Like many girls who grew up in the Northern mountainous region of Vietnam, Dang did not receive family support for her education due to financial hardship. She always dreamed about wearing a uniform and going to school like other girls, however she found herself having to carry her family’s responsibilities at a very young age.
Furthermore, lacking the ability to speak or write in the national Kinh language, Dang faced many difficulties and had extreme dependency on her husband. Taking advantage of this power imbalance, her husband hit her every time he disapproved of her behavior or attitude.
Dang suffered domestic violence for years until one day she was desperate for change and to be free from the abuse. She reached out to a friend who introduced her to a man with a job offer for her. Dang trusted her friend so accepted this stranger’s invitation thinking it would be a chance to improve her situation.
Due to her illiteracy, it was not until Dang arrived in a strange and faraway place that she became aware she had been trafficked to China. There she was forced to marry a Chinese man and do a lot of work. No matter how hard she tried to call out for help, her voice went unheard in a deserted house. Only the love for her children in Vietnam helped her not to give up hope and gain the strength to find a way to get back home. Her hope was eventually fulfilled when Chinese police found out about her case and brought her back to Vietnam.
Even though she was tricked into going to China and was forced to marry a strange man, her Vietnamese husband’s family blamed her for everything. They criticised her and wanted to kick her and the children out of the house they had been living in.
Given the complexities of their circumstances Dang was certain her family was doomed. “I was so sure that my kids and I were at a dead end. I tried to find a proper job with a stable income but always failed. Because I can’t speak the Kinh language, I only can do some animal rearing or sewing at home. My kids are very young so I can’t travel too far, either,” she said.
Fortunately, Hagar Vietnam and The International Organization for Migration heard about her situation from the Women’s Union in the Mu Cang Chai district. After assessing her case, Dang was provided animal husbandry skills, which help her earn an income to support herself and her children.
Hagar’s Case Manager also visited her home and determined her immediate needs. Living in very poor conditions, without warm clothes or kitchen utensils, her and her kids were struggling so Hagar also supported them with necessities to ensure their wellbeing.
Dang happily shared:
“I’m so grateful I get a chance to receive this great support from Hagar. Life is better for us now thanks to this timely support. My children are thrilled they have new and warm clothes. I think this winter is less severe for us”.
Disclaimer: Hagar pursues the highest degree of care and protection for each of its clients. To protect the identity of our clients, names have been changed and images do not necessarily represent the individual profiled.
