News announcement: Economic empowerment workshops for forced marriage survivors
Universal Truth, a social enterprise dedicated to helping forced marriage survivors, has launched an economic empowerment support package with an award from The National Lottery Community Fund in Scotland, made possible by National Lottery players.
The ‘It’s My Money’ programme will help forced marriage survivors to understand their financial rights, how to access relevant benefits, better manage their money, and even how to invest money, or start up a business.
Forced marriage survivor, Nyla Khan, (pictured above) set up Universal Truth three years ago and has since helped hundreds of ethnic minority women rebuild their lives after forced marriage.
She said: “The majority of forced marriage survivors have been subjected to financial and economic abuse. This is when they have had control over their finances removed. It leaves them without money for essentials such as food and clothing, access to independent income, and often burdened with debts. In most cases they have no idea of their rights.”
‘It’s My Money’ will comprise a series of workshops to identify and apply for relevant state benefits; secure debt management services; source appropriate lines of credit; and learn about budgeting.
Working with specialist financial advisors and providing language translation services when required, the programme will ensure a safe, confidential, and supportive environment to help the women overcome the challenges they face, become financially secure, and rebuild their lives.
Nyla said: “Lack of access to economic resources is a key reason why women feel they must stay with an abuser. They are socially isolated and convinced to believe they are alone in the world. These feelings of isolation and unworthiness are detrimental to their mental health and often lead to self-harm and attempts of suicide; not to mention the side-effects to the children of those women who are mothers.”
The fully funded programme is available to forced marriage and honour-based violence survivors based in Edinburgh. In tandem with the practical financial advice and guidance, the support will also focus on the individual's mindset, and how they can reach their maximum potential by looking at ways to start up a business or explore ways to invest money.
The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still said: “National Lottery funding can make amazing things happen in local communities across the country. This project delivered by Universal Truth CIC, is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others.
“National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work which is making a real difference to so many.”
Nyla concluded: “The National Lottery Community Fund award will help us educate and inform forced marriage survivors to understand what they need at the times where they need it most. This support will restore women’s confidence and help them take back full control of their lives. This means they are more able to carve out a career path, achieve financial independence, and achieve their dreams.”