encourage them to seek help.”
This is one of the many examples of how my work in GBV prevention and response contributed to saving the lives of a survivor and her family. I am proud of the work I do and the difference it makes on individuals and communities!
Hear more from Stella Abah, and the importance of a multisectoral approach to GBV prevention and response, during our 16 Days of Activism webinar on December 6, 2023. Register here: Https://bit.ly/16DaysWeb
This reflection is part of WI-HER’s 2023 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign. UN Women created the 16 Days campaign to bring awareness to issues related to responding to, preventing, addressing, and ending GBV.