Hivi

My name is Hivi*. I am 31 years old, married and have 6 children living in the district of Shekhan, Iraq.

My husband deprived me of everything. He refused to even spend money on me and my children for daily expenses. Our neighbours, relatives and friends helped us, bringing us food, clothes, and sometimes small amounts of cash. We have been living on people's support and assistance as my husband does not work. Many, many nights we slept with empty stomachs because there was no food on the table. The small amount cash we are given by kind friends and relatives is spent on my daughter's medicine and treatment, as one of the daughters has diabetes.

I tried to commit suicide three times due to my suffering and living conditions. I could not see my children suffering in front of my eyes. My husband violated me many times, using different kinds of violence against me. I never defended myself, I did not know how to do it. Even my family used violence against me, and I always stayed silent.

In mid-November 2020, Women for Women International staff members knocked at my door and I registered my name to participate in the Stronger Women, Stronger Nations programme after they told me what it was about.

After I joined Women for Women International's programme I started to feel like a woman. I started to think of improving my life by learning new skills and knowledge from my programme.

I have learned to see my potential; it opened my eyes to see the world.

In social empowerment classes, I learned how to defend myself, ask for support and respect my value as a mother and woman in my family. One of the most interesting topics that I learned was the importance of women's role in family decision-making and the value of women working to be financially independent. I never thought of such matters.