Break Free Stories: Kerala woman's travel retreat for divorcees wins hearts

Rafia Afi went through the divorce process around nine months ago, but she was blessed with a supportive family. From working with her dad in their family business to running a football community for women in Kerala's Malappuram, the 31-year-old single mother had a secure life. Occasionally, she would post social media content about divorce and separation as well. That's when her eyes were opened to a harsh truth - not every divorcee is as privileged as her or enjoys the kind of support she had.

The realisation led to the formation of a beautiful community, which is a first-of-its-kind in Kerala. 'Break Free Stories,' which Rafia launched around May this year, conducts support retreats for divorced, widowed, and separated women. After holding around three camps so far in Kerala, Rafia is all set to conduct her first in the UAE on July 19 and 20. 

"Despite being divorced, I used to travel, had a loving home and friends. As I used to do social media content on divorce, many women used to connect with me. Some of them even used to feel suicidal and lonely, as not many could understand their journey," recalls Rafia. The idea to do a camp of the sort dawned on her one fine day, she says. "Honestly, I didn't think much about it. All I wanted to do was create a healing space for these women, where people don't judge them," Rafia says. The camp was in Vagamon, and its positive feedback and encore calls urged her to conduct two more in Kerala. 

A typical Break Free Stories camp is usually a two-day, one-night retreat. "We went to high range areas of Kerala in KSRTC buses, stayed in tents, explored nature, tried a hand at trekking, singing, dancing and games. There were also a few sessions to open up. I guess it helped participants even to make new friends," Rafia says, describing an uncomfortable fact. "In the case of many women, they lose contact with their old friends or colleagues, being extremely focused on the marriage. However, when the relationship falls apart, they realise they also don't have any connections left. Rebuilding the lost links, especially at such points, is also not easy. That's where platforms like Break Free Stories can help," says Rafia. 

For some of the camp attendees, even going on such trips was a new experience, she recalls. Rafia says that Break Free Stories also tries to spread the message that just like marriage, a separation can also be beautiful. 

For Rafia, a postgraduate in physics from the University of Hyderabad, creating communities to help women isn't a new endeavour. As a youngster from the football-crazy Malappuram district of Kerala, Rafia used to play in the centre back position even while at university. "There are many football turfs in Malappuram and Kozhikode, and men book them as a group, often. However, I found that there aren't enough groups for women to play. That's why I launched 'Football For Her,'" Rafia says. Whenever their time permit, her community get together to play and have fun. 

Rafia's dreams are big about taking Break Free Stories to more women. "So far, I have taken only about 20 women per group. Moreover, spending time at the properties we book also takes a fee. However, I want to make it affordable for more women and help them overcome the tough times they are fighting," says Rafia, who also wishes to take Break Free Stories to other parts of India. Those interested can reach out on +91 90379 82281 to connect with Break Free Stories.