Seeking freedom, “Fatima” slept the first night away from her husband in a field—while it rained. In the morning, she trudged to the place she had read about on the eye-catching flyers around town. Upon arrival at the Oficina de la Mujer (Office of the Woman) in the quaint Nicaraguan town of Rio Blanco, she relayed stories of her years of isolation, the mental cruelty, his control of money, and the beatings.
Doña Adilia outside her home with one of her granddaughters
Doña Adilia and the other women who run the Oficina know that getting away from an abusive relationship isn’t easy, but they assure women that they are not alone in their struggles for justice, and that together, they will overcome.
Fatima reported the abuse to authorities, met with a lawyer and a social worker, and found a place to live—by her own strength and with the accompaniment of the Oficina.
Melissa at a ProNica
Board meeting
wearing the necklace
from Fatima
After Fatima finished telling me her story, I asked her how she had managed to get on her feet financially. She slipped out of the Oficina and returned smiling with a display of jewelry that she designs and sells. I purchased a simple, colorful, bead necklace and resolved to wear it as a reminder to share her triumph with others. I can’t thank all of you enough for reading this and helping me fulfill that resolve.
Reflecting on that day in Rio Blanco from the comfort of the ProNica stateside office, I find myself filled with gratitude for Fatima, for Adilia, for our staff in Nicaragua, and for each and every one of you—for being links in a chain that is transmitting the energy of these unassuming yet powerful social actions, keeping the ProNica wheels of peace rolling forward.
By Melissa Ajabshir, ProNica Stateside Director