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Khaleda Begum is originally from Lakka Para village in MaungDaw Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar. Now living in Kutupalong, Lambashia Camp in Bangladesh, her path to safety was fraught with obstacles. Khaleda’s education in Myanmar was
cut short at eighth grade when, in 2017, she and
her family were compelled to escape the rising violence against the Rohingya. ‘The journey was grueling, marked by rain, mud, and perilous terrain,’ she recalls. Eventually, they found sanctuary in a registered camp, where they remain.

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Initially, Khaleda contributed to the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) sector, dedicating
two years to the cause. Yet, it was photography that reignited her sense of purpose and joy. ‘Photography offers me a unique lens to view and capture the world,’ she says. Through her various roles, she manages to sustain her family, focusing on a brighter future for her two daughters and son.

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Khaleda also collaborates with UN Women, an organization committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women. ‘Through my work with UN Women, I aim to elevate the voices and experiences of women, leveraging photography as a tool for change,’ she explains.