The little shop that made everything sweeter

Above: Shazeda in her shop, which has become a hub in the community. Photo: Mutasim Billah/Oxfam

In the winding streets of Camp 22 in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where daily life for refugees is marked by struggle and resilience, 38-year-old Shazeda Begum has emerged as a beacon of hope for her family and community. Living with 13 family members in a single shelter, Shazeda’s life has been a constant battle against scarcity, poverty, and uncertainty. Yet, her story exemplifies the transformative power of empowerment and self-confidence, something she discovered through the Women’s Transformative Leadership training organised by Mukti Cox’s Bazar through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership.

Before joining the training, Shazeda’s life, much like that of many others in the camp, revolved around surviving on the limited aid provided to refugees. The food rations and other essentials distributed were barely enough to cover basic needs, let alone provide any opportunity for savings or personal growth.

"We receive food and other aid, but it’s never enough to live a healthy and dignified life," Shazeda reflected. "There are so many things we cannot afford, like medical emergencies or even clothes for the children."

Living in these conditions left Shazeda with little confidence and no financial security to support her family’s growing needs.

It wasn’t until Shazeda joined the Women’s Transformative Leadership training that her outlook began to change. Over the course of ten sessions, she learned not only about leadership and advocacy but also about the economic opportunities that women in her position could seize. Through the guidance of the trainers, Shazeda discovered that she, too, could be an entrepreneur and that her voice mattered.

"Before the training, I didn’t have the confidence to raise my voice against injustices or even think about running a business," Shazeda admitted. But with each session, her confidence grew.

With newfound self-assurance, Shazeda decided to take a bold step and open a small shop near her shelter. The shop, stocked with items like cakes, cookies, juice, chips, and other snacks, became a source of income for her family.

"It was hard at first," she shared. "But once I started selling, I realised I could make a real difference for my family. I now earn enough to buy clothes for my children and meet other household needs."

What started as a small venture quickly grew into a reliable source of income, allowing Shazeda to support her family in ways she never thought possible.

Her shop has not only provided financial stability but has also given Shazeda a sense of independence and dignity. She no longer needs to rely solely on aid, or feel helpless in the face of life’s emergencies.

"Now, I can buy things my family needs, and for the first time in years, I bought myself an ice cream, which I had forgotten the taste of since coming here," she said with a smile.

Shazeda’s journey from a woman struggling in silence to a confident entrepreneur has had a ripple effect on her community. Her shop has become a small hub where neighbours stop by, not only to purchase snacks but also to exchange stories and share encouragement. Shazeda's success stands as an example of what women in the camp can achieve when they are empowered with knowledge, confidence, and opportunity.

Looking forward, Shazeda hopes that more women in Camp 22 will have the chance to join similar training programs.

"If more of us could take part in the leadership training, imagine how much our community could grow," she said.

Her dream is to see a future where every woman in the camp has the ability to support her family, stand up for her rights, and live with dignity.

This transformation was made possible through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership response in Bangladesh, supported by the Australian Government. Oxfam in Bangladesh, in collaboration with Mukti Cox’s Bazar, organised the leadership training that gave Shazeda the skills and confidence to start her business.

Shazeda’s story highlights the profound impact of empowering women in refugee communities, showing how targeted training and support can help women improve their lives and those of their families.