Hason Ara is harvesting eggplant from their leased farm land with other SHG members. Summary: Hason Ara Begum is a participant in the UN World Food Programme’s Livelihoods programme in the host community, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The programme aims to help vulnerable women gain marketable skills, financial literacy and start their own businesses so that they can ensure their family’s food security. Through the programme, Hason Ara started a farming business nearly four years ago. She sells her surplus produce at the Fresh food corner (Partially) and local market ((Ukhiya Bazar ,Kutupalong Bazar) , which directly or indirectly enables the Rohingya community living in Bangladesh to access fresh food from local farmers and traders. Hason Ara has since become the main breadwinner for her family. About Hason Ara Begum: With their six children, Hason Ara Begum (40) lives in Dargabil village, Rajapalong, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar – the southernmost district in Bangladesh. Previously, her husband Md. Nurul Islam was working as a small trader and Hason Ara was a homemaker. Today, her husband supports his wife on their farm. Background: Hason Ara was enrolled in a two-year programme through which she had access to entrepreneurial skill development and life-skills training. Hason Ara was supported with a monthly subsistence allowance of BDT 1,050 (USD 12) and was introduced to a Self-Help Group (SHG) which acts as a platform for women to enhance their financial accountability by monthly savings. Following the completion of training and the submission of a business plan, each group member receives a cash grant of BDT 15,000 (USD 180) to start diversified income generating activities with a combination of on-farm and off-farm businesses to mitigate risks. As a member of the group Hason Ara received a group grant of BDT 4,500 (USD 54) to invest in group businesses. Hason Ara is currently the President of a SHG called Bakkhali, which has around 23 members. In response t