Rahima Begum, Chairperson of the Purbo Kumornai Samiti in Gaibandha, says, “If it had not been for the campaign, I would never have got the opportunity to step out of my home or village and visit Dhaka. This campaign has helped me find my voice and my identity. I used to be confined to my home earlier. After I became involved with the campaign, I have begun stepping out of the house to earn and help out my family and share financial responsibility at home. I have started a small business with livestock. My husband truly appreciates this gesture of mine.

I recently attended to a sick woman and spent two nights at her home tending to her; I would never have dreamt of doing this earlier. My sister-in-law was married a while ago. She was tortured and abused in her in laws home. She was then sent back to her parent’s home. I tried talking with her in laws but they were unwilling to take her back or provide for her. I approached the Ward Commissioner and he assisted me in filing a case on her behalf.

I must admit that my husband initially did have reservations about my leaving the confines of the home and meeting people. I convinced him that what I am doing is important and necessary. My four daughters and my son support and stand by me. After I learnt about the importance of sharing a meal in the family from the campaign, I have begun to insist on one family meal in a day. These days we, as a family, discuss our problems and sort them out jointly. I also do not discriminate between my boy and the girls; they get equal treatment and are fed the same food. My neighbours have begun emulating this practice.”