The Bridal Cloth

2016

But listen to me here: let him be in control.
There’s no yes or no.
Here, women don’t talk about these things.
You must only do as he says.

FULL STORY

Struggling Through Life

2012

I’m a woman who has been struggling her entire life.
Ever since I was a little girl,
I’ve been struggling.
My father was a national railways inspector.
He passed away.
I got married to a man who came from a modest family.
I thought they’d care about my wellbeing.

FULL STORY

Pretty Like You

2016

I want to be pretty like you.
So people think I’m beautiful when I get married.
But what will happen if I never become pretty like you?

FULL STORY

I Don't Want Him

2017

Last week I had an argument with my ex.

He confronted me in public.

All because he found out that my daughter and I have jobs.

“You shouldn't be working!” he said.

How can we not work when he doesn't pay me any child support?!
domestic violence, gender violence, sexual violence, physical violence, marriage, divorce

FULL STORY

Why Aren't You Engaged?

2017

My mother says that a girl’s degree and her career are more important than marriage.
They are her weapons.
That way, if she gets married and any trouble arises between her and her husband,
She’ll still have her career.
marriage, social pressure, engagement

FULL STORY

A Quick Trip

2014

Two of my friends fell in love and decided to be together.
Two months into their relationship, he proposed.
I knew my guy friend to be open-minded.
However, he started asking my other friend, his fiancee, not to hang out or talk with other guys.

FULL STORY

Freedom of Choice

2014

After a certain age,
A girl no longer has the freedom to choose a suitable person to marry.

FULL STORY

I Aged With Marriage

2017

I feel like I aged considerably the moment I got my first suitor.
I was still young, in eighth grade.
After I got married, I started bearing responsibilities, and I grew up.
My father had us thinking that marriage was the end-all-be-all
We weren’t supposed to fight with our husbands.
gender violence, physical violence, parents, marriage, divorce, work

FULL STORY
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