In the vibrant community of Jaliapalong, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, the story of a single mother stands as a testament to determination and the transformative power of support.
Nur Nahar, a single mother and person with a disability as well, living along with her 11-year-old son at her parents’ house. Her life took a challenging turn after being abandoned by her husband when her son was only 1 year old. Being a person with disability has made her life even more vulnerable, as the community’s attitude towards her was often unkind. She was even considered a burden in her parents’ home.
After her separation, it became incredibly challenging for her to support her son’s education as she couldn’t engage in income-generating activities. Despite these adversities, Nur Nahar has demonstrated remarkable resilience, striving to secure a stable future for her family.
Nur Nahar’s journey began to change when she joined the Community-Based Child Protection Committee (CBCPC) through the Joining Forces for Food Securities & Child Protection in Emergencies (JF-FS&CPIE) project. This initiative, implemented by Plan International Bangladesh in partnership with the BITA (Bangladesh Institute of Theatre Arts), focused on strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms and building individual capacities.
Reflecting on her involvement, Nur Nahar shared,
“Through my involvement in CBCPC, I feel I am not just helping my family but also making a difference for the children in my community.”
As an active CBCPC member, Nur Nahar contributed to organizing community-led child protection initiatives. Her dedication to improving the welfare of children in her community, despite her struggles, was widely recognized. JF-FS&CPiE acknowledged her potentiality by enrolling her in their Income Generating Activities (IGA) support program.
With the support provided from the project, Nur Nahar purchased a sewing machine, transforming her tailoring skills into a livelihood. Today, she tailors clothes for her community, earning a modest income that supports her son’s education and contributes to household expenses. The project team is always encouraging and closely monitoring her progress. Now, she can manage her son’s educational expenses and support her family to ensure food security. She is also helping other women and girls in her community by providing sewing training and suggestions.
“I believe that people can do many things if they have education, skills and interest and can change their lives. With the sewing machine, I have found a way to support my son’s education, food and contribute to my community as well.”- Nur Nahar said.
Through her tailoring business and active involvement in CBCPC, Nur Nahar exemplifies how community-driven initiatives can inspire hope and foster self-reliance. Her story is not just one of personal triumph but also a source of motivation for her community.
While life continues to present challenges, Nur Nahar’s resolve remains unwavering. With her sewing machine, she weaves not just garments but a narrative of perseverance, empowerment, and optimism for her son and her community. Her journey underscores the significance of JF-FS&CPiE initiatives, which empower individuals to become agents of change.
Nur Nahar’s narrative serves as a powerful reminder of how resilience and community support can drive transformation, even in the face of adversity.
Nur Nahar has also requested to provide additional support to expand her tailoring business and ensure higher education of her son. This highlights the importance of ongoing investment in empowerment initiatives to sustain and amplify their impact.
This publication was produced with the financial support of the German Humanitarian Assistance
Its contents are the sole responsibility of Joining Forces and do not necessarily reflect the views of the German Humanitarian Assistance.