By Zahra Hashemi, Women’s Support Worker/Counselling Support Worker
As gender-based violence remains an ongoing issue around the world, it is important to highlight the challenges that families and individuals face and the impact it has on their lives. By sharing the inspiring story of Sara*, a former participant in MOSAIC’s violence prevention program, we see how support and intervention can lead to transformative change and a renewed sense of hope.
Originally from Afghanistan, Sara lived most of her life in Sweden, where, at a very young age, she entered an arranged marriage with a much older man. Despite her difficult circumstances, she did not accept her fate passively. A mother of three young children, Sara often dreamed of leaving, but she felt trapped by the threats and various forms of abuse she endured from her ex-husband—abuse she didn’t fully recognize at the time.
In 2022, seeking a safer and better life, Sara decided to come to Canada. She arrived with little more than hope, knowing no one and facing the daunting task of building a new life alone. It was then that she reached out to MOSAIC’s Violence Prevention team, where she found a supportive community ready to help her take steps toward safety. Through MOSAIC’s multicultural outreach service, she received help in finding shelter, accessing counselling, connecting with job opportunities, translating documents, and navigating her immigration journey. With determination, Sara found work as a care aide, attended English classes, and volunteered in her community, all while living in the shelter.
As she continued to build her new life, Sara encountered further challenges, including housing instability and complex paperwork, but she never gave up. She fell ill with chest nodules that made it hard to breathe, eventually making the difficult decision to return to Sweden to be with her children. With the support of counselling sessions, Sara was able to manage her emotions and prepare to invite her children to visit her in Canada, explaining her decision to move for her safety and well-being.
Though her dream of settling in Canada was not fully realized, Sara’s journey is a story of courage and growth, showing the resilience needed to seek safety and a fresh start. Her experiences highlight the value of comprehensive support services like those offered by MOSAIC, which provided her with the resources to build a new life for herself and her children.
Sara’s story, along with those of many other diverse and inspiring women, reminds us of the transformative power of individual courage and community support. These stories inspire us all to play a part in creating a more inclusive society, where each of us has the potential to make a difference and foster a sense of belonging for everyone.
If you or someone you know is at risk of or experiencing violence or abuse, MOSAIC is here to help. Our dedicated violence prevention services provide confidential, multicultural support through one-on-one counselling and support groups, designed to help individuals build healthy relationships, find the resources they need, and support their recovery.
*Name changed for privacy.
