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.
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Fruits of her labour
A woman beaming as her bottle gourd cultivation springs to life.
Photographer: KM Asad
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Progress and sustainability, together
Women in chars, alongside their male counterparts, have been actively contributing towards a sustainable society.
Photographer: KM Asad
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Empowerment leads to sustainability
Education, training and employment opportunities bolster women and allow them to attain financial freedom.
Photographer: Quddus Alam
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Empowerment knows no bounds
Many women take charge of household affairs, becoming the breadwinner and helping ends meet.
Photographer: Quddus Alam
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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
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A driving force
Women have become a beacon of hope for maginalised char communities.
Photographer: Tawhid Bin Haque