Amidst the lush landscapes and serene beauty of Bandarban, a calamity of unparalleled magnitude struck - the devastating flash floods. This natural disaster left countless families displaced and in dire need of assistance. But in the wake of this tragedy, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there emerged a source of hope and resilience in the form of Ma Mya.
Ma Mya, wears multiple hats in her life. By day, she dedicates herself to the Tajindong organization, which prioritizes environmental and socio-economic development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT’s) of Bangladesh. In her role as a Community Volunteer, supported by UNFPA, she contributes passionately to community well-being. Simultaneously, she pursues an honors degree and plays the crucial role of a devoted daughter, offering unwavering support to her family.
"My earnings contribute to my education, the well-being of my family, and the advancement of our household,"
she explains, highlighting her commitment to both her education and her family's welfare.
Photo: UNFPA Bangladesh/Alka Ferdous
When the devastating flash floods struck Bandarban, it was a calamity that left her family and many others in her community displaced. But amid the chaos, Ma Mya's spirit remained unbroken. "I wanted to make a meaningful impact, even after being displaced by the floods myself," she says with conviction. Ma Mya soon embarked on a journey to assist the women of Bandarban district who were most severely affected by this tragedy. This included teenage girls, expectant mothers, lactating women, people with disabilities, and widows. Through her volunteering work, she provided essential supplies for women's health and safety.
In August, Ma Mya reached out to the women and adolescent girls of Bandarban who were grappling with the devastating aftermath of the flash floods. But her mission was not just about delivering supplies; it was about listening and gathering stories. These stories were powerful testaments of resilience in the face of disaster, tales of enduring hardship, and narratives of hope beyond the storm. Ma Mya Tajindong couldn't help but absorb the pain and determination these stories conveyed.
"I, too, am a victim of this calamity," she empathized. "I understand the hardship of losing your shelter."
Photo: UNFPA Bangladesh/Alka Ferdous
Through her work, Ma Mya encountered the heart-wrenching challenges faced by young girls during their menstrual cycles due to the lack of proper sanitation facilities. Pregnant mothers were not only dealing with the loss of their homes but were left with barely a piece of cloth to change. Families, forced to spend nights in makeshift tents by the roadside, or in shelter homes with strangers, shared their struggles and aspirations with the volunteer.
In the aftermath of the flash floods, Ma Mya has been actively assisting affected women by distributing crucial emergency kits tailored to their unique needs. These kits, including dignity, menstrual health management, and baby kits, play a vital role in preserving the health and dignity of women and girls during challenging times. Beyond distribution, Mya is deeply involved in awareness raising and advocacy. She educates women not only on the correct usage of these kits but also provides information on service and helpline numbers through informational cards in the kits.
Her work with the Tajindong organization has brought a deeper dimension to her mission. It has allowed her to work directly with the community, deepening her understanding of women's health and gender-based violence, and underlining her growing awareness of these issues.
In Bandarban, there is a knowledge gap, and many women and adolescent girls remain uninformed about crucial aspects of their health and safety. Mya communicates with these women in their local language, making sure they understand and are empowered with this knowledge. Looking beyond the immediate relief efforts, Ma Mya aspires to organize agricultural workshops to empower women economically. She envisions these women becoming self-reliant and reclaiming their lives.
"I believe empowering women is synonymous with empowering myself and the entire community," she affirms. It's a vision of resilience, sustainability, and empowerment.
Ma Mya Tajindong's journey is not just about a young woman finding her path amidst adversity; it's a testament to the enduring power of empathy, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to the welfare of others.
Photo: UNFPA Bangladesh/Alka Ferdous
Bandarban has been severely affected by flash floods, a catastrophe that left thousands without access to basic necessities. This disaster impacted approximately 1.3 million people, including 17,500 pregnant women and 117,000 adolescent girls, amplifying their vulnerabilities, especially to gender-based violence. In response, UNFPA swiftly initiated a relief effort by distributing life-saving kits and essential supplies. These kits are tailored to meet the unique needs of women and girls, ensuring the preservation of their dignity during these challenging times.
The menstrual health management kits consist of personal hygiene essentials such as soap, sanitary pads, and underwear. The baby kits include critical items like mosquito nets, baby clothes, blankets, pillows, and other necessities for infants. Dignity kits encompass valuable resources such as flashlights, soap, combs, brushes, buckets, and informational cards. UNFPA extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Australian Government, whose support has made these relief efforts possible. Through individuals like Ma Mya Tajindong, supported by UNFPA, hope endures.
