Bangladesh

The situation for children

Bangladesh is one of the poorest and most densely populated countries in the world, with a population of 127 million or 755 people per square kilometre. At least one-third of the population live in extreme poverty and lack food, clothing, shelter and access to effective health care and education. Women and children, particularly girls, are most affected by poverty because of their low status. Traditionally, females are denied a voice and the opportunity to participate in decision making at all levels.

Creating access to children's rights

Since 1995, Save the Children has worked with 8 local organisations in the Tangail District to mobilise over 45,000 children between the ages of 6 and 14 into small groups known as ‘Child Councils’. The children meet regularly to learn about their rights and discuss issues that concern them, such as early child marriage. They take their message to the wider community through drama and newspapers produced by trained child journalists.

This highly participatory project has given children, particularly girls, a stronger voice within their families and community and has increased their self-esteem.

Parents, religious leaders, school teachers, youth workers and journalists also receive training in child rights so they’re more receptive to children’s voices, and understand the importance of children taking part in decisions that affect their lives. To offset this more serious activity, the children are encouraged and supported to join sports teams and have fun, an opportunity beyond many children, especially girls, before the project started.

The success of this project has convinced Save the Children to replicate the project in Chittagong and Cox’s Bazaar. Save the Children New Zealand is funding the extension of this programme.

Alternative life choices for female sex workers

In Bangladesh, female sex workers and their children are ostracised by the wider community. Children who live in brothels are shut out of school, increasing their vulnerability to becoming sex workers, as without an education they have few job alternatives.

Save the Children supports a project in the river town of Goalundo that aims to create alternative choices for both women and children. This project focuses on women and girls as separate groups.

Children's programme

Save the Children provides non-formal education and vocational training for children of sex workers who are out of school. As well as learning to read and write and develop vocational skills, children learn about their right to be protected from exploitation and abuse. Save the Children also helps children set up support groups and create networks with other organisations that can provide services such as legal aid.

Programme for sex workers

Save the Children runs literacy classes for female sex workers, as most of the women are illiterate. Save the Children also provides income-generating loans and support to women who want to find alternative employment. Working with local NGO, Gonoshasthaya Kendra, Save the Children also provides health care and education on how to keep safe from sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. Finally, Save the Children helps female sex workers form support groups and advocate for their civil and political rights.