The Husband Locked the Door from Inside and Made His Wife Stand Outside After Returning from Work
Contributed by Indian Academy for Self-Employed Women
Timely intervention is very important to prevent gender-based violence (GBV). Police involvement is not always necessary; rather, it requires awareness, sensitivity, and a willingness to intervene when a woman in your neighbourhood is experiencing violence and to support her in stopping the violence. Taking such action is an important step towards preventing and ending gender-based violence.
In this context, Madhu Ben, a local leader of IASEW living in 2/23 C Colony Government Quarters near Ashok Mill, Naroda Road, took the lead and stood by Jyotsana Ben as a true supporter. Her efforts not only empowered people to take action against violence but also helped foster a culture of mutual support and solidarity within the neighbourhood. Let us share the story of how she helped protect Jyotsana Ben, a home-based worker living in her community, from violence.
Jyotsana Ben works as a labourer in an iron factory during the day and as a cleaner in a hospital at night. She has three daughters, all of whom are married. Her husband has not been working for many years. Jyotsana Ben is the only earning member of the family.
For the past few days, her husband had been harassing her. When Jyotsana Ben returned home from work in the morning, her husband would lock the door from inside and would not allow her to enter the house. She would knock on the door, shout, and cry, asking him to open it, but he deliberately refused to open the door and caused her emotional distress.
Jyotsana Ben felt trapped and helpless in this situation. On one hand, she was carrying the responsibility of supporting her family, while on the other hand, she was facing her husband's cruel and harassing behaviour.
Jyotsana Ben felt isolated and distressed. She was confused about how to deal with the situation without making the conflict worse. Every day, she wondered how long she could continue to tolerate this harassment and suffering. She hoped that her husband might understand her situation and support her, but over time, that hope also began to fade.
Madhu Ben had received training on gender-based violence and safe bystander intervention. When she noticed this situation, she decided to intervene. She spoke to Jyotsana Ben's husband and asked him to open the door when Jyotsana Ben returned home from work.
During the intervention, Madhu Ben had a somewhat heated discussion with Jyotsana Ben's husband. She explained to him:
“Your wife has been working hard for a long time and is supporting the family. You are not making any financial contribution to the household; you do not have a job, and you have no income. On top of that, you are harassing your wife by refusing to open the door for her. What will you do if something happens to her? She is the one earning money and also preparing food and taking care of the family. She is working day and night, while you should also be sharing these responsibilities. She is doing all this for the family. Therefore, please do not harass her. This is my sincere request and advice to you. You are a good person, so please support your wife and stand by her.”
As a result of this intervention, Jyotsana Ben's husband now keeps the door open when she returns from work. This small change created a more open and supportive atmosphere in their home.
Madhu Ben was happy that her conversation with Jyotsana Ben's husband helped bring a positive change to the situation. This experience strengthened her commitment to speaking out against gender-based violence. It also motivated her to participate more actively in community discussions and support women facing violence.
Today, whenever Madhu Ben notices someone facing a similar situation, she speaks up and tries to intervene safely and appropriately. In this way, Madhu Ben has become a positive example in her community by raising her voice against gender-based violence and taking leadership in promoting safe bystander intervention and support for women.