My name is Leela. I grew up in Kerala in the extended family home.
I was the last in a line of nine children and
my parents didn't have
the funds to send me to school beyond 10th Standard. Besides,
my brother had four children and I had to stay home and take care of them.
I had a love marriage with
no dowry. I don't like the dowry system.
If you have a love marriage and like each other then you can
have a lifetime of happiness.
I'm teaching my boys not to
consider dowry when choosing a wife.
My husband works in Kerala for Catholic Relief Agency.
Women aren't allowed
on the campus where he lives, so we live
apart and he visits me once a month. After the children left home
I became lonely and depressed. Because I didn't
want to get
a
bad reputation, I never left the house. I never rode a bus.
I had no self confidence. Rajakumari was my neighbor and
she invited me to join
Blue Mango. I am the one that Tamar
sends to Madurai for mailing parcels. I am Quality Control
Supervisor. Now I even go to Chennai on
my own. My sons and
husband are so proud of me. Blue Mango has a reputation
as a safe haven for women and it is here that I have
found friendships and self
confidence.