Maya Dhami (name changed), 32, of Urlabari-4 in Morang district was married at the age of 16. After some years of her marriage, her husband went for foreign employment in Dubai. Till then they had a good conjugal life which then gradually worsened, and eventually after returning to Nepal, he remarried. Maya was helpless as both the society and the in-laws accepted the second marriage. With no choice left other than to succumb to the situation, few years passed by with her husband who had been taking care of her and their children to some extent. But this even did not last long and they started to abuse her physically and mentally, and did not provide her with basic needs like foods and clothes. More than for herself, she feared for the future of her children.
With the recommendation of one of her neighbors, she registered the case of property against her husband on 30th August 2014 in Urlabari CMC. On 1st September, the CMC called both parties for mediation. During mediation, it became clear that Maya wanted to live separately to avoid any violence against her and the children but was against divorcing just for the sake of her children’s future. She just wanted to have her share of property to make a livelihood which the second party also realized as the minimum she could ask for. Her husband also accepted his mistake and became ready to give her a piece of land, 7 dhur (1275.55 sq. foot), and NRs. 100,000 to build a separate house for her. He also committed that he would not commit such mistakes again and would take a responsibility to look after his children and her basic needs.
As per the commitment, her husband transferred the property in her name, and it was also reported that since then they are living separately and are happy to choose their lives in the way they agreed during mediation. Hence, though little, mediation at least eased her life and could ensure some property in her name without spending any cost. She is very grateful to the mediation program and the mediators for this.
