Salema Khatun, a resilient mother of four, lives in Camp-26 in Teknaf, home to the world’s largest Rohingya refugee settlement. After losing her husband, she became the sole provider for her family, facing immense hardship. Her days were spent running a small floating shop across the camp, but the income was never enough to meet even the basic needs of her children—food, education, and healthcare remained out of reach.
“I used to worry every day about how to feed my children. I worked hard, but it was never enough,” Salema shared.
Her life began to change when she was selected to join the Natural Resource Management (NRM) project, implemented by ActionAid Bangladesh.
The Natural Resource Management (NRM) project, implemented by ActionAid as a cooperating partner of the World Food Programme (WFP), has become a beacon of hope for thousands of displaced individuals. Designed to strengthen natural resource management, the initiative promotes resilient communities, supports sustainable livelihoods, and champions environmental sustainability.
Through the project’s Nature-based Solutions (NbS) scheme, Salema received training and support to engage in sustainable resource management activities. Though she started without any formal skills, her determination and work ethic quickly made her a valued participant.
The project gave her more than just an income; it gave her confidence, dignity, and a renewed sense of purpose. With her earnings, Salema can now provide food, education, and other essentials for her children, offering them a more secure and hopeful future.
“Thanks to ActionAid Bangladesh, I’ve gained skills and can now support my family. I want to keep working and help others like me,” she said proudly.
Salema’s transformation is a powerful example of how targeted support and sustainable livelihood opportunities can uplift vulnerable women. Through the NRM project, she broke the cycle of poverty and became a role model in her community.
Her story is a testament to the impact of empowering women through nature-based solutions—proving that with the right support, resilience can flourish even in the most challenging circumstances.
