Surviving against all odds: Fausia’s fight for justice and reproductive rights in Honduras

In November 2015, Fausia was brutally attacked by two men while collecting water from the river. They beat her, raped her and threatened to kill her if she reported the incident. Fausia, a 34-year-old indigenous woman from Honduras, now shares her story at the Women’s Rights Center in Tegucigalpa. She had previously denounced Honduras before the UN Human Rights Committee for prohibiting her from having an abortion.

Fausia’s father was a chief of the Nahua people, and he had defended their territorial rights. The attack on Fausia was a retaliation against him. It took Fausia a month to gather the courage to report the incident to the prosecutor’s office. The legal process that followed was long and arduous, leading to deteriorating health for Fausia. When she found out she was pregnant as a result of the rape, she faced rejection and emotional turmoil as she was prohibited from having an abortion in Honduras.

Despite facing numerous challenges such as harassment and threats against herself and her family, Fausia remained determined to seek justice. After eight years of legal battles, finally saw her attackers arrested and found guilty in court. However, the legal battle is still ongoing with appeals possible.

Honduras is one of six countries in Latin America where abortion is completely banned even in cases of fetal malformation or danger to a woman’s life. Fausia’s case has attracted international attention with organizations like Center for Reproductive Rights supporting her fight for justice and reproductive rights.

Throughout this ordeal, Fausia has remained resolute in seeking justice for herself and other women in Honduras who face similar struggles.