Dozens of young women have been forced into polyandrous marriages to alleviate their families poverty - a solution considered acceptable by village elders. But forced marriages are distinctly unpopular with women. Balana women suffer throughout their lives - from the cradle to the grave, says one woman. The suffering begins in the family home. They eat, sleep, study, play and mate in this shack.
Incest is rampant.
Lakmali was a graceful dancer - the star of every school show until she fainted at a dance recital one year ago. This is quite common, explains Charlotte Premalatha, mother of four. Most people in this village are very poor and live in overcrowded huts. The women and children bear the brunt of poverty in Balana. And the women often opt for escape.