Prija (not her real name) was born in Thailand. She grew up in a poor rural family and as a young adult moved to Bangkok, where she got factory work so that she could send money back home. Her first child was born in Bangkok, but when the child was 18 months old she and the father separated and Prija became a single mother.
Not long afterwards Prija met a Canadian man who was in Thailand as a tourist. The two embarked upon a relationship and for two years the man made frequent trips to Thailand. Prija became pregnant and the couple married and arranged for her to come to Canada, sponsored by his Mother.
Arriving in Canada was a bewildering experience for Prija. With her two daughters she moved into the home of her in-laws and struggled to understand the new culture she found herself in. She tried hard to make everyone happy by doing housework, cooking and helping to take care of her disabled father-in-law, but she never felt part of the family and struggled with loneliness and isolation.
To make matters worse, Prija’s husband seemed to be a completely different person once the couple arrived in Canada. She discovered that he dealt drugs and the kind of people he was frequenting made her feel unsafe. He would often stay out late at night leaving her feeling abandoned. Prija had no financial independence – the only money she had access to was the money her husband gave her.
In despair, Prija finally confided to a Thai friend how unhappy she was. She had no idea what her rights were in Canada and what she could do about her situation. The friend advised her to talk to a lawyer, but shortly afterwards her husband told her he wanted a separation. Prija’s friend helped her to find a place in a women’s shelter. Five days later she returned to the home of her in-laws but because of accumulated stress and anxiety she ended up being hospitalized.
Prija came to Logifem directly from the hospital. At first she was unsure about living in a women’s shelter but with time she says that she has become stronger in her mind and in her heart. She has created a routine for herself and her daughters and is working on finding an apartment as well as taking English lessons.
Prija has a network of friends now and new dreams for her future. She would like to become a psychologist so that she can help people who are suffering.
Meeting Prija has reminded us how vulnerable immigrant women can be when they arrive in Canada. We are so impressed by her resilience and her determination to make a good life for her and her daughters.