PAKISTAN
The Story of Shunila Ruth
During her formative years, Shunila was a bright, ambitious young woman who went to university and completed her degree at the age of 20. Shortly thereafter, her parents arranged her marriage to an older man who treated her very harshly. Finally, he tired of her altogether and threw her out of the house in favor of another woman. In her culture, a wife abandoned by her husband can bring great shame to the family, as it did with Shunila. Her family disowned her, adding to her isolation and lack of resources to support herself. Alone and with no means of support, Shunila began selling pickles on the street corner just to survive. Eventually she was able to use her college degree to get a job as a substitute teacher, and later as a full time teacher. Shunila survived, and in the process found her voice and used it to speak out for other oppressed women in this male dominated society. She ran for and was elected to the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab, which is the legislature of elected representatives of the province of Punjab, located in Lahore, Pakistan
Shunila Ruth’s personal experience infused a desire to help other Pakistani women, who in this male dominated society found themselves without resources and without hope. In 2000, Shunila and her sister, Khushnud Mussarat, founded an organization called Talitha Kumi. The name is Aramaic for “young girl arise” and is taken directly from the story in Mark’s Gospel of Jesus raising Jairus’ daughter from the dead.
The purpose of this organization is to increase economic and social status of marginalized, underprivileged and oppressed women, and provide legal aid to those who are victims of various forms of violence in Pakistan. Talitha Kumi provides legal aid and skill development to women who have been abused or abandoned. Young women are advised of their legal rights under Pakistani law and trained for vocations such as midwife, seamstress or beautician. In the years since its inception, this amazing organization has rescued and rehabilitated over 700 women who were victims of violence. More than 1,100 women have gained economic independence by learning a new skill.
Farah’s Story
Farah, a 14-year-old orphan, escaped from her paternal uncle’s house in Sialkot City because she was forced into marriage. Her father died when she was 5 years old, and 6 years later her mother’s sudden death left her alone. She went to live with her paternal uncle, but was mistreated because of her Christian faith. Her uncle’s wife was Muslim and this created a serious conflict. Farah was denied education, prohibited to practice her Christian faith, and forcibly attempted conversion of her religion. Farah spent three years like a slave in her uncle’s house. She escaped from the house when she was going to be forced to marry a much older, already married Muslim man. She reached Talitha KUMI Center with the help of a local Pastor. She was immediately taken to the court by a Talitha KUMI lawyer to record her statement. The court ordered the police to provide security for Farah’s safety, and directed her uncle to stay away from Farah. Talitha KUMI also helped Farah to resume her education. She is now living in a boarding school and pursing her dream to become a teacher.
