I know I can do it – Sajida’s Story
Sajida shares her story of moving to a new country, overcoming challenges, and building a new life for herself and her two children.
Sajida moved to Canada a few years ago with her husband and three children. A year after they arrived, Sajida’s husband wanted to leave. Finding work in Canada was difficult, rent was high, they didn’t know many people and were barely getting by financially.
Sajida did not want to leave. She liked it here. Back home, her life revolved around caring for a large extended family. Most of her days were spent managing the house, cooking, and cleaning. Life here was different. She had more time for herself and her children, who seemed to be adjusting well to their new lives. Her husband, however, did not feel the same way.
Sajida’s husband moved back home and ended their marriage leaving Sajida and their three children with no money and no promise of support.
Sajida’s situation is not uncommon. At North York Community House, we work with many newcomer women who face immense challenges after a divorce or the death of a spouse. Limited financial support, coupled with the complexities of living in a new country, can leave many newcomer women financially vulnerable.
Sajida met Nowshin, a settlement worker at North York Community House through her son’s school. Initially, Sajida was anxious about accepting help from Nowshin, attending workshops, or meeting other parents. She didn’t feel confident speaking in English and didn’t socialize. After many months of encouragement from Nowshin, Sajida began to connect with other mums like her. Nowshin helped Sajida sign up for English language classes, volunteer in the school cafeteria, and attend financial literacy and employment workshops that Nowshin organized. In time Sajida began to grow her social circle and interact with more people, becoming more confident as the months passed. With Nowshin’s consistent encouragement and support, Sajida began to look for work and apply for jobs.
Today, Sajida works as a salesperson at a clothing store. She loves her work and enjoys the financial independence it brings her. She has built up a loyal customer base, has the highest sales in the store, and has been promoted a couple of times since she began working at the store. Sajida not only supports her own family but also sends money to a friend back home, who is raising a child with autism.
When the pandemic hit Sajida had to stop going into work. She took the opportunity to spend time with her children.
“I used to be so busy before the pandemic. I’d leave the house early in the morning to get to my LINC classes and then to the store for work. I only got home late in the evenings and didn’t get to see my children much. They were busy too with school and activities. Now that we are all home, we talk to each other more, play board games, and go on bike rides. I’m even learning some French with my son when he attends school online. It has been nice to spend time with them especially when the weather was good. ”
When the weather turned, and the second wave hit the family began to feel the strains of isolation and uncertainty. To cope Sajida began to take long walks on her own, spending time in nature, and calling her friends and family more regularly. She stayed in touch with Nowshin and attended online programs and workshops. She kept working on her plans to start a farm and home catering business learning as much as she could and keeping her dream alive.
“When you have someone like Nowshin or the workshop facilitators motivating you, telling you that can do it, then somehow you believe you can… and you do! ”
Sajida is looking forward to starting up her driving lessons again. Her children remind her that she will need to drive when she runs her own farm and encourage her to get better.
“My children, they are my friends. I can talk to them about anything, and they can talk to me too. I’m happy we had this time together. It has brought us much closer. ”
We have worked with newcomer women for thirty years and have seen what they can achieve. When women are supported, invested in, and given opportunities to thrive, they not only change the course of their own lives but positively impact the lives around them.
Sajida is confident she will run her own farm one day.
“I know I can do it. I can see how much I have changed my life. If I was able to do this, I know I can do so much more!”
