By: RO Maung Shwe
Meet Nila, also known as Shamim Islam, a 24-year-old Rohingya refugee who has overcome extraordinary challenges. Born in Yangma Village, Buthidaung Township, Myanmar, Nila now resides in Cox’s Bazar Refugee Camp, Bangladesh. Her story is one of hardship, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of education and advocacy for her community.
Early Life and Family Background
Nila comes from a large family of nine siblings, including seven sisters and two brothers. Her family was once wealthy and respected in Myanmar. Her grandfather, Abdul Bari, was a distinguished educator who founded Taung Bazar High School and dedicated 52 years to teaching as a government-appointed headmaster. Nila’s father, Mohammad Islam, now 73, worked as a chief boatman on the Mayyu River, enduring years of hardships and persecution.
As a boatman, Mohammad Islam faced relentless challenges. He was arrested twice by the Myanmar military junta, accused of false crimes, and subjected to severe torture. Each time, he secured his release by paying large bribes, highlighting the systemic oppression faced by Rohingyas in Myanmar.
Siblings’ Lives and Struggles
Nila’s siblings also endured tremendous hardships. Her eldest sister, Shakiya, worked with UNHCR in Myanmar but tragically passed away from Hepatitis C in the refugee camp. Another sister, Azida, earned an LLB degree from Sittway University and worked with humanitarian organizations. She and her husband continue to live in Myanmar despite ongoing challenges.
Nila’s brother Soyedul left for Thailand in 2005 to pursue education but lost contact with the family. Her sister Minara emerged as a prominent advocate for women’s rights, founding the Education and Wisdom Development for Rohingya Women (EWDRW) in Bangladesh, where she now serves as executive director.
Other siblings, like Janifa and Rafiqa, work in education and community outreach roles within the refugee camps. The youngest sister, Shomka, is pursuing her education at the Asian University for Women (AUW) in Chittagong, Bangladesh, following in Nila’s footsteps.
My Own Journey
As the eighth daughter in the family, Nila faced systemic discrimination during her high school years in Myanmar. Rohingya students were subjected to bias from teachers, denied equal participation in classroom activities, and excluded from extracurricular programs. Despite these challenges, Nila completed her matriculation in 2015 from Buthidaung Township High School.
Her dreams of pursuing higher education were crushed when the Myanmar government barred Rohingya students from attending universities in 2012. This marked the beginning of a series of struggles that would define Nila’s journey.
The Exodus and Refugee Life
In 2017, Nila’s family fled to Bangladesh amid the mass exodus of Rohingyas escaping violence in Myanmar. The journey took 14 harrowing days, filled with uncertainty and fear. Once settled in the Cox’s Bazar Refugee Camp, Nila began working with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which opened doors to new opportunities.
In 2018, Nila learned about a scholarship program for Rohingya women at the Asian University for Women (AUW) in Chittagong. Despite skepticism from relatives and societal norms discouraging women’s education, Nila’s parents supported her decision to apply. She was accepted in August 2018 and embarked on her academic journey.
Challenges in Higher Education
Adapting to an English-medium education was a significant challenge for Nila, who had previously studied in Burmese. She spent two additional years improving her language skills. The COVID-19 pandemic added further obstacles, forcing her to take a gap year to support her family as a researcher for the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Her earnings helped cover her parents’ medical expenses, including her mother’s treatment for Hepatitis C.
This gap year became a turning point for Nila, allowing her to contribute to her family while reaffirming her commitment to education and community advocacy.
Becoming a Community Advocate
After completing her bachelor’s degree at AUW, Nila was awarded a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in International Development at a prestigious university in Japan. This milestone marked the continuation of her journey as a leader and advocate for her community.
Nila’s story challenges stereotypes about Rohingya families and their attitudes toward women’s education. While societal pressures and limited opportunities often hinder progress, Nila’s achievements underscore the importance of perseverance and support.
The Legacy of My Parents
Nila’s parents invested not in material wealth but in their children’s education and future. Despite the odds, they encouraged their daughters to dream big and break barriers. Today, Nila and her younger sister Shomka live with their parents, while other siblings are scattered across different countries, pursuing their own paths.
A Unique Family Among the Rohingya
Nila’s family stands out in the Rohingya community for their unwavering commitment to education, even in the face of immense hardship. Their story serves as an inspiration, proving that resilience, determination, and education can pave the way for a brighter future.
Nila’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of education. Her life continues to inspire those around her, reminding us of the potential within every individual to create meaningful change
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