By: RO Maung Shwe
On a quiet October morning in 2016, Jamalida Begum stood at the threshold of her home, her heart pounding as gunfire shattered the morning silence of Nga Ser Kyue Village, signaling the arrival of unimaginable terror. The Myanmar military had arrived, their mission clear: to erase the existence of the Rohingya. By the end of the day, her husband would be dead, her home reduced to ashes, and her community plunged into terror.
What followed was a harrowing journey of survival, defiance, and resilience that took her from the violence-ravaged fields of Rakhine State to the safety of Canada. Jamalida’s story is one of unimaginable suffering but also unyielding hope, a powerful testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity. Jamalida Begum’s life is a compelling survival, strength, and advocacy narrative. At just 32 years old, she has endured persecution, personal tragedy, and unimaginable violence in her homeland of Myanmar.
Yet, her journey from the tormented lands of Rakhine State to the safety of Canada stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. Her story not only sheds light on the plight of the Rohingya people but also calls for global action to address one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time.
Meet Jamalida Begum, a 32-year-old Rohingya woman who has faced unimaginable hardships and challenges in her life. Born as the eldest daughter of Jamal Hossain and Mahmuda Begum, Jamalida’s journey from the conflict-ridden Rakhine State in Myanmar to finding refuge in Canada is a testament to her resilience and courage. Her story reflects not only her personal strength but also the plight of countless Rohingya who continue to suffer under persecution. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of ethnic violence.
Early Life and Education
Jamalida was born in Nga Ser Kyue, also known as Naserporu Village, in Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar. As the eldest of ten siblings, she bore significant responsibilities within her family. Growing up in a close-knit community, Jamalida’s early years were shaped by her family’s modest middle-class status and the vibrant culture of her village.
Jamalida’s thirst for education was evident from a young age. She attended the village’s primary school and completed grade four. Later, she enrolled at Kyein Change Government High School in a nearby village, known locally as Boli Bazar. Her dedication enabled her to complete grade seven—a remarkable achievement in a society where cultural and societal barriers heavily restricted girls’ access to education.
For many Rohingya families, educating daughters was seen as unnecessary, with traditions and expectations pushing young women towards domestic responsibilities and early marriage instead. However, her educational aspirations were cut short by deep-seated cultural norms. In the Rohingya community, young women were discouraged from pursuing education beyond a certain age. Her parents, like many others, faced immense pressure to prioritize domestic responsibilities over schooling for their daughters.
Marriage and Early Struggles
Following tradition, Jamalida married Abdu Shukkur, a young man from her village, when she reached a suitable age. Her husband, who had completed grade eight at the same government school, shared her desire for a better future. Together, they welcomed a son, adding joy and responsibility to their lives. However, financial instability soon overshadowed their happiness.
To make ends meet, Abdu Shukkur opened a small shop near their home, but it provided only a meager income. Determined to support her family, Jamalida sought work outside her home. She joined Action Against Hunger (ACF) as part of a malnutrition program, where her dedication earned her respect and financial relief. Later, she secured a position at Maltiser Medical, working at Kyein Change Hospital. These opportunities not only improved her family’s situation but also gave her a sense of purpose and independence.
The Myanmar Military Crackdown
Jamalida’s life took a tragic turn on October 9, 2016, when the Myanmar military launched a brutal crackdown on Rohingya villages. On October 11, her husband was shot dead at his shop by the military. The soldiers, accompanied by Natala Rakhine civilians, burned homes, looted properties, and destroyed community landmarks, including mosques and schools.
The following day, Jamalida and her family attempted to retrieve her husband’s body for burial. However, the village was surrounded by soldiers who arrested men and accused them of being part of so-called “illegal armed groups.” Fearing for their lives, Jamalida and her family fled to a nearby village, Kazibil. But the violence followed them there. Soldiers burned homes, rounded up women and children, and subjected them to unspeakable abuse.
In a moment of unimaginable terror, Jamalida confronted soldiers who were torturing women and children, asking them if they had mothers and sisters. Her defiance led to her being slapped and dragged away. She was forcibly taken to a nearby pond, where three soldiers subjected her to a brutal assault. This act of violence left her unconscious and abandoned in a paddy field. Left unconscious in a paddy field, she was later discovered by children who alerted her family. Local doctors treated her, but the trauma and financial burden of her recovery weighed heavily on her family. Contributions from Rohingya expatriates ultimately made her treatment possible.
Speaking Out Against Atrocities
Despite her suffering, Jamalida displayed incredible courage. On October 21, 2016, she met with UN Special Rapporteur Dr. Yanghee Lee during her visit to Rakhine State. Jamalida shared her harrowing experiences and handed over documents and video evidence of the military’s abuses. Her bravery, however, came at a cost. Soldiers beat her with a rifle in front of Dr. Lee, further underscoring the brutality of the regime.
Jamalida’s efforts to expose the truth extended beyond this meeting. She confronted a high-ranking official, Dr. U Mya, and provided testimony about the atrocities. Despite threats of violence and false accusations of spreading anti-government propaganda from Rakhine civilians, Jamalida stood her ground. Many accused her of fabricating stories to discredit the military, while others threatened to expose her to the authorities as a traitor. Yet, she remained steadfast, refusing to be silenced in her quest for justice. Her actions made her a target, forcing her to flee her village permanently.
Escape to Bangladesh
With the military actively searching for her, Jamalida hid in the forest for 25 days. She endured hunger, thirst, and the constant fear of being captured. Eventually, she crossed the Naf River into Bangladesh, finding refuge in the overcrowded camps of Cox’s Bazar.
Life in the refugee camps was harsh. Jamalida struggled with the loss of her home and the memories of violence. Yet, she remained resilient, finding strength in her son and the support of humanitarian organizations. The camps provided basic shelter, food, and medical aid, but they also served as a stark reminder of the Rohingya’s displacement and suffering.
Advocacy and Leadership in Bangladesh
In the camps, Jamalida emerged as a leader and advocate for her people. She joined the UNHCR’s Community Outreach Members (COMs) program, working to amplify the voices of Rohingya refugees. Her collaboration with prominent Rohingya figures, including the late Muhibullah, highlighted the need for justice and international intervention.
Jamalida’s story gained global attention through media coverage and high-profile meetings. She met with international leaders, including Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Her advocacy brought the plight of the Rohingya to the forefront, making her a symbol of resilience and hope. Her meeting with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan led to renewed calls for international support for Rohingya refugees, while her collaboration with UNHCR inspired multiple global campaigns aimed at addressing the crisis.
Resettlement in Canada
In 2023, Jamalida’s life changed dramatically when she was selected for resettlement in Canada through UNHCR’s refugee resettlement program. Along with her parents and son, she relocated to Kitchener, Waterloo, where they were warmly welcomed by the Canadian government and local community.
The move offered Jamalida a chance to rebuild her life in safety. Her son enrolled in an online education program, fulfilling her dream of providing him with opportunities she never had. While adapting to a new culture, Jamalida continued her advocacy, raising awareness about the ongoing struggles of Rohingya refugees and calling for global action.
Conclusion
Jamalida Begum’s journey from persecution in Myanmar to finding safety in Canada is a story of resilience, courage, and hope. Her unwavering commitment to justice and her community serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. Through her advocacy, she continues to be a voice for the voiceless, urging the global community to support the Rohingya people in their fight for dignity and rights.
Jamalida’s story is not just a tale of survival but a call to action for the world to stand with the Rohingya. Her experiences highlight the urgent need for justice, accountability, and lasting solutions for one of the most persecuted communities in the world.
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