Celebrating International Women’s Day (8 March), we share the inspiring story of Almira, a widowed mother who has transformed the lives of children with disabilities in northeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Almira, a 51-year-old woman from the small village of Priluk, has faced many challenges in her life. One of the most significant was the birth of her twin sons, 1 of whom, Meris, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was just 7 months old. Meris had to undergo 8 surgeries due to his condition.

As her sons grew older and started attending school, Almira’s husband tragically passed away, leaving her to raise their children alone. A difficult time for Almira was complicated further as Meris was unable to continue in regular education as he got older and required more assistance. Despite the challenges, Almira refused to let her son’s condition limit his potential. She refused to let him lead a life confined to 4 walls and instead encouraged him to pursue his dreams.

Almira’s daily routine revolves around taking care of Meris, who requires constant support and care. Despite the physical and emotional fatigue that comes with her responsibilities, Almira finds happiness in the situation. Meris’ world has become her world, and the specialist institute that Meris now attends, and its community, have become their family.

 

Almira once felt isolated and alone in her struggles to care for Meris, but she recognised the need for a supportive community where parents could connect, share their experiences, and seek guidance from one another.

Through her research, she discovered that there were no such social clubs in their area and decided to take action and create her own with the help of other parents.

A long and arduous journey

Through a social club that she set up, Almira was able to bring together parents who had been feeling isolated and disconnected from others. The club provides a safe and welcoming space where parents could share their experiences, give and receive emotional support and offer practical advice to one another. This has helped to alleviate some of the stress and loneliness that many of the parents were experiencing.

Almira’s determination to make a positive impact did not stop at founding the social club. She had a personal goal to create a new programme at the institute Meris attends that would provide vocational training for the children. But establishing the programme was not easy.

The process to gain official accreditation for the programme was long and arduous, spanning 3 years and with many obstacles along the way. However, Almira remained persistent and, with the joint effort of parents, the institute, and the government, was eventually successful.

A helping hand

While working to get the programme established, Almira was in desperate need of financial and emotional support. Islamic Relief’s Orphan Sponsorship Programme provided Almira with a lifeline, offering not just financial aid for her Meris, but also the emotional and mental support that she so desperately needed.

While the sponsorship helped to cover Meris’ everyday needs, Islamic Relief also stepped in to help pay for an expensive operation the child needed.

Almira had been spending a significant amount of money on Meris’ treatment, leaving her with only a minimum pension for basic necessities, but with the help of the organisation’s greenhouse project that provide space for growing plants indoors, she was able to start her own business from home.

Now, she sells a variety of produce such as peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers, providing her with extra income and a sense of independence, while allowing her to stay by Meris’ side.

Overcoming adversity

Almira’s story is one of overcoming adversity and making a positive impact in her community. Her hard work and dedication to her son and his future, as well as those of other children with developmental disabilities, is a testament to the strength of women. Almira’s story also shows that it is possible to create change and make a difference, even in the face of great challenges.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Islamic Relief encourages everyone to support and empower women like Almira who are making a difference in their communities.

Whether it is through sponsorship programmes, education, or providing opportunities for growth, we can all play a role in supporting and uplifting women. Join us in making a difference and empowering women around the world.

Please donate now.

As we commemorate International Women’s Day (8 March), it is an opportune moment to reflect on Bangladesh’s progress in promoting women’s development and empowerment. The country has made significant strides in breaking down the barriers that have long hindered women’s progress. There has been a significant shift towards including women in decision-making and leadership positions, helping Bangladesh break free from the past in which women were marginalised and neglected.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the inspiring journey of Piyara, who defied the odds and overcame formidable obstacles to become a symbol of female resilience and success in Bangladesh.

Piyara, the youngest of 5 siblings, grew up in a family with limited income. Despite this, Piyara’s father ensured that all of his children received an education. His untimely death not long after Piyara finished high school was heart breaking for the family with no other income, Piyara was forced to abandon her dream of further education.

To help support her family, Piyara’s mother arranged a marriage between Piyara and a teacher who supported her to continue her education. Together, they had 4 children, but still, the couple struggled to make ends meet. Tragically, in 2012, Piyara’s husband passed away suddenly from a heart attack, leaving her without the financial stability her husband provided and at a loss as to how to manage a family on her own.

A family’s struggle and triumph

Piyara’s struggles were numerous, particularly as no relative would help to support her. She found it difficult to provide 3 meals a day for her children and pay the rent for their small home. Her worries were compounded by the fact that her children’s education was also at risk, a painful reminder of her own past.

Piyara and her husband had always vowed to ensure that their children received the education they deserved, no matter what challenges they faced.

Thankfully, Piyara’s situation took a turn for the better after discovering Islamic Relief’s Orphan Sponsorship Programme . The programme is designed to assist orphaned children and their families by providing them with much-needed financial support.

Through this programme, Piyara was able to meet her family’s needs and improve their quality of life. She kept her children in school, with her eldest daughter going on to receive a first-class university degree in economics.

A newfound sense of purpose

Reflecting on her journey, Piyara said, “losing my life partner was an immense shock and trauma that turned my life upside down overnight. As he was the sole breadwinner of our family, my primary concern was to ensure the safety and security of my loved ones in his absence. Despite these challenges, I remained resolute in my determination to provide a better life for my children.”

Piyara devoted herself to raising her young children, taking on the roles of both mother and father. To better support her family, she joined self-help groups facilitated by Islamic Relief. Through these groups, she received training on income generation, leadership, child rights and savings, among other essential support.

Piyara being awarded the Ratnagorva Award (Best Mother) from the Shantiganj Upazila administration in Sunamganj.

With encouragement and support from Islamic Relief, Piyara discovered a newfound sense of purpose and community. She began providing private tuition to students in her neighbourhood, where her ability to explain complex topics made her immensely popular in her village, and her teaching skills allowed her to expand her classes from just 3 students to multiple groups. The income generated from providing private intuition allows Piyara to continue providing for her children.

Piyara treats each student as if they were her own child. She’s known for finding ways to reduce fees for underprivileged children, and as a result, she has earned great respect and affection from the people in her village. They fondly refer to her as ‘Master Apa’ (‘Apa’ translating to ‘Older Sister’ in Bengali) – a title that reflects both her expertise and her compassionate nature.

Piyara’s tireless efforts and unwavering commitment have earned her numerous accolades, including the esteemed Joyeeta Award in 2022, presented by the Ministry of Women Affairs under the Education Category at Upazila level. She was also honoured with the Ratnagorva Award for Best Mother by the Shantiganj Upazila administration in Sunamganj – the award highlights the commendable efforts of mothers who have overcome adversity to raise their children.

Piyara’s story is a reminder that with determination and support, women can overcome even the most challenging circumstances. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of empowering women and the enormous potential that can be unleashed when women are given equal opportunities to succeed.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s pledge to support and empower women like Piyara, so they can continue to defy the odds and succeed.

Support our vital women’s empowerment work, which enables vulnerable women to gain agency over their lives: please donate now.