Sakina Begum, Chokmusha village, Dinajpur, says, “Before I joined Polli Sree, an ally of the campaign, and the ‘We Can’ campaign, I was confined to my home. My husband did not allow me to step out of the house. When I began working for the NGO, I began to gradually move out. But my husband, at first, did not like it. When my male colleagues came home he was very sharp with them and would lash out at them unfairly.

But with time, things have changed. I have gained confidence and have able to convince my husband that I have my own identity. My job with the NGO has allowed me to gain confidence and knowledge. I am able to put across my point of view to people and my own husband. My husband has become extremely accommodating; when we purchased land my husband actually transferred half of it to me.

I am also able to help women in my neighbourhood. My male neighbour would often quarrel with a woman in the neighbourhood and use filthy language while addressing her. I confronted him one day and put an end to that. I threatened to report to the village council. Another neighbour of mine had married several times and would abuse his wives in a shameful manner. Many village women have got together and put an end to his marrying again by bringing his bad behaviour to public knowledge.”