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|  UK Charity Reg No: 1203695 247

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I need Help

IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, PLEASE CALL 999
If you’re a survivor of gender-based violence, we’re here to guide you. Find trusted information, resources, and support to help you navigate your journey toward safety and healing. You are not alone—help is available.

You Are Not Alone

From Surviving to Thriving: Your Pathway to Healing

The journey of survival for women trapped in cultural practices that diminish their freedom is one filled with silent suffering, societal expectations, and internalized fear. The survivor's pathway reflects the struggles women face when their rights, voices, and identities are overshadowed by oppressive traditions. 

Each subsection of this pathway reveals a layer of harm, control, and exploitation that leaves women vulnerable and without hope. We are dedicated to shedding light on the harsh realities of these practices, offering a voice to those silenced, and guiding them toward reclaiming their strength.

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Our goal is to connect with those trapped in these situations, to show them that they are not alone, and to provide pathways of empowerment and hope.

Control over Women’s Bodies & Sexuality

“I feel like my body is not my own; decisions about my sexuality are dictated by family and societal norms.”

Patriarchy (Role of the Male)

“When I face violence or abuse, I am often told to endure it because it’s seen as my duty to keep the family together.”

Rigid Gender Roles

“I feel trapped by the expectations placed on me simply because I'm a woman.”

Child and Forced Marriages

“I was forced into marriage when I was just a child, without any say in the matter.”

Lack of Legal Protection and Societal Acceptance

“The laws that are supposed to protect me either don’t exist or aren’t enforced, and I’m made to feel like what’s happening to me is normal or acceptable.”

Human Trafficking and Exploitation

"I was deceived and taken away from my home, promised a better life, only to be trapped and treated like a commodity."

Stigmatization of Infertility

"I am treated like I am worthless, invisible, or like I am less of a woman because I have not been able to have children."

Polygamy and Economic Dependency

"Being part of a polygamous marriage, I have no financial independence. My husband controls all our resources. Without my own income, I feel trapped in this life with no way out."

Bride Price and Dowry

“I feel bride price has created a power imbalance that leaves me feeling powerless and devalued.”

Widowhood Rites and Practices

"After my husband's death, I was forced into rituals and practices to prove my loyalty to my late husband and his family. I feel humiliated and dehumanized – like I am being punished."

Wife Inheritance

"I feel like I have no control over my life. After losing my husband, I've been forced into another marriage against my will.”

Honor and Shame Culture

“The fear of being shamed or dishonored keeps me silent, even when I am hurt or abused.”

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“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

– Maya Angelou

Need Help ?

We understand that you're in a deeply challenging and painful situation, and it must feel overwhelming to be trapped in a place where your choices seem limited. Please know that your feelings are valid, and remember that your worth and dignity are not defined by the circumstances forced upon you.

While it may seem that your immediate situation cannot change, you can focus on small steps—like building your emotional strength, finding coping strategies, and learning about your legal or social rights. Over time, these can make a big difference.

You could also try to seek out supportive people in your community, whether they are family members, friends, or trusted individuals who can provide emotional support. Reaching out to a women's group, a local organization, or even online resources may offer you a safe space to express yourself and begin to explore your options.

Your voice matters, and even if it feels like you're not in control right now, you still have inner strength that can help you navigate this.

Remember, it's okay to hope for and dream about a better future. You deserve respect, and though the journey is hard, you are not defined by this pain.

We believe in your resilience, and no matter how dark things seem, the possibility of change exists. You are not alone.

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“The world changes in direct proportion to the number of people willing to be honest about their lives and to speak the truth.” 

– Armistead Maupin

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