Struggle was crazy but we must for the future of our children.

Afia was a little girl, who was born in a very small village of Pakistan. Unfortunately, she was born in a family; where they all, were just girls. She was the eldest of the girls. In her family; it seemed, every year there was a marriage for the little girls. It is a social custom in our country. Unfortunately, as a child; she caught a disease called polio. Due to polio; she has a little problem in her left leg. She is a very brave sister and daughter of her father. She was a very intelligent student. When she was in 9th standard/grade; her family was forced by society, for her to get married. She was too young to get married. But they were afraid she would run to any boyfriend. She was so innocent, but she got married when she was only 15 years old; with a man who was 29 years old. With the passage of time she got to know that her husband was a drunk, whom always used to drink alcohol and try to torture her. But after getting married, she met me, because she was living near an area of my village. She was a good friend of my elder sister. I suggested to her, \"If you can't get permission to go to college, you can complete your study in privacy, and complete your degree by Allama Iqbal open university\". They offer classes on line. So you can study by sitting at home. She agreed with me, and went online to get admission. After 6 years of marriage, she was blessed with 3 daughters, but she could not speak to anybody about her husband, and about her laws; as her laws were so rude. But one day, she got tired of the life she was living, and went to her mother's home. She told her parents about her whole situation; as she wept before her parents; they advised her to bear everything, and never get divorced. Divorce would lead to losing their reputation in their society. Her mother hugged her and they both wept profanely. In her village, the matter of women or men, is always solved by \"Bradri\" (a group of people who make decisions in the village). Her father and other people gathered and they decided, she can get divorced; only in one condition. If she leaves her 3 daughters behind. They believe; daughters should live with their father. But Afia, did not agree with their decision. She loved her daughters too much to leave them behind. The \"Bradri\" people said, \"if you don't want to leave your daughters; then go and live with your husband. But you are not allowed to meet your mother or father again\". Her in-laws were also against her daughters studying. They refused to pay for their daughters study. One day, I was passing by the bus stop and I saw her with her daughters and she was looking innocent, feeble, and weakness was wrapped around her body. She told me the whole situation, and I listened to her very carefully. Then I got to know that she had completed her B.A in (bachelor in Art). From the university which I suggested to her 6 years ago. I asked her \"Will you do a job in a school?\" At the time; she hugged me and there were tears in her eyes. I tried with my whole heart, to council her about her life and her daughters. She took a step against her in-laws. As they were against her job and she started going to one private school in the city. The school offered free education to her daughters. Not everyone can do this. She did it for her daughters and also for the $100.00 she would receive. The salary is not much according to her needs, but she was very happy for her daughters are going to school. And now she also visits her mother's home, because she thinks she is free now and will not become burden on society of parents . With her living in city with her daughters; she is free to move anywhere she chooses. I just saw her daughters and met them. They all are so cute, intelligent and getting 1st positions in every session. And Afia has very good friends in her circle of friends; they always love her daughters. I also Salute Afia, and I will always support in her decisions. She is; what one would call true diamond for her daughters

By : Maryam Batool