International Women’s Day through the lens of char women in agriculture
by Tahmeed Chaudhury
March 12, 2024
Women have been a driving force in communities where Friendship is active, contributing to the improvement of lives, livelihoods, economic opportunities and health. Many women have crossed hurdles to become self-sufficient and financially independent, with some becoming the breadwinner in their families. This photo-story chronicles the impact of char women in agriculture in remote, hard-to-reach and climate-impacted areas.
These photographs were also featured in the exhibition titled “Water, Light and Hope”, jointly hosted by Friendship and Standard Chartered Bangladesh on International Women’s Day.
Fruits of her labour
A woman beaming as her bottle gourd cultivation springs to life.
Photographer: KM Asad
Progress and sustainability, together
Women in chars, alongside their male counterparts, have been actively contributing towards a sustainable society.
Photographer: KM Asad
Training women for a better tomorrow
Char women are trained on agriculture and farming techniques, provided vegetable seeds and are provided with access to markets to improve their economic circumstances.
Photographer: Suman Ghosh
Chars and corn: a heavenly match
Women excel in cultivation of corn, one of a few vegetables that are suited to the char environment.
Photographer: Friendship
Towards financial independence, one livestock at a time
Char women are trained to purchase, rear, fatten and raise livestock, such as cows and goats, which they can later sell for profits.
Photographer: Abir Abdullah
Improving food security
Women are some of the most enthusiastic, hardworking and successful farmers in chars, contributing towards improving the overall food security in their communities.
Photographer: Quddus Alam
Empowerment leads to sustainability
Education, training and employment opportunities bolster women and allow them to attain financial freedom.
Photographer: Quddus Alam
Empowerment knows no bounds
Many women take charge of household affairs, becoming the breadwinner and helping ends meet.
Photographer: Quddus Alam
A better future for their children
Char women understand the value of education and prioritise sending their children to school and teaching them ethics.
Photographer: Quddus Alam
A driving force
Women have become a beacon of hope for maginalised char communities.
Photographer: Tawhid Bin Haque
