brutal physical violence, leaving Arini with scars on her
In 2013, a young Rohingya woman known as Arini, seeking refuge from persecution and ethnic cleansing in Myanmar, fled to Malaysia. Her journey initially promised a life filled with hope and happiness. However, as the pages of her life turned to 2014, a chilling chapter unfolded, revealing a tale of domestic abuse, despair, and the unwavering spirit of a mother determined to secure a violence-free future for her two daughters.
Arini and her husband, whose relationship had once been a source of familial approval, underwent a drastic transformation when Arini discovered her pregnancy in 2014. Instead of the expected joy that accompanies impending parenthood, her husband’s behavior shifted dramatically to become abusive. His once-affectionate demeanor gave way to brutal physical violence, leaving Arini with scars that served as cruel reminders of his need for control. Shockingly, the violence was triggered by something as trivial as her food choices, underscoring a disturbing level of cruelty within the relationship.
The abuse extended beyond the physical realm. Arini endured emotional torment as her husband weaponized divorce threats during their arguments, effectively manipulating her and leaving her trapped in a cycle of abuse. A few years ago, Arini summoned the courage to break free from this destructive marriage, enduring the painful process of divorce. Seeking safety and a fresh start, Arini relocated to another state in Malaysia,
Arini thriving resilient step up with RRW
With her two young children, aged 8 and 3. However, her journey was far from over. As a single mother with no stable income and limited educational background, Arini faced the daunting challenge of providing for her family and often taking on risky odd jobs in people’s homes or highway cleaners.
In March 2023, Hafsa Khanom, the Initiator of Rohingya Resilient Women (RRW), brought Arini’s case to the attention of several NGOs. Despite enduring immense hardship, Arini became a part of RRW’s Refugee Women Empowering project and Community Adult Women Linguistic program.
Arini, resilient in the face of adversity, now looks toward a more optimistic future. Her primary concern remains the well-being and education of her children. With the support provided by RRW;s and through the Empowering project, she strives for a better life for herself and her little ones. Arini’s narrative stands as a moving testament to the strength found amidst the countless stories of survival and empowerment discovered by RRW in their fight against gender-based violence.
The work of RRW in bringing attention to such stories is crucial in raising awareness about the plight of refugee women and advocating for their empowerment. By highlighting individual narratives like Arini’s, RRW aims to foster a greater understanding of the systemic issues among the Rohingya community that contribute to gender-based violence and hinder the progress of women in vulnerable situations, especially those who are displaced.
