The boatwomen of Kirtankhola

Five boatwomen have been ferrying passengers across the Kirtankhola River from the Rasulpur Colony dock in Barisal to support their families. These five women - Misti Begum, Mariam Begum, Shefali Begum, Firoza Begum and Rahima Begum - wake up at the crack of dawn everyday and take their boats to the river for making ends meet. Three of them are also sisters. Rowing a boat full of passengers is not child’s play, and the physical labour has taken a toll on these women. They had no smiles to offer; they just wanted to fend for their family. These boatwomen have been ferrying passengers across the Kirtankhola for over 25 years, but the everyday toil did not improve their financial standing, or their quality of life. The ever increasing prices of essential commodities are forcing these women to seek an alternative means of employment, as they are barely making ends meet from ferrying passengers. Inspecting the ferry docks, a correspondent from the Dhaka Tribune found that the five boatwomen shouting for passengers. These women live hand-to-mouth, and barely make enough for each day’s food expenses. After paying installments for their loans, the boatwomen simply have no money left for savings. With each passing year, the price of commodities has skyrocketed, and the public transport fares have also gone up, but the toll for ferrying passengers across Kirtankhola remains the same. Some of the passengers cross the river for free, just for being locals. The boatwomen complained that no government has taken any initiative to help them out. Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, these women said a ferryman earns between Tk200-400 per day, and it is quite difficult to make ends meet with that income. “I earn around Tk 200-300 by ferrying people across Kirtankhola. With that meager income, I pay tuition fees of my children, rent for my home, and buy food. I cannot save even one taka from my income,” said Misti Begum. “If we get sick, we just stay home until we feel better. Sometimes we eat, sometimes we do not. My home was demolished, so I rented a place. I also pay my loan installments. Such is my life.” Another boatwoman Shefali Begum said: “My family had some land in Saheb-er Haat area of Barisal, but land grabbers stole it from me. I have been rowing boats since I was ten years old.” She pointed out that she used to make enough to support herself and her family members, but her income has gradually dried up. With tearful eyes, Shefali said: “I am 45 years old, and I am tired of rowing boats. Please pray for me.” Mariam Begum is another elderly boatwoman in Rasulpur Colony dock. She spoke of her woes to the Dhaka Tribune: “My husband abandoned me and my two little girls. I work from dawn to dusk to feed my children. What else is there for me to do?” All five of these women are trapped in the web of various co-operative societies, after taking out small loans. However, the boatwomen of Kirtankhola dare to dream of a better future. Misti Begum is sending her children to schools in the city, and remains ever vigilant to keep them away from illegal drugs in Rasulpur. Barely making ends meet after an honest day of work, these women believe that their lives could be so much better, if only the government would help them break the chain of poverty.