08/09/2021
“ I never wanted to marry, my dream was to study and become an elementary school teacher. But I was forced to marry when I was 17. My father couldn’t wait for me to leave the house, I was the oldest of the 7 daughters and we lived poorly. He always called us a “burden” on his shoulders. We didn’t have a wedding, it was a simple ceremony. I didn’t know my husband, he was our distant relative but I have never seen him. That night I cried so hard, but I felt like I was saving my family sacrificing myself. My father received a dowry of 5 sheep.
I hated the nights when I had to go to bed with him. I hated when he would touch me, it was always with force, he was always rude. I hated him because his mother would nag him why I wouldn’t get pregnant and he in return would take his stress out on me. I felt like I was a punch bag, he would always try to punch me in the face for his mother to see the bruises. For days I wouldn’t leave the house. And she would never stand up for me. I was only 17 and I didn’t want to live. A year later I was returned home because I couldn’t get pregnant. My father was not happy, he wouldn’t even look at me or talk to me, so I decided to go to Karakol and I ended up at the shelter of Aryyjan Karakol. Nurgul eje was so kind to me, she helped me obtain an ID card and she would talk to me for long hours. They just started the sewing skills trainings and I was the first graduate. I was so proud of myself. I am forever greatful to Gulzat eje, our sewing skills trainer, she taught me so much. After the graduation, I went to Bishkek and got a job at a small sewing factory. A year later I came to Yekaterinburg with three other women. We work at a large factory, the work is hard, long hours, we have only 1 day off, but I am happy, I can help my mother and my sisters. I belong to myself. I am forever grateful to Aryyjan staff. If I hadn’t met them, I don’t know where I’d be or even if I’d be still alive. I always keep them in my prayers.”
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In rural areas of Kyrgyzstan, domestic violence is considered a norm. … Forest Fisher needs your support for Renovation of Woman's Shelter - Ak-Su Kyrgyzstan
