Photo by [Panache]
South Africa – “There’s a lot of men doing humanitarian work all over the world, and [as a result] the emotional side of the story is not being told because a woman can relate to a woman on a different level. People all over the world identify with that and appreciate [it].”
The thoughts expressed are those of Fatima Patel Sookharia, the Co-director of the Salaam Foundation, regarding her encounters and the influence women in the humanitarian field and women in conflict-ridden nations and refugee camps across the globe, have on each other.
Recently, Sookharia was bestowed with the Panache Woman of Wonder Award for 2023, acknowledging her altruism, unwavering commitment, and devoted engagement in humanitarian work.
Upon receiving the award, Sookharia conveyed her delight and a deep sense of honour. While the accolade is presented to an individual, she accepted it as a representative of all those who tirelessly contribute to the well-being of others and as a tribute to individuals who have offered their support throughout her journey.
Fatima’s Desire to Do More
Starting in 2017, Soohkaria has engaged in various domestic and international initiatives alongside the Salaam Foundation. She emphasised the Salaam Foundation’s potency originates from disseminating and conveying the narratives of the “forgotten people” to diverse corners of the globe.
By disseminating these narratives and, on occasion, facilitating visits of groups to these locales to provide aid and experience the struggles faced by individuals in war-torn nations and refugee camps, Sookharia explains, it offers them an altered outlook on the actualities of these people.
Such experiences profoundly influence Sookharia, particularly so. They cultivate within her an enhanced aspiration to achieve more and become more for these individuals.
This is because by sharing their stories with people who might be unfamiliar with their predicament, opportunities and avenues are generated to assist them.
“I go out with the new impetus and with a new resolution, to say that I can do more and I can be more for these people. It’s not me. It’s this message that has to go out to so many different people in South Africa who have not heard that story … Because if I’m going out there and telling the story of a person that is suffering on another side of the world, it is giving me that comfort to say I am doing something for that person. I am putting out campaigns for that person, and I know I’m going to change their worlds.”
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Sustainability and Empowerment Starts at Home
In addition to their humanitarian endeavours overseas, the Salaam Foundation is actively engaged in initiatives to bolster and uplift underprivileged communities within South Africa. Among these initiatives is the creation of projects involving the establishment of farms.
This initial step paves the way for sustainability and empowerment within numerous areas in Gauteng. Additionally, they support individuals determined to establish their farms within their respective communities.
“We also [mentor] people in South Africa. We allow them to set up their own [small farms] so that they can empower their own communities. We even buy back from them if their produce is of good quality. This will give them the impetus to do more and concentrate on their farming projects … [To Empower themselves, feed their families and help their communities].”
