Amena's life took a devastating turn when she endured unimaginable violence at the hands of her husband. The abuse left her permanently blind in one eye and caused the loss of her unborn child. Four years ago, she fled her abusive household with her two children and sought refuge at her mother’s home.

Living in a small, crowded space and coping with her disability, Amena Begum, Chandpur, Bangladesh, struggled to find a way forward. Her determination to rebuild her life led her to learn about the SWAPNO II project through her sister-in-law. Encouraged by the prospect of employment and training, she reached out to a local Union Parishad member and secured a job with the project.

Through SWAPNO II, Amena began working on maintaining roads and public structures in her community. This opportunity brought steady income and introduced her to training programs that taught her how to save money, manage small businesses, and tackle challenges like natural disasters. These skills helped her regain control over her life and build a foundation for a better future.

Amena also participated in group savings initiatives with other women, such as mushtichal (fistful Rice) and ROSCA (Rotating Savings and Credit Associations). These activities not only provided financial stability but also strengthened the bonds of solidarity and mutual support among the participants.

With her monthly salary, Amena ensures her children can continue their education. She even used her earnings and savings to buy a goat, though her vision impairment later made it difficult to care for the animal. Recently, with the support of her brothers, she underwent surgery to improve her eyesight.

Now, Amena dreams of starting a small shop to support her family. Physical labor has become increasingly challenging due to her eye condition, and she sees the shop as a way to achieve greater independence. Despite the obstacles she faces, Amena remains determined to provide a better future for her children and serve as an example of resilience for other women in her community.