Radia is a 60-year-old hotel worker from Afghanistan, who left her country with her four children to escape an abusive homelife.
She is now working as a laundry attendant at a Travelodge, where she has been for the last 15 years.
Back in Afghanistan, Radia’s husband was abusive. One day, Radia asked him to sit with her to discuss their children’s future, but he ignored her.
This was a difficult time for her as she needed a partner who could help secure their future. Radia finalized her divorce after she moved to Calgary and is now legally separated from her husband.
With tears in her eyes, she spoke about the difficulties she faced after arriving here.
“Financially I was not so good when I came here, my son-in-law helped me as he gave me money but when I got the job, I worked so hard and returned his money,” Radia said. “I got relaxed when I returned his money and left his home and bought a new house for my son.”
She also looks forward to visits from her son, and grandson, on Saturdays.
Her daughters are now married, and she has another son, who is studying. 
