Lalita Mohun – Mauritius

“I might not have been able to overcome much in my life, but I am still hoping for the best”

I first came across Gender Links (GL) when I attended the entrepreneurship programme and I remember how extremely interesting the course was. I started to realise that everyone present had faced some form of violence, yet there was a very joyful atmosphere. Back home, I encouraged all my friends to come and join GL because I knew how helpful this training could be for them. Whenever someone in my area has some trouble in their home or is facing domestic violence, they come to me for advice. I try to help them as much as I can and I maintain contact, just so I can follow up later on. Whatever help or advice I provide them comes from the training itself.

I accompany my husband in his business as a salesman/driver. We deliver goods all around the island in a truck. We deal in foodstuff delivery. We get the stock from suppliers and we go and sell it from shop to shop. I first met GL when I joined the entrepreneurship programme. I attended all the courses and drew up a plan to open a shop in front of my home. I took this business plan to the authorities and the bank but I could not get a permit due to the fact that I live in a NHDC apartment. Even though I was unsuccessful in getting my permit, I felt proud of myself because I could draw up a business plan and take it to the bank for a loan. It was a very nice feeling.

There has not been any change at a personal level concerning my relationship with my husband. I am still in an abusive relationship, dealing with violence now and again but I have grown used to it. Sometimes, even my husband notices that I do not react nor do anything. I believe that someday he will end up mending his ways. On a more positive note, I have learned about gender equality and human rights. I have learned how we should speak out and help others in distress. The fact that I am still surviving this abusive relationship is solely because it is my personal choice as I want to make my husband see reason at all costs. I have learned that there is a way out of problems and that people should just take the first step.

The biggest challenge I have faced and am still facing is violence on behalf of my husband. I have known physical, mental and economic abuse in his company. He has always been violent and he still is. I just want to bring him to reason. I intend to do so slowly but surely and I believe that I will succeed. On the business side, I want to open a shop and work for myself.