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is a young Rohingya social worker who was born in 2003 in the village of Thin Ga Net in Buthidaung township. She is the first daughter in her family with two brothers and two sisters. Her parents are well-educated; her father is a village doctor and primary teacher, while her mother is a social society activist and humanitarian worker.

 

‘I am really grateful to my parents for raising us uniquely despite the fact that they encountered many complications, including traumatic experiences, several decades and awful cruelties committed by Myanmar authorities against them. In the systematic genocidal act of the Myanmar government against the Rohingya in 2017, my paternal uncle and maternal uncle were shot and cut into pieces by the military while crossing the Naf River in an attempt to save their lives.’ Umme explained.

 

Umme Salma was unable to complete her studies in Myanmar, but she managed to continue her higher education at Asian University for Women (AUW) in Chittagong from 2022. She also completed a diploma in sociology at Elon University online. Umme Salma worked as a peace-builder and community research volunteer at BRAC University. She attended photography and storyteller training at WFP, and her interest lies in photography and storytelling within the Rohingya community. Umme Salma's photograph was selected in Oxfam's Arts competition in 2021.

 

When Umme Salma saw the challenges faced by vulnerable Rohingya women and their eagerness to learn and create artwork, she formed the community-based organisation name Literature and Handicrafts for Rohingya Women (LHRW) to empower and build women capacity. They have trained women in various artworks such as embroidery, sewing, and tailoring. Now these women have generated livelihood and built professional skills. Similarly, LHRW has continued to train and teach adolescent girls till now.

 

‘Although I have a passion for photography, I had to pause it for a few months due to organisational tasks and my studies. I know that I am a skilful photographer and can showcase the situation of my community facing multiple challenges in the camps. As a result, I intend to engage in more advocacy and bring about change. I believe photography and documentation are essential parts of advocacy, and I pursue them enthusiastically.’ —said Umme.

 

Umme Salma is a fellow photographer of Rohingyatographer Magazine. Guided by the light of her ancestors, she was re-settled in Canada in early 2024.