Ayub Ali of Chokmusha village, Dinajpur, says, “I must admit to the fact that I was abusive to my wife for many, many years. I have been so infuriated that I even asked her to leave home; I forced her back into her father’s home two times. I came to realise how harsh my behaviour was towards her only when she joined an NGO that works for the welfare of women. When my wife volunteered her services to the local NGO, I was very unhappy. I felt uneasy about her straying out of the house and attending rallies and visiting police stations. I was disturbed about her meeting with men and talking freely to them.

My wife, however, was able to present me with a different perspective. She made me understand that she was being equipped with skills that would help us financially and that the NGO was sensitising her to address our personal problems. Her joining up the campaign has made me realise that it is as important to help others through their problems at home. One must not underestimate the damage that domestic violence can cause – it can be life threatening. I now strongly believe that a husband and wife must work as a team. Today, my wife and I work together on our paddy field and raise livestock together. I have begun talking to my friends about domestic violence using the campaign material. Many of my friends ridicule me but that does not stop me.”