We celebrate International Women’s Day every year, yet injustices against women and girls persist. Recently, a court granted bail to a man accused of raping a five-year-old girl. The details of his horrific crime were so gruesome that they were difficult to even read on newspapers and social media.
While I am not a legal expert, I strongly believe that no accused rapist should be granted bail unless proven innocent. Legal proceedings for such heinous crimes must be expedited to make sure that victims receive justice. At the same time, I believe that victims of violence must receive special care, as the country had failed to ensure their safety.
As a UNICEF youth advocate and a young girl myself, I feel deeply disturbed to witness the harsh treatment women and girls in Bangladesh constantly experience. This is why I have worked tirelessly to change how girls and women are seen in their communities, and empower them so they do not have to endure the unjust treatment.
In the remote area of Laxmipur, where I operate an informal school for tribal children, I remember that child marriage was once rampant. Families in poverty believed marrying off their daughters early was their only choice to reduce financial burdens or uphold cultural norms. The devastating impact of this practice inspired me to take action.
A few years ago, along with running the informal school, I started I started an initiative to end child marriage in Laxmipur. I visited tribal families, explaining why education was the key to their daughters’ success. It wasn’t easy. Many parents genuinely believed that early marriage would shield their daughters from the harsh realities of the world.
Despite their valid worries, this mindset was dangerous to have, particularly for parents whose daughters had little support beyond their homes. I emphasized to them the consequences of child marriage, including the physical and mental health risks and the barriers for a girl’s future. I worked to help them envision a better path: Keeping their daughters in school where they could grow into strong, independent women.
My initiative went beyond conversations. I held small workshops and brought together community leaders around Laxmipur to spread awareness. The students in my informal school were also taught about child marriage.
During my work with the community, I realized that another significant challenge adolescent girls faced was the lack of awareness on menstrual health. For many, menstruation was considered shameful and impure due to deep-rooted cultural taboos, often passed down through generations.
I want to ensure that no girl is forced into marriage, every girl has access to education, and menstrual health is no longer a taboo topic
This stigma led to poor hygiene practices, such as using unclean cloths, reusing pads without proper washing, or avoiding bathing during menstruation. As a result, many girls faced health hazards and discomfort, often leading to missed school days and a lack of confidence.
To address this, I started workshops for both the girls in my school as well as in the community to educate them on menstrual health and hygiene, emphasizing that menstruation is a natural and healthy part of life. I also distributed reusable sanitary pads to those who couldn’t afford them to ensure that financial limitations did not hinder safe menstrual management.
Beyond access to resources, I wanted girls to feel confident and capable, to know that their bodies were not sources of embarrassment but symbols of strength. It felt empowering to see the girls in my workshops laughing and bonding over their shared struggles during periods. They began attending their schools more regularly, knowing they had the necessary knowledge and resources to help them during menstrual cycles.
Today, I am proud to say that in Laxmipur, there hasn’t been a single case of child marriage in the past two years. This achievement is a victory not just for me but for the girls and families who believed in the possibility of change.
My work expanded beyond Laxmipur to include the marginalized Bin community in Mymensingh. For generations, the Bin people have struggled with poverty, a lack of educational opportunities, and limited opportunities for women and girls. Through my initiative, I worked closely with families, reinforcing the importance of education, health, and empowerment. Slowly but surely, mindsets shifted. Parents who once saw their daughters’ futures as confined to household chores and early marriage now encouraged them to pursue education.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been witnessing the transformation of girls who once felt trapped by societal expectations. Many are now aspiring to work outside their homes, breaking free from the cycle of dependency and limited opportunities.
Education is at the heart of this change. By staying in school, these girls get the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they need to pursue meaningful careers. They learn to advocate for themselves, challenge and change outdated norms, and dream of futures where they are leaders, not followers.
My journey has taught me that change is possible when we believe in it and work together. The success of my initiatives in Laxmipur and Mymensingh wouldn’t have been possible without the support of parents, community leaders, and the girls I have worked closely with.
It has also shown me the power of youth-led change. As a 16-year-old girl, I may not have the resources or experience of larger organizations, but I have passion, determination, and an understanding of the challenges girls in Bangladesh face.
I have also learned that change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes courage to question centuries-long cultural practices and patience to advocate for tangible changes. But that will not stop me. I want to ensure that no girl is forced into marriage, every girl has access to education, and menstrual health is no longer a taboo topic.
I urge everyone to support initiatives that empower girls and protect their rights. Whether through advocacy, education, or financial support, every contribution counts. When we invest in girls, we invest to secure the future. Together, we can create a world where every girl has the freedom to dream, to achieve, and to thrive.
Gargee Tanushree Paul, UNICEF Youth Advocate and young activist.
