Nesiyad Mantega, a Towards Resilient Communities with health, equity, and safety for all project rights holder, experienced an incredibly difficult life with her husband. She faced constant abuse, lack of support, and quarrels on a daily basis. However, her life took a turn for the better when she sought help from the community and the SASA! Together Champions.

Nesiyad’s husband had previously denied her the money for household goods top-ups, refused to help her fetch water or carry firewood, and even physically abused her. This led to a strained relationship, with arguments becoming a regular occurrence.

In her own words, Nesiyad shared her past struggles, stating,

“I was beaten up, chased out of the house, not given money for household goods top-ups, and my husband wouldn’t help me with fetching water or carrying firewood. Quarreling was almost an everyday activity,” says Mantega

The turning point came when Nesiyad, tired of the abuse, ran away from her husband to her neighbor’s house and refused to return to her own home. Some community members who were aware of the SASA! Together Champions’ work reached out to Nesiyad and her husband, inviting them to participate in sessions.

During these sessions, the SASA! Together Champions were able to address Nesiyad’s husband’s abusive behavior and work towards finding a solution to their problems. The couple attended the sessions for about three times, and as a result, Nesiyad’s husband began to change his behavior.

Now, Nesiyad’s husband supports her by providing money for household goods top-up and helps her with various chores such as fetching water and carrying firewood. Additionally, he has promised to build a new house for their family.

“Now my husband gives me money for household goods top-ups and helps me with house chores such as fetching water,” says Mantega

The Towards Resilient Communities with health, equity and safety for all project played a crucial role in transforming Nesiyad Mantega’s life. By providing a safe space for dialogue through SASA! Together Champions. Nesiyad and her husband were helped overcome their challenges and create a more equitable and safe environment for their family.

Menard