Laxmi was raised in an extremely poor family and never had the opportunity to go to school. She was married by the age of 13.
“At the time, I did not know why my parents married me off and I did not know of the consequences. I struggled very much. I would do all the housework, cleaning, washing, farming. Those days were very stressful.”
Laxmi gave birth to her first daughter at just 15 years old. She gave birth to three more. But in Nepali culture it is sons that are prized.
“Because I gave birth to four daughters my husband was very mad about it. He harassed me, mentally tortured me and my father-in-law did too. Sometimes I cried, it felt like a very dark situation.”
Laxmi says she hasn’t seen or had contact with her husband in three months. “In the past seven months, I have received no money from him to care for my daughters.”
Share and Care’s project staff encouraged Laxmi to get involved in a women’s group.
“I had the opportunity to participate in anti-human trafficking training and psychosocial counselling. I also had the opportunity to share my feelings with the group, it helped raise hope and happiness in me,” she says.
“They also provided me with livelihood support. I’ve started goat rearing. I bought two goats and when they grow up, I will sell them and reinvest to buy more goats. Initially it was difficult to manage monthly savings, now because of the group, I’m managing to do that.”
“I was isolated and limited to household chores. But Share and Care have given me the opportunity to meet others and they’ve encouraged and empowered me, which is a great support.”
Not only did Share and Care help Laxmi, but they also helped put her four daughters into school.
“My focus is on getting my girls educated. They will be able to do better than me. I want to encourage them and support them into a better future.”