From a life of abuse and hardship, to a safe harbor

After years of struggle, Aminath Ali of ADh. Maamiligi and her three children have finally found a safe harbor. But as they breathe a sigh of relief for the first time in a long time, the memories of their past continue to haunt them.

Life hasn’t been easy for Aminath. She faced physical and emotional abuse during her marriage of 13 years, until she finally broke free and walked away, driven by the sheer will to protect her children and find them a better life.

Aminath became her family’s sole breadwinner. She faced numerous challenges. But the biggest and most daunting challenge was a lack of proper housing. She and her three children were forced to live in a house without proper roofing. They used pieces of polyester fabric to protect themselves from the rain and the beating sun. They slept on a bare mattress as cockroaches and other vermin crawled on top of them.

This all changed when they moved to a new home built for them under the ‘HiyaVahi 2024’ campaign run by Moms Aid, a local non-profit dedicated to empowering struggling mothers across the country.

Moms Aid launched its campaign to build a home for Aminath and her family on March 27. They signed an agreement with Snow Builders, which finished construction in six months. They have now moved into their new home.

This family, that has been through so much, finally feel safe.

Aminath said she felt overwhelmed with emotion when she took her first steps into their new home. She saw sheer joy mirrored in her children’s faces.

“I never, for once in my life, thought we would have the fortune of living in such a beautiful home. I did not believe it when the ladies from Moms Aid called and told me. I cannot explain what I felt when I put the keys in and entered this home today,” said a visibly emotional Aminath.

The family has received a place where they can be safe. Where they can laugh and relax. Where the children can live the carefree life they are meant to live, not worrying about having a roof over their head or food to eat.

Many mothers across the Maldives are struggling with domestic violence. But for one mother, things are finally looking up. Aminath has mastered the huge waves that had been crashing down on her life and finally reached a safe harbor with her family. For them, their new home is equal to the most magnificent palace.

“I thank everyone from Moms Aid and all well-wishers for this happiness I and my three children have received. We made it here with the help of many people,” she said.

Aminath is finally free of the shadow of suffering. Her eyes fill with tears of gratitude to the Almighty Allah, for granting her duas for a happy life. With their past in the rearview, Aminath and her children look to the future with hope.