Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Free Press spotlights four women who have triumphed over years of domestic violence. Each of them has fought through unimaginable hardships, broken free from abusive marriages and rebuilt their lives. Now, they stand tall as symbols of self-reliance and strength.
Gulshad Begum: Surviving on leftovers
Gulshad Begum |
At 63, Gulshad Begum’s life has been a story of endurance. Born and raised in Mumbai, she was married in 1985 to a BHEL officer. The blame for not having children was placed squarely on her, and she endured continuous abuse from her husband and in-laws. Her salary as a teacher was taken from her, and she survived on leftovers. Despite facing pressure from her family to stay in the marriage, she walked out after her husband’s death in 2011. A seven-year court battle later, she got her share of property. Now, Gulshad works as a counsellor for domestic violence victims and teaches underprivileged children for free.
Rajkumari Bharati: From cleaning utensils to driving auto-rick
Rajkumari Bharati |
Rajkumari Bharati, 48, married for love, only to have her world shattered when her husband, who worked with Reliance, married another woman after she developed white spots on her skin. Forced to support her daughter, Rajkumari took up cleaning utensils and swabbing floors. In 2016, she purchased an auto-rickshaw on loan, and today she earns Rs 20,000 per month, has repaid the loan, and is now financially independent. "I want my daughter to be self-sufficient," she says proudly.
Rashmi Mishra: Battling abuse, cancer
Rashmi Mishra |
At 43, Rashmi Mishra’s journey has been one of immense struggle. Married at 19 to a suspicious and abusive school teacher, she was constantly tormented for not bringing enough dowry. After years of abuse, she left her husband in 2004, but not before he took their son from her. She then battled breast cancer and later divorced in 2021. Rashmi now counsels victims of domestic violence and cancer patients at Gauravi- One Stop Centre, emphasizing the importance of financial independence. "Being economically self-reliant is the most important thing for a woman," she says.
Indira: Juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet
Indira Sankhla, 40, has lived a life of hard work and resilience. She married in 2001, only to find out that her husband did not have a regular job and would often beat her. In 2009, she took the bold step of leaving him and relocating to Bhopal with her three children. Today, Indira works as a Rapido driver for 14 hours a day, transporting passengers from 5 am to noon. In the evenings, she runs a roadside food stall. "I work from morning till night, but I’m content. I’m financially independent, and that’s what matters," she says.
