Mukta’s Smile

Mukta’s Smile

Mukta was a seasonal day-laborer. The proverb ‘flogging a dead horse’ became realistic in her life when her son-in-law (daughter’s husband) died, and her widowed daughter returned permanently to her house along with two granddaughters. Mukta’s family had to struggle...
Anowara is on her way to be self-reliant

Anowara is on her way to be self-reliant

Thirty-four years Anowara Begum belonged to a typical middle- class rural family living at Khamarboksa village. Despite having little money, however, the family was somehow passing the days. Anowara was happy with her family. The whole family completely devastated...
Piyara’s journey: From hardship to Success

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

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

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...