CMS aids 'quiet revolution' in Bangladesh

Women in Bangladesh are turning their villages around thanks to a church empowerment programme.

Church Mission Society's James Pender is in the country and working with the Church of Bangladesh Social Development Programme (CBSDP).

The programme has been up and running for several years and is teaching women about their rights, as well as training them in new skills.

Issues covered include sanitation, domestic violence and preventing child marriages.

In a report to CMS, Pender tells of how the experience is giving women a new sense of dignity and empowerment.

The programme is also teaching budgeting skills and giving small loans to the women so that they can run their own businesses.

A woman in Belghoria village, for example, has been supported in running her own vegetable business.

Pender recently visited Belghoria village and said he was excited to see the transformation there.

"Three years ago, the women lacked confidence, often seen as second class citizens. Now, they’ve helped create buildings, they’ve petitioned the local government for new latrines, and they’re helping villagers obtain voting cards."

When the women on the programme heard that a local woman was being beaten by her husband, they banded together and confronted him.

Pender shares: “I would have loved to see his reaction to a large group of women assembling outside his house.The beating soon stopped and this brave group of women also prevented two early marriages of young girls in a similar way.”

He added: “A quiet revolution is taking place. It is wonderful to be a part of the process.”