After abuse, Shaneika Murray rises
HAVING been a victim of domestic abuse at the hands of her estranged husband, 31-year-old Shaneika Murray knew she had to do something to help women who are in a similar situation but are unsure how to get out.
A woman wearing many hats, Murray, who is a constable in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), a trained educator, vocalist, literacy specialist, businesswoman, and a mentor for young women, said she is dedicated to making women’s lives better.
“I was abused physically, emotionally, and mentally. I can speak about it now because I am healing. I started mentoring young ladies and older women as far back as 2017. I have been invited a few times to speak to young girls at various schools and women in certain forums. And, since COVID, I have done some online seminars. After my ordeal and being left alone, I went through much pain emotionally, but realised that many women go through very similar situations,” Murray told All Woman.
Adding that her ultimate goal is to help vulnerable women actualise their full potential, Murray said, “[The] statistics would have shown that quite few of these women remain in this situation because they are unable to adequately provide for themselves.”
Seemingly a living example of financial independence being the key to getting women out of abusive relationships, Murray said this is how she liberated herself.
“I grew up in a Christian home, which instilled certain discipline in me. I got married at 22 and taught for a few years. I never wanted to find myself with multiple partners just to gain material essentials, so I decided to tap into my talents and training from my home economics qualification to make money to pay my bills. So the will to survive forced me to start my business,” she explained.
Aiming to change her life after separating from her husband, Murray attributed the force that kept her going to her strong Christian beliefs which, ultimately, gave her the drive to establish her own business — Sheets by Shaneika — in 2016.
Murray said her biggest achievement is her “willpower” because after everything she went through, “God has given me the will and the drive to push forward and use my unfortunate circumstances as a force for good.”
Murray, who will be hosting a workshop at the Commissioner’s Office in July, explained that “during this workshop we will have a specialist share with the women how to use social media to boost their business, and Jennifer “Jenny Jenny” Small, will be our guest speaker.”
Continuing, she added that the women she has mentored are now able to gain strength from their negative experiences.
“The young ladies with whom I have worked with are grateful. They know they can call on me at any time for ideas and advice, and I have watched their businesses expand and their confidence boosted, which is my ultimate goal,” she said. “They gain strength from their negative experiences.”
Murray explained that she aims to make a difference in the life of as many women as possible and this is one reason her mentorship programme is free of cost. She encouraged women who are interested to contact her through her Instagram account @sheetsbyShaneika.
