Fear And Pain Of Nithari Case Is Still Present In The Minds Of The People Here: Rubina Begum

Nithari: The infamous serial murder case of 2006 where 19 women and children were killed still haunts the residents of the small village Nithari, located in Uttar Pradesh. Out of those facing the consequences of that fateful incident are women and children who are forced to remain indoors, forbidden to step out or stay out of home for too long, especially after sun down. This sheltered life means that they are not encouraged to pursue education or seek jobs both of which require venturing out into the big bad world.

Rubina Begum, recounts how life has come to a standstill since the gruesome murders shocked the world 11 years ago.

The fear and pain of Nithari case is still present in the minds of the people here. Our families didn't allow us to go out because they are afraid that this might get repeated.

Living in confinement was not the way to put the horrible incident behind or get over one's fears, life had to move on, felt Rubina. That opportunity came her way when Usha Silai School, opened in Nithari in collaboration with the Joint Women Programme after the 2006 murder cases.

The Usha initiative teaches stitching and Dari (carpet) making to women of multiple villages across the country. It has helped women, who had very little opportunities in life, become independent and self-sufficient. Through the silai school, Rubina learnt stitching and developed an interest in it.

We (women) were unemployed before coming to Usha Silai School but now we are standing on our own feet. I am content from within knowing that I am doing something worthy.

After her 7-day training session, Rubina received a signage, a course booklet and a sewing machine. This helped her to open her own Silai School. Apart from training others, she began stitching salwar suits for her neighbours at Rs 150 - Rs 200. Now, she has expanded her business and people from nearby village specially come to Nithari to have their clothes stitched by her.

Slowly slowly people started recognising me at the School and also in nearby places. Now I am able to earn more money which is also helping my family.

It's been a year since Rubina joined the Silai School and today, she feels proud to be the first earning woman in her family.

My husband does repairing work but his salary is too meagre to fulfil all the needs of our house. That's when I decided to contribute a bit by stitching. Even without going out, I can easily earn approximately Rs 200 by stitching one salwar suit.

One of the major hurdles Rubina crossed was overcoming her fear of living in Nithari and opening up to communicate with other villagers. Once she got to know her neighbours, she was able to encourage women to learn sewing. This opening up to the world helped restore normalcy in Rubina's life.

Their life had changed a lot (post the murder case). Now they are able to move out of their houses, learn sewing and earn money. This has helped them to improve their financial conditions

Also Read: Proud That I Can Teach A Skill To Poor Village Women And Help Them Become Self-Reliant: Rintu Gogoi