“If I can have peace in my family, then why can’t others do the same?” asks Mustafa from Ranipara. His motivation is simply the belief that every family can be a peaceful family. Mustafa began working with a campaign ally last year after he had discovered the ‘We Can’ campaign.

Born to a family of nine children Mustafa knows only too well the hardships involved in taking care of a family. As a child he could not comprehend why his mother had to be sent to her father’s home every time there was a financial crisis in the family. This left a lasting impression on him and in due course contributed to his sensitivity about women’s rights.

“Inshallah, my family lives in peace and we have a happy marriage, it has been15 years now” says Mustafa. He is self-employed through his farm, poultry and fishing businesses. He contributes ample time to spread the message of the campaign through door to door visits and by facilitating community meetings. One question people frequently ask during these discussions is “Is it possible to stop violence against women?” He responds with a resounding “YES”.

“Many families do not realise how circumstances contribute to violence. For example, if the husband comes home from the market and demands food immediately, it is not possible for the wife to serve the food instantly because she has been working at the farm and taking care of the kids and the home. It is a matter of common sense! So if the husband does not share the house and farm work, then dinner will be delayed! But this remains a very typical cause for violence in all homes and sustained by lack of knowledge about the issue. The men have grown up watching their fathers beat their mothers, so it is a natural for them to do it as well.”

Having worked with different social work organisations for a few years, Mustafa suggests “The ‘We Can’ campaign should give detailed descriptions, messages and solutions to the problems related to violence against women that are specific to the rural community. People will read it; they will have the patience to read it simply because they are curious to know how to make their lives better. Women and men are equal and women have the right to have a dignified and peaceful life.”