'Divorced and super happy'; Rafia's 'Break Free Stories' trending on Instagram

KOZHIKODE: For Rafia Afi, life has been topsy-turvy, offering her lessons in every stage. She got married in 2015 while studying at the University of Hyderabad. Rafia graduated with good marks in her postgraduate degree in Integrated M.Sc. Physics. Just ten months back, Rafia, the Malappuram native, had to bid adieu to her nine years of marriage. There were differences between the couple which didn’t improve despite the years passing by.

"If you can't get along with your partner, it is wise to break up. Divorce can sometimes be the beginning of a better life." That was Rafia's stance. This led to Rafia starting a group of divorced women called 'Break Free Stories'. Rafia, who was active in business with her father, is now brimming with life in enthusiasm with her six-year-old daughter. Trekking and travelling are her comforts.

The response to her videos on Instagram about divorce and single parenting led to the formation of 'Break Free Stories'. With this in mind, the 31-year-old Rafia aims to organise camps across Kerala. Rafia Afi lives with her parents near Calicut University. Father: Abubakar Kadakulam. Mother: Ruqiya.

Rafia started playing football while studying an Integrated M.Sc. Physics at the University of Hyderabad. Back at home, there were no women playing football on the turf. Rafia began to inquire and found out that many women were admirers of the sport. However, due to the stigma associated with society, they haven't yet played the game on a field. Rafia started a 'Football for Her' group on Instagram and WhatsApp for those who love football.

“If things go well, family life will be beautiful. If things don’t, it is wise to split and make your life beautiful,” says Rafia.