Aklima Begum was born and raised in a slum area of Agargaon Jheelpar in Dhaka, where she grew up facing extreme poverty and hardship. Her parents were day laborers, and from an early age, she had to struggle for survival. At the age of six, she suffered from a severe illness, and due to lack of proper medical treatment, she lost the functionality of one of her hands, leaving her physically disabled. This condition prevented her from accessing formal education.
Driven by necessity, Aklima started working at the age of eight, selling flowers on the streets. Over time, this became her primary means of livelihood. Later, she married a fellow flower seller, and they had two sons.
Her husband eventually shifted to driving an auto-rickshaw to support the family. Although their income was modest, they managed to sustain their household.
However, her life took a tragic turn when her husband suddenly passed away, leaving her as the sole earner for the family. Despite this devastating loss, Aklima did not give up. She continued her flower-selling business with renewed determination, working longer hours to ensure the survival and well-being of her children. Her elder son, who studied up to grade eight, now contributes to the family income by driving a local vehicle, while her younger son is currently studying in grade three.
A turning point in her life came when she learned about the activities of Nari Maitree and voluntarily joined the TLGLE project. Through the project, she received skill development training and participated in awareness sessions on gender equality, mental health, prevention of violence against women, and access to legal services. With the support of the project, she was also able to obtain a disability card, enhancing her access to social protection services.
Key Changes in Her Life Through the Project—
- Improved skills and confidence in managing her small business
- Increased awareness of her rights and available social services
- Greater confidence to engage with and support her community
- Access to government support through obtaining a disability card
- She has been honored with the “Indomitable Woman Award” by Nari Maitree in recognition of her resilience, determination, and inspiring journey toward self-reliance, which also serves as a source of motivation for other women in similar circumstances.
Today, Aklima Begum continues to move forward with resilience and determination, striving to build a better future for her children despite ongoing challenges.
Future Goals and Aspirations—
- To establish a permanent flower shop
- To ensure better education and a stable future for her children
- To support and inspire other persons with disabilities to become self-reliant
Aklima Begum’s story demonstrates that even in the face of severe adversity, resilience, determination, and the right support can create pathways to hope and self-reliance. Her journey stands as a powerful inspiration for other marginalized women in similar circumstances.
