India – Rukmani married young, hoping for a peaceful home. But soon after the wedding, her husband’s drinking turned violent, and their house became a place of fear. Her only comfort was her son, who clung to her as she tried to shield him from the anger.

With no income or support, Rukmani often went without food so her son could eat. She sold her last possessions—an old bangle, a spare pot—just to survive. One stormy evening, her husband erupted in rage and threw them out with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Soaked in the rain, Rukmani sat under a tree all night holding her crying son. She felt utterly alone—no family, no shelter, no way forward. But when her son whispered, “Ma, I’m hungry,” something shifted. She made a silent promise: I will not give up. I will fight—for him.

Days later, Rukmani discovered our sewing center for women seeking a new beginning. She waited outside all night for it to open. When the instructor welcomed her with kindness, it was the first gentle word she had heard in years.

Though sewing was difficult at first, the encouragement of her trainers and peers restored her confidence.

A year later, with support from the center, Rukmani opened her own tailoring shop. She began with one machine; today she has steady customers and a reliable income. Her son is in school, and they share meals each night—not in fear, but in peace.