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  • Nusrat Jahan Popy (16) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Popy says, "I feel helpless, not angry (if my parents would try to marry me off). I can do stitching and we want to be allowed to work so that we can earn money to support ourselves in our studies and to rid ourselves of poverty and gain independence." The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0940.jpg
  • Mony Mala (16) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Mony says, "I'm still a child, not prepared to be a wife. I feel pained that my parents don't see a point in educating me just because I'm a girl. I feel terrible when we are not able to stop a child marriage because the elders do not listen to us." The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0922.jpg
  • Child bride Rina Akhter Meghla (14) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. "I was about to be wed. The groom was already selected. I told my parents that I didn't want to get married now because I just will be a servant to my husband. I wanted to be independent." Her parents had said that they wanted to marry her off because she was watching too much television and not doing well in school, after which she promised to stop watching TV and improve her grades. Her ambition is to be a police inspector. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0894.jpg
  • Jewel Mahammud Kawsan (17, center right) speaks during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. When asked if an abused wife could return to her family, Jewel says, "Society doesn't take it well. It is not accepted if she leaves the husband's house. Even (her own parents) will tell her to be accommodative even if her husband beats her, because after marriage, that is now her real address." Jewel also tells a true story of a girl who used to be a member of the children's group. When she turned 14/15, her parents wanted to marry her off. The children's group went to village elders to counsel the family and the marriage was stopped. The children felt proud but sadly, after 2 months, she was quietly married off. Now, at 18, she is a mother of a girl child and is not happy in the marriage. Her husband is also a young boy but is violent in nature and beats her. She is tied to motherhood and house chores and not allowed to join the other children. The families are also fighting because of dowry related issues." The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0795.jpg
  • Young girls sit in a group at a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. The Bhashantek Basti Children's Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. About 20150 people live in the Bhashantek urban slum, with an average household size of 5 in housing sizes of 8 x 9ft made of bamboo, tin sheets and scrap materials. The average annual income is USD 200. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0758.jpg
  • Rina Akhter Meghla (14, baby blue scarf) speaks of her ordeal during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. "I was about to be wed. The groom was already selected. I told my parents that I didn't want to get married now because I just will be a servant to my husband. I wanted to be independent." Her parents had said that they wanted to marry her off because she was watching too much television and not doing well in school, after which she promised to stop watching TV and improve her grades. Her ambition is to be a police inspector. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0744.jpg
  • Tamanna Jinnat (13, red scarf) hands over a list of potential child brides while speaking in a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Tamanna explains, "we have an organised system: we have a list of girls who are potential child brides and we check on them. Another initiative is making sure that there is birth registration for babies so that there will be a proof of their age." Tamanna's mother said that "at your age, you are not aware of the benefits of an early marriage," to which Tamanna replied, "how about issues of maternal mortality from being too young to bear children?". She also wants to be allowed to work part time so she can support her own education and independence. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0667.jpg
  • Tamanna Jinnat (13, red scarf) speaks during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Tamanna explains, "we have an organised system: we have a list of girls who are potential child brides and we check on them. Another initiative is making sure that there is birth registration for babies so that there will be a proof of their age." Tamanna's mother said that "at your age, you are not aware of the benefits of an early marriage," to which Tamanna replied, "how about issues of maternal mortality from being too young to bear children?". She also wants to be allowed to work part time so she can support her own education and independence. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0642.jpg
  • Shahida Begum, 35, cooks dinner in her home in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011. She has found financial independence and contributes to the family income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • (L-R) Mohd. Shahin Alom (13, son), Mahfuza Akhter (5, daughter), Shahida Begum (35), Shakil Alom (7, son), Mohd. Abu Taleb (41, husband). .Shahida Begum, 35, poses for a family portrait in her home in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011. She contributes to the family income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • As her daughter Mahfuza Akhter (5) looks on, Shahida Begum, 35, looks into her product bag in her hut's compound in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011, after a regular day of work as a saleswoman earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • Jewel Mahammud Kawsan (17) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. When asked if an abused wife could return to her family, Jewel says, "Society doesn't take it well. It is not accepted if she leaves the husband's house. Even (her own parents) will tell her to be accommodative even if her husband beats her, because after marriage, that is now her real address." Jewel also tells a true story of a girl who used to be a member of the children's group. When she turned 14/15, her parents wanted to marry her off. The children's group went to village elders to counsel the family and the marriage was stopped. The children felt proud but sadly, after 2 months, she was quietly married off. Now, at 18, she is a mother of a girl child and is not happy in the marriage. Her husband is also a young boy but is violent in nature and beats her. She is tied to motherhood and house chores and not allowed to join the other children. The families are also fighting because of dowry related issues." The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0983.jpg
  • Nusrat Jahan Popy (16) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Popy says, "I feel helpless, not angry (if my parents would try to marry me off). I can do stitching and we want to be allowed to work so that we can earn money to support ourselves in our studies and to rid ourselves of poverty and gain independence." The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0952.jpg
  • Mony Mala (16) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Mony says, "I'm still a child, not prepared to be a wife. I feel pained that my parents don't see a point in educating me just because I'm a girl. I feel terrible when we are not able to stop a child marriage because the elders do not listen to us." The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0916.jpg
  • Child bride Rina Akhter Meghla (14) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. "I was about to be wed. The groom was already selected. I told my parents that I didn't want to get married now because I just will be a servant to my husband. I wanted to be independent." Her parents had said that they wanted to marry her off because she was watching too much television and not doing well in school, after which she promised to stop watching TV and improve her grades. Her ambition is to be a police inspector. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0876.jpg
  • Tamanna Jinnat (13) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Tamanna explains, "we have an organised system: we have a list of girls who are potential child brides and we check on them. Another initiative is making sure that there is birth registration for babies so that there will be a proof of their age." Tamanna's mother said that "at your age, you are not aware of the benefits of an early marriage," to which Tamanna replied, "how about issues of maternal mortality from being too young to bear children?". She also wants to be allowed to work part time so she can support her own education and independence. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0861.jpg
  • Tamanna Jinnat (13) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Tamanna explains, "we have an organised system: we have a list of girls who are potential child brides and we check on them. Another initiative is making sure that there is birth registration for babies so that there will be a proof of their age." Tamanna's mother said that "at your age, you are not aware of the benefits of an early marriage," to which Tamanna replied, "how about issues of maternal mortality from being too young to bear children?". She also wants to be allowed to work part time so she can support her own education and independence. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0845.jpg
  • Oli Ahmed (11) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Oli says, "We are in extreme poverty. If our parents get a good price for our marriages, there is nothing we can do. (Also,) we are now in the era of gender equality and girls should be allowed to study instead of being married off." Oli wants to be a doctor when he grows up. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0836.jpg
  • Oli Ahmed (11) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Oli says, "We are in extreme poverty. If our parents get a good price for our marriages, there is nothing we can do. (Also,) we are now in the era of gender equality and girls should be allowed to study instead of being married off." Oli wants to be a doctor when he grows up. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0832.jpg
  • Oli Ahmed (11) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Oli says, "We are in extreme poverty. If our parents get a good price for our marriages, there is nothing we can do. (Also,) we are now in the era of gender equality and girls should be allowed to study instead of being married off." Oli wants to be a doctor when he grows up. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0819.jpg
  • River fishermen sell freshly caught fish just outside the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. The Bhashantek Basti Children's Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. About 20150 people live in the Bhashantek urban slum, with an average household size of 5 in housing sizes of 8 x 9ft made of bamboo, tin sheets and scrap materials. The average annual income is USD 200. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0817.jpg
  • Jewel Mahammud Kawsan (17, center right) speaks during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. When asked if an abused wife could return to her family, Jewel says, "Society doesn't take it well. It is not accepted if she leaves the husband's house. Even (her own parents) will tell her to be accommodative even if her husband beats her, because after marriage, that is now her real address." Jewel also tells a true story of a girl who used to be a member of the children's group. When she turned 14/15, her parents wanted to marry her off. The children's group went to village elders to counsel the family and the marriage was stopped. The children felt proud but sadly, after 2 months, she was quietly married off. Now, at 18, she is a mother of a girl child and is not happy in the marriage. Her husband is also a young boy but is violent in nature and beats her. She is tied to motherhood and house chores and not allowed to join the other children. The families are also fighting because of dowry related issues." The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0787.jpg
  • Rina Akhter Meghla (14, baby blue scarf) speaks of her ordeal during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. "I was about to be wed. The groom was already selected. I told my parents that I didn't want to get married now because I just will be a servant to my husband. I wanted to be independent." Her parents had said that they wanted to marry her off because she was watching too much television and not doing well in school, after which she promised to stop watching TV and improve her grades. Her ambition is to be a police inspector. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0752.jpg
  • Rina Akhter Meghla (14, baby blue scarf) speaks of her ordeal during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. "I was about to be wed. The groom was already selected. I told my parents that I didn't want to get married now because I just will be a servant to my husband. I wanted to be independent." Her parents had said that they wanted to marry her off because she was watching too much television and not doing well in school, after which she promised to stop watching TV and improve her grades. Her ambition is to be a police inspector. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0730.jpg
  • Members of a children's group raise their hands to count those who have official birth certificates during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Official birth certificates is essential in proving that a child is underaged for marriage as many parents lie about their child's age when asked. The Bhashantek Basti Children's Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. About 20150 people live in the Bhashantek urban slum, with an average household size of 5 in housing sizes of 8 x 9ft made of bamboo, tin sheets and scrap materials. The average annual income is USD 200. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0707.jpg
  • Oli Ahmed (11, in pink shirt) speaks during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Oli says, "We are in extreme poverty. If our parents get a good price for our marriages, there is nothing we can do. (Also,) we are now in the era of gender equality and girls should be allowed to study instead of being married off." Oli wants to be a doctor when he grows up. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0681.jpg
  • Oli Ahmed (11, in pink shirt) speaks during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Oli says, "We are in extreme poverty. If our parents get a good price for our marriages, there is nothing we can do. (Also,) we are now in the era of gender equality and girls should be allowed to study instead of being married off." Oli wants to be a doctor when he grows up. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0679.jpg
  • Tamanna Jinnat (13, red scarf) speaks during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Tamanna explains, "we have an organised system: we have a list of girls who are potential child brides and we check on them. Another initiative is making sure that there is birth registration for babies so that there will be a proof of their age." Tamanna's mother said that "at your age, you are not aware of the benefits of an early marriage," to which Tamanna replied, "how about issues of maternal mortality from being too young to bear children?". She also wants to be allowed to work part time so she can support her own education and independence. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0659.jpg
  • Tamanna Jinnat (13, red scarf) speaks during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Tamanna explains, "we have an organised system: we have a list of girls who are potential child brides and we check on them. Another initiative is making sure that there is birth registration for babies so that there will be a proof of their age." Tamanna's mother said that "at your age, you are not aware of the benefits of an early marriage," to which Tamanna replied, "how about issues of maternal mortality from being too young to bear children?". She also wants to be allowed to work part time so she can support her own education and independence. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0639.jpg
  • Oli Ahmed (11, in pink shirt) speaks during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Oli says, "We are in extreme poverty. If our parents get a good price for our marriages, there is nothing we can do. (Also,) we are now in the era of gender equality and girls should be allowed to study instead of being married off." Oli wants to be a doctor when he grows up. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0633.jpg
  • Oli Ahmed (11, in pink shirt) speaks during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Oli says, "We are in extreme poverty. If our parents get a good price for our marriages, there is nothing we can do. (Also,) we are now in the era of gender equality and girls should be allowed to study instead of being married off." Oli wants to be a doctor when he grows up. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0603.jpg
  • Oli Ahmed (11, in pink shirt) speaks during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Oli says, "We are in extreme poverty. If our parents get a good price for our marriages, there is nothing we can do. (Also,) we are now in the era of gender equality and girls should be allowed to study instead of being married off." Oli wants to be a doctor when he grows up. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0587.jpg
  • Shahida Begum, 35, walks to work in her village, Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011. She has found financial independence and contributes to the family income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • Shahida Begum, 35, walks to work in her village, Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011. She has found financial independence and contributes to the family income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • (L-R, back to front) Mohd. Shahin Alom (13, son), Mohd. Abu Taleb (41, husband), Shakil Alom (7, son),  Mahfuza Akhter (5, daughter), Shahida Begum (35). .Shahida Begum, 35, poses for a family portrait in her home in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011. She contributes to the family income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • Shahida Begum, 35, looks into her product bag in her hut's compound in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011, after a regular day of work as a saleswoman earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • (L-R) Mohd. Abu Taleb (41, husband), Mahfuza Akhter (5, daughter), Shahida Begum (35), Akhterruzzaman (38, Hub Manager). .Shahida Begum, 35, meets her Hub Manager, Akhterruzzaman, in her hut's compound in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011, after a regular day of work as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • As her daughter, Mahfuza akhter (5) looks on, Shahida Begum, 35, goes about her daily household chores in her hut in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011, after a regular day of work as a saleswoman earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • Shahida Begum, 35, dresses her daughter, Mahfuza Akhter (5), in her hut in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011, after a regular day of work as a saleswoman earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • Shahida Begum, 35, dresses her daughter, Mahfuza Akhter (5), in her hut in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011, after a regular day of work as a saleswoman earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • As her daughter, Mahfuza Akhter (5) looks on, Shahida Begum, 35, goes about her daily household chores in her hut in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011, after a regular day of work as a saleswoman earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • Shahida Begum, 35, organises her products with her son, Shakil Alom (7), in her hut in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011, after a regular day of work as a saleswoman earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • Jewel Mahammud Kawsan (17) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. When asked if an abused wife could return to her family, Jewel says, "Society doesn't take it well. It is not accepted if she leaves the husband's house. Even (her own parents) will tell her to be accommodative even if her husband beats her, because after marriage, that is now her real address." Jewel also tells a true story of a girl who used to be a member of the children's group. When she turned 14/15, her parents wanted to marry her off. The children's group went to village elders to counsel the family and the marriage was stopped. The children felt proud but sadly, after 2 months, she was quietly married off. Now, at 18, she is a mother of a girl child and is not happy in the marriage. Her husband is also a young boy but is violent in nature and beats her. She is tied to motherhood and house chores and not allowed to join the other children. The families are also fighting because of dowry related issues." The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0976.jpg
  • Nusrat Jahan Popy (16) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Popy says, "I feel helpless, not angry (if my parents would try to marry me off). I can do stitching and we want to be allowed to work so that we can earn money to support ourselves in our studies and to rid ourselves of poverty and gain independence." The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0947.jpg
  • Mony Mala (16) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Mony says, "I'm still a child, not prepared to be a wife. I feel pained that my parents don't see a point in educating me just because I'm a girl. I feel terrible when we are not able to stop a child marriage because the elders do not listen to us." The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0925.jpg
  • Child bride Rina Akhter Meghla (14) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. "I was about to be wed. The groom was already selected. I told my parents that I didn't want to get married now because I just will be a servant to my husband. I wanted to be independent." Her parents had said that they wanted to marry her off because she was watching too much television and not doing well in school, after which she promised to stop watching TV and improve her grades. Her ambition is to be a police inspector. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0908.jpg
  • Child bride Rina Akhter Meghla (14) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. "I was about to be wed. The groom was already selected. I told my parents that I didn't want to get married now because I just will be a servant to my husband. I wanted to be independent." Her parents had said that they wanted to marry her off because she was watching too much television and not doing well in school, after which she promised to stop watching TV and improve her grades. Her ambition is to be a police inspector. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0890.jpg
  • Tamanna Jinnat (13) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Tamanna explains, "we have an organised system: we have a list of girls who are potential child brides and we check on them. Another initiative is making sure that there is birth registration for babies so that there will be a proof of their age." Tamanna's mother said that "at your age, you are not aware of the benefits of an early marriage," to which Tamanna replied, "how about issues of maternal mortality from being too young to bear children?". She also wants to be allowed to work part time so she can support her own education and independence. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0872.jpg
  • Tamanna Jinnat (13) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Tamanna explains, "we have an organised system: we have a list of girls who are potential child brides and we check on them. Another initiative is making sure that there is birth registration for babies so that there will be a proof of their age." Tamanna's mother said that "at your age, you are not aware of the benefits of an early marriage," to which Tamanna replied, "how about issues of maternal mortality from being too young to bear children?". She also wants to be allowed to work part time so she can support her own education and independence. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0867.jpg
  • Oli Ahmed (11) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Oli says, "We are in extreme poverty. If our parents get a good price for our marriages, there is nothing we can do. (Also,) we are now in the era of gender equality and girls should be allowed to study instead of being married off." Oli wants to be a doctor when he grows up. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0824.jpg
  • Nusrat Jahan Popy (16, 2nd from right) speaks during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Popy says, "I feel helpless, not angry (if my parents would try to marry me off). I can do stitching and we want to be allowed to work so that we can earn money to support ourselves in our studies and to rid ourselves of poverty and gain independence." The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0766.jpg
  • Rina Akhter Meghla (14, baby blue scarf) speaks of her ordeal during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. "I was about to be wed. The groom was already selected. I told my parents that I didn't want to get married now because I just will be a servant to my husband. I wanted to be independent." Her parents had said that they wanted to marry her off because she was watching too much television and not doing well in school, after which she promised to stop watching TV and improve her grades. Her ambition is to be a police inspector. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0741.jpg
  • Tamanna Jinnat (13, red scarf) speaks during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Tamanna explains, "we have an organised system: we have a list of girls who are potential child brides and we check on them. Another initiative is making sure that there is birth registration for babies so that there will be a proof of their age." Tamanna's mother said that "at your age, you are not aware of the benefits of an early marriage," to which Tamanna replied, "how about issues of maternal mortality from being too young to bear children?". She also wants to be allowed to work part time so she can support her own education and independence. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0655.jpg
  • Mony Mala (16, 3rd from left) speaks during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Mony says, "I'm still a child, not prepared to be a wife. I feel pained that my parents don't see a point in educating me just because I'm a girl. I feel terrible when we are not able to stop a child marriage because the elders do not listen to us." The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0577.jpg
  • A widow, Rubi Begum, 40, walks through fields as she goes from door to door to sell her products in Ghagoa Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. Living alone after her husband's passing, she has now (since 2.5 years) found financial independence by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-0916.JPG
  • Together with her husband, Mohd. Abu Taleb (41), Shahida Begum, 35, cooks dinner in her home in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011. She has found financial independence and contributes to the family income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • Shahida Begum, 35, pumps ground water to cook dinner in her home in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011. She has found financial independence and contributes to the family income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • (L-R, back to front) Mohd. Shahin Alom (13, son), Mohd. Abu Taleb (41, husband), Shakil Alom (7, son),  Mahfuza Akhter (5, daughter), Shahida Begum (35). .Shahida Begum, 35, poses for a family portrait in her home in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011. She contributes to the family income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • (L-R) Shakil Alom (7, son), Mohd. Abu Taleb (41, husband), Mahfuza Akhter (5, daughter), Shahida Begum (35), Akhterruzzaman (38, Hub Manager). .Shahida Begum, 35, meets her Hub Manager, Akhterruzzaman, in her hut's compound in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011, after a regular day of work as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • (L-R) Shakil Alom (7, son), Mohd. Abu Taleb (41, husband), Mahfuza Akhter (5, daughter), Shahida Begum (35), Akhterruzzaman (38, Hub Manager). .Shahida Begum, 35, meets her Hub Manager, Akhterruzzaman, in her hut's compound in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011, after a regular day of work as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • As her daughter, Mahfuza Akhter (5) and son, Shakil Alom (7) look on, Shahida Begum, 35, goes about her daily household chores in her hut in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011, after a regular day of work as a saleswoman earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • Shahida Begum, 35, looks out the window as she organises her products in her hut in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011, after a regular day of work as a saleswoman earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • Shahida Begum, 35, cleans her product bag as she goes about her daily household chores in her hut in Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011, after a regular day of work as a saleswoman earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • Jewel Mahammud Kawsan (17) sits for a portrait in the meeting hut of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. When asked if an abused wife could return to her family, Jewel says, "Society doesn't take it well. It is not accepted if she leaves the husband's house. Even (her own parents) will tell her to be accommodative even if her husband beats her, because after marriage, that is now her real address." Jewel also tells a true story of a girl who used to be a member of the children's group. When she turned 14/15, her parents wanted to marry her off. The children's group went to village elders to counsel the family and the marriage was stopped. The children felt proud but sadly, after 2 months, she was quietly married off. Now, at 18, she is a mother of a girl child and is not happy in the marriage. Her husband is also a young boy but is violent in nature and beats her. She is tied to motherhood and house chores and not allowed to join the other children. The families are also fighting because of dowry related issues." The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-1001.jpg
  • Oli Ahmed (11, in pink shirt) speaks during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Oli says, "We are in extreme poverty. If our parents get a good price for our marriages, there is nothing we can do. (Also,) we are now in the era of gender equality and girls should be allowed to study instead of being married off." Oli wants to be a doctor when he grows up. The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0600.jpg
  • Nusrat Jahan Popy (16, 2nd from right) speaks during a monthly meeting of a Children's Group in Bhashantek Basti (Slum) in Zon H, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 23rd September 2011. Popy says, "I feel helpless, not angry (if my parents would try to marry me off). I can do stitching and we want to be allowed to work so that we can earn money to support ourselves in our studies and to rid ourselves of poverty and gain independence." The Bhashantek Basti Childrens Group is run by children for children with the facilitation of PLAN Bangladesh and other partner NGOs. Slum children from ages 8 to 17 run the group within their own communities to protect vulnerable children from child related issues such as child marriage. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110921-Guardian-Plan-0583.jpg
  • Shahida Begum, 35, sells her products in her village, Palashbari Villlage, Taragonj, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 18th September 2011. She has found financial independence and contributes to the family income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110918-Guardian-Care-Aparaj...JPG
  • Farmers walk through their paddy fields after a day of work in rural Bangladesh near Rangpur, northern Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-1608.JPG
  • Jesmin Akhter, 26 (in turquoise & blue), barter trades her products with rice in one of her 'marketplaces', Jerai Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. She has found financial independence and contributes to her household income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is the top saleswoman under her 'hub', out of 30 women. Having worked for about 2.5 years, she cycles from village to village and door to door in a country where women on bicycles is an extremely uncommon sight. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-1549.JPG
  • Men congregate at a roadside tea stall to while their time after a day of work in rural Bangladesh near Bogra, northern Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-1613.JPG
  • Jesmin Akhter, 26 (in turquoise & blue), sells her products in one of her 'marketplaces', Jerai Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. She has found financial independence and contributes to her household income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is the top saleswoman under her 'hub', out of 30 women. Having worked for about 2.5 years, she cycles from village to village and door to door in a country where women on bicycles is an extremely uncommon sight. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-1399.JPG
  • A widow, Rubi Begum, 40 (sitting in center), sells her products in Ghagoa Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. Living alone after her husband's passing, she has now (since 2.5 years) found financial independence by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-1048.JPG
  • A widow, Rubi Begum, 40 (sitting in center), sells her products in Ghagoa Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. Living alone after her husband's passing, she has now (since 2.5 years) found financial independence by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-1013.JPG
  • Mosiammat Rahimah Begum, walks out of the Mornia Kik Rug Factory in Doani Villlage, Haragach Upazila, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011 where she works alongside 25 rural village women making rugs for German textile discounter Kik. Over 400 women have been economically empowered through the CARE Bangladesh WONDER Project that was completed recently. The WONDER Project's goals were to create sustainable income and employment opportunities for extremely poor women by training them in rug production for export. The women now earn about 4000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. The WONDER Project has now moved into a new phase that focusses on general healthcare, workplace safety and nutritional training and awareness programs. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-0887.JPG
  • Ayshah Begum works on her rug at the Mornia Kik Rug Factory in Doani Villlage, Haragach Upazila, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011 where she works alongside 25 rural village women making rugs for German textile discounter Kik. Over 400 women have been economically empowered through the CARE Bangladesh WONDER Project that was completed recently. The WONDER Project's goals were to create sustainable income and employment opportunities for extremely poor women by training them in rug production for export. The women now earn about 4000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. The WONDER Project has now moved into a new phase that focusses on general healthcare, workplace safety and nutritional training and awareness programs. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-0630.JPG
  • Aklima Khatun works on her rug at the Mornia Kik Rug Factory in Doani Villlage, Haragach Upazila, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011 where she works alongside 25 rural village women making rugs for German textile discounter Kik. Over 400 women have been economically empowered through the CARE Bangladesh WONDER Project that was completed recently. The WONDER Project's goals were to create sustainable income and employment opportunities for extremely poor women by training them in rug production for export. The women now earn about 4000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. The WONDER Project has now moved into a new phase that focusses on general healthcare, workplace safety and nutritional training and awareness programs. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-0584.JPG
  • Jesmin Akhter, 26 (in turquoise & blue), poses for a portrait in one of her 'marketplaces', Jerai Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. She has found financial independence and contributes to her household income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is the top saleswoman under her 'hub', out of 30 women. Having worked for about 2.5 years, she cycles from village to village and door to door in a country where women on bicycles is an extremely uncommon sight. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-1589.JPG
  • Jesmin Akhter, 26 (in turquoise & blue), poses for a portrait in one of her 'marketplaces', Jerai Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. She has found financial independence and contributes to her household income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is the top saleswoman under her 'hub', out of 30 women. Having worked for about 2.5 years, she cycles from village to village and door to door in a country where women on bicycles is an extremely uncommon sight. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-1571.JPG
  • Jesmin Akhter, 26 (in turquoise & blue), keeps a record of her list of credit sales as she sells her products in one of her 'marketplaces', Jerai Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. She has found financial independence and contributes to her household income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is the top saleswoman under her 'hub', out of 30 women. Having worked for about 2.5 years, she cycles from village to village and door to door in a country where women on bicycles is an extremely uncommon sight. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-1564.JPG
  • Jesmin Akhter, 26 (3rd from right, in turquoise & blue), sells her products in one of her 'marketplaces', Jerai Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. She has found financial independence and contributes to her household income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is the top saleswoman under her 'hub', out of 30 women. Having worked for about 2.5 years, she cycles from village to village and door to door in a country where women on bicycles is an extremely uncommon sight. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-1457.JPG
  • Jesmin Akhter, 26 (3rd from right, in turquoise & blue), sells her products in one of her 'marketplaces', Jerai Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. She has found financial independence and contributes to her household income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is the top saleswoman under her 'hub', out of 30 women. Having worked for about 2.5 years, she cycles from village to village and door to door in a country where women on bicycles is an extremely uncommon sight. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-1395.JPG
  • Jesmin Akhter, 26 (right, in turquoise & blue), sells her products in one of her 'marketplaces', Jerai Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. She has found financial independence and contributes to her household income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is the top saleswoman under her 'hub', out of 30 women. Having worked for about 2.5 years, she cycles from village to village and door to door in a country where women on bicycles is an extremely uncommon sight. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-1386.JPG
  • Jesmin Akhter, 26 (in turquoise & blue), poses for a portrait in one of her 'marketplaces', Jerai Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. She has found financial independence and contributes to her household income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is the top saleswoman under her 'hub', out of 30 women. Having worked for about 2.5 years, she cycles from village to village and door to door in a country where women on bicycles is an extremely uncommon sight. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-1336.JPG
  • Jesmin Akhter, 26 (in turquoise & blue), poses for a portrait in one of her 'marketplaces', Jerai Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. She has found financial independence and contributes to her household income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is the top saleswoman under her 'hub', out of 30 women. Having worked for about 2.5 years, she cycles from village to village and door to door in a country where women on bicycles is an extremely uncommon sight. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-1293.JPG
  • Jesmin Akhter, 26 (in turquoise & blue), sells her products in one of her 'marketplaces', Jerai Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. She has found financial independence and contributes to her household income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is the top saleswoman under her 'hub', out of 30 women. Having worked for about 2.5 years, she cycles from village to village and door to door in a country where women on bicycles is an extremely uncommon sight. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-1172.JPG
  • Jesmin Akhter, 26 (in turquoise & blue), sells her products in one of her 'marketplaces', Jerai Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. She has found financial independence and contributes to her household income by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is the top saleswoman under her 'hub', out of 30 women. Having worked for about 2.5 years, she cycles from village to village and door to door in a country where women on bicycles is an extremely uncommon sight. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-1098.JPG
  • A widow, Rubi Begum, 40 (standing in center), poses for a portrait in Ghagoa Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. Living alone after her husband's passing, she has now (since 2.5 years) found financial independence by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-1059.JPG
  • A widow, Rubi Begum, 40, sells her products in Ghagoa Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. Living alone after her husband's passing, she has now (since 2.5 years) found financial independence by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-0994.JPG
  • A customer looks at sachets of shampoo as Rubi Begum, 40, (unseen) sells her products in Ghagoa Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. Living alone after her husband's passing, she has now (since 2.5 years) found financial independence by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-0990.JPG
  • A widow, Rubi Begum, 40 (sitting in center), sells her products in Ghagoa Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. Living alone after her husband's passing, she has now (since 2.5 years) found financial independence by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-0958.JPG
  • A widow, Rubi Begum, 40, sells her products in Ghagoa Villlage, Gobindagonj Upazila, Gaibandha, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011. Living alone after her husband's passing, she has now (since 2.5 years) found financial independence by working as a saleswoman, earning 3500 - 5000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. She is one of many rural Bangladeshi women trained by NGO CARE Bangladesh as part of their project on empowering women in this traditionally patriarchal society. Named 'Aparajitas', which means 'women who never accept defeat', these women are trained to sell products in their villages and others around them from door-to-door, bringing global products from brands such as BATA, Unilever and GDFL to the most remote of villages, and bringing social and financial empowerment to themselves.  Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-0917.JPG
  • Nuna Begum (in red/green sari), works on a rug at the Mornia Kik Rug Factory in Doani Villlage, Haragach Upazila, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011 where she works alongside 25 rural village women making rugs for German textile discounter Kik. Over 400 women have been economically empowered through the CARE Bangladesh WONDER Project that was completed recently. The WONDER Project's goals were to create sustainable income and employment opportunities for extremely poor women by training them in rug production for export. The women now earn about 4000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. The WONDER Project has now moved into a new phase that focusses on general healthcare, workplace safety and nutritional training and awareness programs. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-0658.JPG
  • Nuna Begum (in red/green sari), works on a rug at the Mornia Kik Rug Factory in Doani Villlage, Haragach Upazila, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011 where she works alongside 25 rural village women making rugs for German textile discounter Kik. Over 400 women have been economically empowered through the CARE Bangladesh WONDER Project that was completed recently. The WONDER Project's goals were to create sustainable income and employment opportunities for extremely poor women by training them in rug production for export. The women now earn about 4000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. The WONDER Project has now moved into a new phase that focusses on general healthcare, workplace safety and nutritional training and awareness programs. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-0640.JPG
  • Aklima Khatun works on her rug at the Mornia Kik Rug Factory in Doani Villlage, Haragach Upazila, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011 where she works alongside 25 rural village women making rugs for German textile discounter Kik. Over 400 women have been economically empowered through the CARE Bangladesh WONDER Project that was completed recently. The WONDER Project's goals were to create sustainable income and employment opportunities for extremely poor women by training them in rug production for export. The women now earn about 4000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. The WONDER Project has now moved into a new phase that focusses on general healthcare, workplace safety and nutritional training and awareness programs. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-0593.JPG
  • Aklima Khatun works on her rug at the Mornia Kik Rug Factory in Doani Villlage, Haragach Upazila, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011 where she works alongside 25 rural village women making rugs for German textile discounter Kik. Over 400 women have been economically empowered through the CARE Bangladesh WONDER Project that was completed recently. The WONDER Project's goals were to create sustainable income and employment opportunities for extremely poor women by training them in rug production for export. The women now earn about 4000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. The WONDER Project has now moved into a new phase that focusses on general healthcare, workplace safety and nutritional training and awareness programs. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-0556.JPG
  • (L-R) Mosiammat Rahimah Begum (yellow sari) and Mosammat Reshona Khatun (center, red sari) work on their rugs at the Mornia Kik Rug Factory in Doani Villlage, Haragach Upazila, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011 where they work alongside 25 rural village women making rugs for German textile discounter Kik. Over 400 women have been economically empowered through the CARE Bangladesh WONDER Project that was completed recently. The WONDER Project's goals were to create sustainable income and employment opportunities for extremely poor women by training them in rug production for export. The women now earn about 4000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. The WONDER Project has now moved into a new phase that focusses on general healthcare, workplace safety and nutritional training and awareness programs. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-0549.JPG
  • (L-R) Mosiammat Rahimah Begum (yellow sari), Mosammat Reshona Khatun (center, red sari), and Mossammat Dulali Begum (grey hat) work on their rugs at the Mornia Kik Rug Factory in Doani Villlage, Haragach Upazila, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011 where they work alongside 25 rural village women making rugs for German textile discounter Kik. Over 400 women have been economically empowered through the CARE Bangladesh WONDER Project that was completed recently. The WONDER Project's goals were to create sustainable income and employment opportunities for extremely poor women by training them in rug production for export. The women now earn about 4000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. The WONDER Project has now moved into a new phase that focusses on general healthcare, workplace safety and nutritional training and awareness programs. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-0532.JPG
  • (L-R) Mosiammat Rahimah Begum (yellow sari), Mosammat Reshona Khatun (center, red sari), and Mossammat Dulali Begum (grey hat) work on their rugs at the Mornia Kik Rug Factory in Doani Villlage, Haragach Upazila, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011 where they work alongside 25 rural village women making rugs for German textile discounter Kik. Over 400 women have been economically empowered through the CARE Bangladesh WONDER Project that was completed recently. The WONDER Project's goals were to create sustainable income and employment opportunities for extremely poor women by training them in rug production for export. The women now earn about 4000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. The WONDER Project has now moved into a new phase that focusses on general healthcare, workplace safety and nutritional training and awareness programs. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-0520.JPG
  • Nuna Begum (in red/green sari), works on a rug at the Mornia Kik Rug Factory in Doani Villlage, Haragach Upazila, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011 where she works alongside 25 rural village women making rugs for German textile discounter Kik. Over 400 women have been economically empowered through the CARE Bangladesh WONDER Project that was completed recently. The WONDER Project's goals were to create sustainable income and employment opportunities for extremely poor women by training them in rug production for export. The women now earn about 4000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. The WONDER Project has now moved into a new phase that focusses on general healthcare, workplace safety and nutritional training and awareness programs. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-0498.JPG
  • Murunnahar Khatun (in blue hat), works on a rug at the Mornia Kik Rug Factory in Doani Villlage, Haragach Upazila, Rangpur, Bangladesh on 19th September 2011 where she works alongside 25 rural village women making rugs for German textile discounter Kik. Over 400 women have been economically empowered through the CARE Bangladesh WONDER Project that was completed recently. The WONDER Project's goals were to create sustainable income and employment opportunities for extremely poor women by training them in rug production for export. The women now earn about 4000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. The WONDER Project has now moved into a new phase that focusses on general healthcare, workplace safety and nutritional training and awareness programs. Photo by Suzanne Lee for The Guardian
    Suzanne20110919-Guardian-Care-0493.JPG
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