Sita’s Story: Building Strength from Sorrow

NATAN Nepal Program Builds Independence and Self-Determination

Nepal - rural women participate in NATAN program teaching resilience and coping skills

In the heart of HariharpurGadhi Rural Municipality, a woman we’ll call “Sita,” married at the tender age of 14, influenced by peer pressure. Over time, Sita's life took a tragic turn. Hindered by the absence of educational opportunities, she faced multiple challenges.

In the initial days of her marriage, Sita experienced love and care from her husband, and the couple soon welcomed a daughter and a son. Despite her parents’ support and gift of land, Sita's lack of national identity documents left the legal ownership of the land in her husband's hands. The young couple worked tirelessly to provide for their children.

The tide turned when Sita's husband became addicted to alcohol, leading to a wave of violence in the family’s life. Physical, verbal, and emotional abuse became a haunting reality for Sita and her children. Struggling in silence, suicidal thoughts started to occupy Sita’s mind – until she shared her troubles with Moti Maya Shrestha, a member of the NATAN project group.

Moti Maya, recognizing the urgency of the situation, referred Sita to our team for counseling and support. Parmila, one of our dedicated staff, gradually restored Sita's psychosocial well-being. Encouraged by her newfound strength, Sita expressed a desire for employment, both to achieve financial independence and to empower her to protect her children from domestic violence.

HariharpurGadhi Rural Municipality, Nepal 2024: Rural women and family members participate in NATAN training program to fight gender-based violence and build community resilience

During Sita’s visit to Ward number 3 office, we provided additional counseling and explored opportunities for employment. Through our network, we linked Sita with a teacher from Shree Hariharpur Secondary School in need of a caretaker for her baby. Today, Sita earns a modest monthly income, and is thriving in her role as a caregiver.

The transformation didn't end with Sita. Moti Maya took it upon herself to mentor Sita's husband, leading to a positive change in his behavior. He determined to change his life, abandoned violence, . and is now actively supporting Sita in household chores and caring for the family. Sita, who had forgotten how to smile in  difficult times, now glows with a fresh energy, embracing her life with joy.

In heartfelt gratitude, Sita expressed, "Thank you NATAN team for giving me a new life and hope." Her journey from vulnerability to a fresh start stands as living testimony to the transformative potential of support, counseling, and empowerment.

HariharpurGadhi Rural Municipality, Nepal 2024: program participants during role-play exercise in NATAN training program to fight gender-based violence