DSC8216

Nabeesa, Kerala - Poverty, migration and dowry

I was married at a very young age and had four children, three girls and a son who was the youngest. At a young age of 35 I was widowed and had major responsibilities on my shoulders. Because of this I decided to go to Saudi Arabia to make money so as to get my daughters married. I had a very tough time as I was the only person working in a three story house consisting of 13 members. I had to do all the household work by myself. The conditions were so tough that inspite of all this work I was allowed to eat only the leftovers. Moreover they did not even pay me regularly. Soon my health deteriorated and I decided to come back to India. After this I started working in hotels.

I managed to get my eldest daughter married with twenty five sovereigns and one lakh rupees. In spite of that debt, I got my second daughter married with twenty two sovereigns and Rs. 110,000. I had enough problems to deal with when my second daughter’s husband demanded more dowry. He asked for Rs. 50,000 and told that if his demands are not satisfied he will divorce my daughter. I stood firm on my stand and informed that I was ready to look after my daughter but not the grandchild. Later on he agreed to accept my daughter without taking the dowry. I also got my third daughter married with one lakh and eighteen sovereigns. I am currently under heavy financial burden still working hard to repay my debts. I also have a son to look after who is currently studying.