Rajshahi: Two child marriage survivors were given livelihood support to ensure they lead normal lives by equipping them with institutional learning and providing technical and vocational training. Sachetan Society, as part of its ‘Fight Slavery Trafficking in Persons (FSTIP)’ project, facilitated this support. The initiative was backed by the United States Department of State (USDOS) and Winrock International, and included the provision of Singer electric sewing machines.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the support distribution event took place at the Sachetan Society’s head office in the city. It was attended by Executive Director Hasinul Islam, Unit Coordinator of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) Advocate Samina Begum, and Sachetan Society FSTIP Project Manager Mahmud Un Nabi. The primary aim of this initiative is to help the survivors become financially independent and reintegrate into their communities or families with respect and dignity.
Mahmud Un Nabi elaborated on the situation of the survivors. Asmaul Husna, 21, is now pursuing her first-year honors in Philosophy at Varendra College under the National University (NU) after being freed from a child marriage at 15. Previously, she received financial aid of Taka 20,000 for her HSC education and was identified by Sachetan Society as a child marriage victim and enrolled in the FSTIP program. Following her HSC exams, she received vocational training on Block Boutique at the Women Technical Training Centre and further training in tailoring.
Similarly, Sumaiya Khatun Shimla, 20, is a first-year honors student in History at Rajshahi Government Women’s College under the NU. She was liberated from her child marriage at 16 and has undergone life skills training with support from Winrock International. Nabi emphasized their commitment to transforming these young women into valuable citizens who will contribute significantly to society.