Discipline, Endurance, Empowerment: The Journey of Hamida Akter Jeba

I am Hamida Akter Jeba, a proud Star of LP4Y, where I gained the foundation and confidence to pursue my aspirations.

I now serve as a Teacher at the Australian International School in Dhaka, Bangladesh, dedicating myself to fostering young minds and creating an inspiring learning environment.

Beyond the classroom, I am a dedicated Long-Distance Athlete and Marathon Runner. The discipline and endurance required for long-distance running mirror my approach to life, driving me to push past perceived limits. I channel this energy into my commitment as a Youth Mentor, where I aim to guide, motivate, and empower the next generation, proving that dedication and hard work can overcome any challenge.

I want to start by saying how truly grateful I am to LP4Y. It’s a place where I not only learned, but also grew as a human being. The way LP4Y supports underprivileged young women in Bangladesh—with skill training, discipline, and confidence-building is very rare. Very few organizations take such bold steps and create such a real impact.

With the belief “Together We Can,” LP4Y set up the first international NGO-based Training and Development Center (TDC) and Green Village (GV) centers in rural Bangladesh. These spaces became a home and a learning platform for young women to work, live, lead, and dream. Honestly, many people cannot even imagine such a setup in our society. Yet today, I see girls who once had no direction now working, taking responsibilities, starting small businesses, getting jobs, and standing on their own feet.

I will forever be thankful to all the coaches and partners of LP4Y who stood by us through moments that once felt impossible.

How My LP4Y Journey Started

After completing my BBA and MBA, COVID-19 hit. The world shut down, and I felt stuck. In that confusing time, I came across LP4Y—their TDC centers, the coaches, and the young women learning there. I kept wondering:

‘Who are they? How are they motivating these girls? What is their mission?’

Slowly, that curiosity turned into the desire to join.

And finally, I did.

From the first day, I was supported and encouraged by Coaches like Gasper, Toscane, Peter, Neome, and others. I found amazing fellow Youths with whom I shared everything—learning, struggles, achievements, celebrations.

After completing the program, I joined the LP4Y Star Club, where Youths, Stars, and Coaches stay connected to support each other. I truly value volunteerism and social work, so whenever LP4Y needs me, I am always ready to support—happily and wholeheartedly.

 How It All Began

It was during my third year in the MIS department at the University of Dhaka. I was walking past Curzon Hall when I saw a huge crowd at the gymnasium field. People were running, shouting names, cheering loudly.

I asked someone what was happening.

It was a 5 km run—25 laps around the field.

I was shocked.

How do people run that long?

How do they not collapse?

I was told that girls only compete in short-distance events, usually 400 meters or less. When I showed interest in long-distance running, I heard comments like:

•  “You can’t run that far.”

• “Girls don’t do marathons.”

• “You’ll faint.”

Those words stuck with me.

And I decided to try anyway.

I started joining races outside campus. That small curiosity soon grew into a passion then a dream, and finally, a part of who I am today.

Today I am proud to be the 2nd Overall in the Kathmandu Marathon 2025 (42.195 km), and 1st among SAARC countries, competing with runners from around 130 countries.

Where My Marathon Journey Really Started

My first 5 km was in 2018 at a university event organized by Ironman Arafat and that event changed everything.

My second 5 km got me 2nd place.

Soon, I completed my first 10 km in Narsingdi.

Then I discovered hills. I fell in love with them.

Some of my memorable  achievements:

• Champion – 21 km Bandrathon (Bandarban) Champion – Shamshernagar Marathon,

• 2019 – 45 km Makrovat Trail Ultra, Meghalaya

• 2019 – 50 km Ultra, Gazipur 

• 2021 – Champion, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Dhaka Marathon (Prize: 5 lakh taka)

• 2022 – 5th, Ladakh Marathon, India*

• 2025 – 2nd Overall, Kathmandu Marathon

• Dhaka half marathon 2020 2nd,

This journey is only the beginning. Many more podiums are waiting.

Family Acceptance & Struggles

Coming from a conservative family, I kept my sports life hidden at first. I didn’t bring medals home—I kept them in my hall room.

But my achievements started appearing on TV and in newspapers. Relatives told my parents.

Whenever my father was watching the news, my heart would race.

Sometimes, when he left, I quietly turned off the TV.

Slowly, slowly, they came to know.

And after almost two years, they accepted it.

Today, my family supports me fully.

My Purpose Ahead

My goal is to support the physical and mental well-being of underprivileged girls and women, helping them build confidence and courage.

I want to bring more honor to my country and inspire more girls to stay active, healthy, and strong and mentally fit.

Today, I proudly work at the Australian International School, Dhaka, and continue my journey as a marathon runner representing Bangladesh.

My dream is to take my efforts—and my victories—even further for a better world.