Meet Rumana Monzur: Lawyer, Human Rights Activist & Domestic Violence Survivor

After Rumana Monzur was viciously attacked and blinded by her husband in her hometown of Dhaka, Bangladesh, she refused to give up. She started her career as a Lecturer in International Relations but after becoming blind, she decided to take her career in a new direction. In May 2017, Rumana obtained a law degree and went on to article at International Law Firm, DLA Piper (Canada) LLP. Currently, she is a counsel at the Department of Justice Canada in Vancouver. We caught up with her ahead of the premiere of  ‘Untying the Knot’, the first documentary feature film from director Zana Shammi, that explores Rumana’s survival and the stories of three women in Rumana’s hometown in Bangladesh.

When I was young, I wanted to be… A pilot 

My proudest accomplishment is… When I gained my daughter’s confidence back in me after becoming blind.

My boldest move to date was… Applying to law school.

My biggest setback was… My blindness.

I overcame it by… Being hopeful and staying positive.

I would tell survivors of domestic violence… Never forget how precious your life is and your life is full of possibilities. 

Watching ‘Untying the Knot’ for the first time after we filmed it … Made me emotional and reminded me of my unbelievable journey.

“I have learnt that one ray of light is enough to show us the right direction even in the darkest hours of our lives.”

After watching the documentary I want people to understand… Your Inner strength can do miracles. 

My greatest advice from a mentor was… Not to lose my “sparkly” personality

If I were to pick one thing that has helped me succeed, it would be…  A constant reminder that it is possible to transition from hopeless to hopeful in the blink of an eye. 

I surprise people when I tell them… I do my own make-up

The future excites me because… It is full of possibilities and surprises.

Untying the Knot Trailer from IN SYNC MEDIA on Vimeo.