Personal Liberation Journey: A Case Study Through a Decolonial Development Perspective

After marriage, the author experienced restricted mobility, surveillance, and undervalued labour—conditions described as “centralized authority, unquestioned obedience, and the extraction of labour without equitable recognition.”

These constraints led to emotional distress, diminished agency, and internalized dependency. A turning point came when the author reclaimed personal autonomy through self-reflection, goal setting, and prioritizing personal development. Community support played a crucial role in healing, aligning with participatory and people‑centered development approaches.

The narrative highlights broader implications for development practice: recognizing structural oppression within households, promoting agency, creating safe communication spaces, valuing lived experience, and advocating for cultural and structural change. Ultimately, the journey illustrates how personal liberation contributes to collective empowerment and social transformation.