Hope for Baby Rayan
March 27, 2025
Annual Review 2024
October 15, 2025
At SustainMe, we are committed to advancing women’s rights and ending gender-based violence.
In the underserved rural villages where we work, poverty is widespread, and sadly, domestic violence is deeply rooted in many homes.
At recent women’s group meetings, many women bravely shared heartbreaking stories of repeated beatings by their husbands, often resulting in serious physical injuries. Equally troubling, during a recent men’s workshop, several participants openly admitted to believing it is acceptable to beat their wives “to keep them in line.”
We are working to change this mindset and end the cycle of violence.
Through community education and engagement:
- We help men understand the deep harm violence causes — not only physically and emotionally, but also to the financial stability of their families.
- We remind them that domestic abuse is illegal, and perpetrators can be prosecuted and jailed.
- We support them in learning healthier ways to manage frustration, build self-worth, and communicate without violence.
At the same time, we empower women by:
- Educating them about their legal and human rights
- Building their confidence and resilience
- Equipping them with skills to earn a sustainable income, in case staying in an abusive home is no longer an option
One woman shared how she was frequently beaten by her husband and forced to sleep outside to escape. Her children, traumatized, confessed that they both witnessed and suffered from the violence. One even said, “I wish I were big enough to beat my father.”
We intervened by organizing a meeting with the entire family, alongside village and religious leaders. The husband admitted that his violent outbursts often occurred after drinking alcohol. We made it clear that his actions were criminal, that continued abuse could lead to the death of his wife, and that he would be imprisoned and separated from his children. At the same time, we offered him support — but emphasized that change must come from him.
Since our intervention, we’ve continued to check in regularly. The wife and children report that the violence has stopped. The children say they no longer live in fear of their father. This transformation gives us hope — but we remain committed to monitoring and supporting the family.
Unfortunately, many women continue to suffer, even after their abusers have left. Some live with permanent injuries or chronic health conditions caused by years of violence.
Help us send a clear message:
Every woman has the right to live free from violence and fear.
Support us in creating safe spaces for women to escape, heal, and rebuild their lives.
