Saima is 23 years old but has lived through more than many of us do in 50 years. Raised under the cruelty of a tyrannical father, the exceptionally clever and resilient little girl skipped two grades at a time while working, earning next to nothing. Invariably she had to give up her income to her father to protect her mother and siblings from extremely violent beatings.
She had a dream to become a doctor. It was shattered when she was just 15 years old. Without her consent, her family married her off to a disabled man. She was sent to live with his extremist conservative family. They hated Saima for being an educated girl, resorting to even torture at times. While pregnant she was starved to the point her persecutors were surprised to find her still alive. Fortunately, she eventually managed to escape and asked for a divorce, which is still being fought to this day.
Regardless her hope to create a life for herself and her son, being an underprivileged woman in Pakistan presents an almost insurmountable hurdle to a successful independent life. She eventually married for a second time. Her new marriage`s economic situation is no better than before and the family often goes to bed hungry.
But even after this history of violence, poverty, abuse, and hate Saima never gives up. As long as she is breathing she will always have hope and fight for a better life. Tired, sick, or pregnant, she relentlessly works. She always welcomes you with the most beautiful smile and shares the little she has with you.
Saima has helped us coordinate with the locals in Burma Town for the creation of our new center. After some training, she will be the one managing it.
At AKHO, we believe that women like her, provided they are given some support, have the power to change their communities and, in the long run, Pakistan.