With a very unsettled childhood, Sumana is 24-year-old young lady from Kangra District in Himanchal Pradesh. At only 6 years old, her father left home after many alcoholic disputes, abandoning her brother, sister, and mother. Later at 11 years old, her mother sadly passed away suddenly, leaving nobody to care for her and her siblings.

Sumana led a tough life moving from house to house, depending on uncles and other relatives to take her in. As a result, Sumana’s education was disrupted, however she was persistent in receiving an education and continued through to 10^th class with great determination.

At 17 years old, her relatives arranged her marriage with an older man. Within a single week of their wedding, her husband started fighting with her every day without any reason. Sumana had a child, and was forced to put up with the terrible situation for 6 years, to keep people around her happy.

One day while visiting a doctor near her in-law’s home, she told her story to the doctor’s wife. Luckily, they referred her to an NGO (Jagori) working on women empowerment where they allowed her to live in one of the guest rooms and subsequently work as an office assistant. They also helped her to file a gender based violence case, which she is currently fighting in court. When Sumana found out about Azad, she knew it was a wonderful opportunity to do something productive with her life. It was the first time in her life that she traveled alone to Jaipur, but she did it all in the hope of building a better future for her child.

Feeling completely liberated at the Azad Foundation, Sumana’s life has changed following her training on road practice. Presently her child is under ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) centre until her training is complete, but she hopes to find a job quickly so that she can bring her child back. She is so happy living in the hostel and loves learning self-defense and English.

‘I have learned so many new things from other girls, all with different and unique backgrounds. I am enjoying the training immensely.’