Sajeda working with her machine. Photo: Nurun Nabi Sajeda’s success henever you pass by Sajeda’s house (Shade-47) nearby the main road of Block F at Kutupalong refugee camp in Ukhiya , Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, you’re likely to hear the rhythmic sound of a sewing machine. From time to time though, you’ll see Sajeda’s customers receiving their pre-ordered dresses. At other times, you may hear the sound of her battery- powered TV or DVD player. As you pass by Sajeda’s house during lunch, your senses may be aroused as you smell the delicious aroma of well-prepared meat or fish. At all times, Sajeda wears a wrist watch to maintain her busy schedule and to finish her work on time. Overall, these signs indicate the success of a woman who has lifted herself out of extreme poverty. Sajeda lives with her daughter who is 15 years old. Her husband returned to Myanmar in 1995, leaving Sajeda while she was pregnant. Since then, she has not had any communication with her husband. In fact, she doesn’t know whether he is still alive. Nevertheless, she still waits with the belief that her husband will come back to her someday. After he had left her, she recalls that it was a terrifying time for her. She describe those days as “bad dreams” where there was no protection, no income, no support, no proper food, no proper lodging, and no guidance. Those days were miserable and she wants to forget them. Fortunately, her situation gradually improved. Yet she was still unable to be self-reliant. She did have vocational skills in tailoring and dress-making, but she lacked the tools and financial capital to utilize her skills. After she received the small WFP grant (comprising of empty bags and oil containers which she could sell), Sajeda was able to buy a sewing machine and clothing materials. Now her monthly income is 2500-3000 taka. This has brought a dramatic change in her life, and she has become a role model for other women in the camp. She has begun teaching sewing to her daughter, female relatives and some neighbors so that their livelihoods may be improved also. Now, Sajeda is planning for her daughter’s future, so she is very frugal with her money. Sajeda has also taken her father and mother into her care, providing for their material needs too. As a result, Sajeda now lives with greater financial security and self-confidence. Sajeda has said, “I know the pangs and suffering of life, but those have passed. Now I am happy. God helped me through WFP. Thanks WFP for supporting me.” Nurun Nabi, Assistant Program Officer, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh W

Sajeda’s success W - World Food Programme...Sajeda working with her machine. Photo: Nurun Nabi Sajeda’s success henever you pass by Sajeda’s house (Shade-47) nearby the main

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Sajeda working with her machine. Photo: Nurun Nabi

Sajeda’s success

henever you pass by Sajeda’s house (Shade-47) nearby the main road of Block F at Kutupalong refugee camp in Ukhiya , Cox’s Bazar,

Bangladesh, you’re likely to hear the rhythmic sound of a sewing machine. From time to time though, you’ll see Sajeda’s customers receiving their pre-ordered dresses. At other times, you may hear the sound of her battery-powered TV or DVD player. As you pass by Sajeda’s house during lunch, your senses may be aroused as you

smell the delicious aroma of well-prepared meat or fish. At all times, Sajeda wears a wrist watch to maintain her busy schedule and to finish her work on time. Overall, these signs indicate the success of a woman who has lifted herself out of extreme poverty. Sajeda lives with her daughter who is 15 years old. Her husband returned to Myanmar in 1995, leaving Sajeda while she was pregnant. Since then, she has not had any communication with her husband. In fact, she doesn’t know whether he is still alive. Nevertheless, she still waits with the belief that her husband will come back to her someday. After he had left her, she recalls that it was a terrifying time for her. She describe those days as “bad dreams” where there was no protection, no income, no support, no proper food, no proper lodging, and no guidance. Those days were miserable and she wants to forget them. Fortunately, her situation gradually improved. Yet she was still unable to be self-reliant. She did have vocational skills in tailoring and dress-making, but she lacked the tools and financial capital to utilize her skills. After she received the small WFP grant (comprising of empty bags and oil containers which she could sell), Sajeda was able to buy a sewing machine and clothing materials. Now her monthly income is 2500-3000 taka. This has brought a dramatic change in her life, and she has become a role model for other women in the camp. She has begun teaching sewing to her daughter, female relatives and some neighbors so that their livelihoods may be improved also. Now, Sajeda is planning for her daughter’s future, so she is very frugal with her money. Sajeda has also taken her father and mother into her care, providing for their material needs too. As a result, Sajeda now lives with greater financial security and self-confidence. Sajeda has said, “I know the pangs and suffering of life, but those have passed. Now I am happy. God helped me through WFP. Thanks WFP for supporting me.” Nurun Nabi, Assistant Program Officer, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh