International Women’s Day: Piya’s journey of resilience and triumph
To mark International Women’s Day, we are sharing the inspiring story of how one woman in rural Bangladesh changed her life for the better, with support from Islamic Relief. Women in Bangladesh face many challenges and obstacles to empowerment, from harmful social...
Piyara’s journey: From hardship to Success
Piyara, the youngest of 5 siblings, grew up in a family with limited income. Despite this, Piyara’s father ensured that all of his children received an education. His untimely death not long after Piyara finished high school was heart breaking for the family with no...
Poverty and persistent traditions force girls to marry young
According to the United Nations Population Fund, in Bangladesh, nearly 51% of girls are married for the first time before their eighteenth birthday and almost 1 in 5 girls get married before the age of 15. “For some families, marriage is sometimes seen as the only way...
Escaping early marriage in Bangladesh: Marufa’s story
Early marriage – often called child marriage – is common in rural Bangladesh despite laws preventing girls marrying before age 18. However social pressure, a lack of opportunities for women and girls, and the harsh realities of poverty often leave parents feeling they...