WOMEN IN BANGLADESH ARE RECOGNIZING THEIR POTENTIAL THROUGH MICRO-SAVINGS AND LEARNING GROUPS
By Ashley Chapman
–Rojonigonda Savings Group member
“Our children will go to school, and to university!”
–Rumi, Rojonigonda Savings Group president
A common North American stereotype is that men are more comfortable
taking financial risks while females prefer to build security. But in rural Bangladeshi
communities where FH works, the lack of land ownership, high illiteracy rate
and culturally-engrained gender inequality (plus practices like child marriage)
make both earning and saving nearly impossible for most females.
To combat these challenges, FH has established community savings groups to
provide a supportive environment for women to realize their value and build
savings. The most vulnerable women in the community are invited to form groups
of approximately 15 who meet regularly. Working together, they develop the
means and confidence to lift themselves and their families out of
poverty.
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Developing Businesses
Group members are taught to read, write and balance
books, and are trained in specific vocational and business development skills.
Soon, small businesses spring up as women start to use their new-found skills
and savings to provide for their families.
Restoring Dignity
Females are seen as so inferior that mothers
often weep when they give birth to daughters. Group members find these
community groups a place where their dignity is restored. FH walks alongside
each woman’s family and wider community, challenging negative cultural
perceptions of gender inequality.
Discovering Rights
Because women are particularly vulnerable in the area of family law,
they are taught about their legal rights and the rights of their children in
areas of family conflicts such as dowries and multiple marriages. With the
support of FH staff, they are equipped to challenge injustices and protect themselves
and their children from exploitation.
FH has over 900 groups meeting across Bangladesh .
With your support, we can offer more women this life-changing opportunity. Contact
us for resources to host “A Taste of Bangladesh ”
girls’ night and to be matched with a specific women’s group.
