Parveen, a 35-year-old woman from the Chander Puri slum, has lived in Delhi for 17 years. She moved from Uttar Pradesh after marriage, hoping for a happy life. But her dreams shattered when she gave birth to a baby girl. Her husband and in-laws, wanting a son, turned against her. Love was replaced with cruelty. Her husband became violent, beating her regularly. Whenever she tried to return to her parents, they told her to stay and accept her fate. Over time, she lost all confidence and felt utterly alone.
Then, the Asha team found her. They encouraged her to attend Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association) meetings. At first, she was afraid, but as she listened to other women’s stories, she felt something she had long forgotten—hope. She learned about her rights and slowly regained her confidence.
Determined to help others, Parveen took action. When three women in her neighborhood were denied ration cards, she fought until they received them. She helped 12 children secure school admissions, defying all odds. Even when her husband opposed girls’ education, she sent both her daughters to school, proving that a mother’s love is stronger than society’s expectations.
Parveen is no longer just a survivor—she is a warrior. She is one of the most active members of the Mahila Mandal, speaking openly against domestic violence and helping other women find their voices.
She looks back at the woman she once was—helpless, scared, and silenced—and she barely recognizes her.
Now, she stands tall.
Now, she is strong.
Now, she is the voice that ensures no woman suffers in silence. She is forever grateful to Asha and Dr Kiran for giving her the courage to rise—and to help others do the same.
