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Shahreen Fatima, Gandhi Fellow, B-17Jharkhand

The Silent Struggles

During my Community Immersion (CI), I witnessed the widespread practice of polygamyin the community, a reality that deeply shaped the lives of many women. Among them,second wives bore the heaviest burdens, often living in the shadows of their husbands'first families, their struggles unseen and unspoken.

One woman’s story stood out. She had entered a home where she was always second—never the priority, never truly belonging. Emotional neglect and financial insecurity defined her existence, leaving her to navigate a life of quiet endurance.

The first wife had four sons and a daughter, two of whom were already married. Meanwhile, the second wife’s daughter, a bright, eager girl was often overlooked. Education was not a priority for her, and societal constraints further dimmed her chances of a different future. Despite her potential, opportunities remained scarce.

With a quiet determination, the mother shared her deepest hope that her daughter would not suffer the same fate. She longed for dignity, for recognition—not just for herself, but for her child.

Her story was not unique. Many women in the community found themselves trapped in similar circumstances; bound by traditions they had limited power to challenge. Yet, even in their silent struggles, there was resilience—a flicker of hope that , one day, their daughter might break free from the cycle they had endured.

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