Maria is my name and have been customarily married for over nine years and we have three children. In 2007 due to some misunderstanding my husband sent me away from our matrimonial home I even left behind my young children. I did not know that I was pregnant. When I contacted him he said that I had cheated. I went to the Chairman of my village and even to Police but people said that I was a prostitute. A woman who was looking after me told me to come to MIFUMI and I could not believe the warm welcome I received from the staff. At first I thought only men seat in offices but I found women at the Advice Centre where they talked to me and also gave me a place to live. A case was opened in Court for maintenance and custody of my children, and the Magistrate ordered my husband to bring back the children to me and also give me money to look after them. I will never forget the day I saw my children running towards me after a long separation and entering my house that he was ordered to construct for us.

At one time I almost gave up the case because transport is expensive from my village where I stay and coming to court almost every week. When the MIFUMI women said they would give me where to live I could not believe it. Im happy now and I stay with my children and also cultivate the land which MIFUMI told my husband to give me.