Nafisa’s story

Upon the death of her husband, Nafisa found herself in a precarious situation, lacking support from her family and siblings. With five young children to care for on her own, she took on multiple jobs to ensure they did not fall into poverty. Despite her relentless efforts, she had little time to grieve, as she battled the emotional and financial hardships of single parenthood. 

Adding to her struggles, her mother-in-law harboured resentment toward her, and the elders of her extended family pressured her to remarry her late husband’s brother—under the guise of providing security for a young widow. Their motives were rooted in maintaining their claim to ancestral property. Nafisa vehemently resisted, but her protests were ignored. Over time, the weight of these pressures, combined with her grief, took a toll on her health, manifesting in both physical and mental distress. 

One cold morning, with her youngest child in her arms, she left home in a fit of rage—this time, for good. After a period of living adrift, she arrived at the Emergency Care and Recovery Centre (ECRC), where she finally found the support, she had long been denied. At The Banyan, Nafisa experienced kindness, trust, and the chance to rebuild her sense of self. She formed a community of friends who took the time to understand her story, offering her a rare sense of belonging. 

As part of her healing process, Nafisa began voluntarily working in the loom section, an experience that further contributed to her recovery. After 15 years of unstable relationships and relentless adversity, she finally had the opportunity to renew old bonds, forge new ones, and reconcile with the trauma that had once been forced upon her.