Empowering Women, Persons with Disabilities & Climate-Vulnerable Communities
Empowering Women, Persons with Disabilities & Climate-Vulnerable Communities
Women Empowered
Persons with Disabilities Supported
Climate Initiatives
Your support helps us expand life-changing programs and reach those who need it most.
Folk songs and street theatre carry our awareness campaigns from village to village — performed by the women and communities we work alongside.
Hello! I am Astomi Malo, a physically disabled woman from Shyamnagar, Satkhira, Bangladesh. I contracted polio in childhood, which left me with paralysis on one side of my body. Despite facing discrimination, social stigma, and barriers to education, I remained determined to continue my studies, supporting myself through small initiatives like rearing ducks and chickens.
Through perseverance, I completed my higher education and began my career with the Disabled Rehabilitation and Research Association (DRRA), where I progressed from a field worker to Chief Operating Officer. Today, I serve as the Executive Director of Joyita Protibondhi Nari Unnayan Sangstha (JPNUS), working to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in my community.
My journey has been recognized with multiple "Joyita" awards at upazila, district and divisional levels. I am committed to building an inclusive society where persons with disabilities can access education, opportunities and dignity, in line with national policies and global frameworks like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
My name is Sudha Rani Mandal. I am 33 years old and I live in Chingrakhali village of Shyamnagar, Satkhira. I was born with a physical disability. Growing up in a low-income family, life was not easy. When I went to school, people often laughed at me and called me names because of my condition. This made me lose interest in studies, and I could not continue my education.
For a long time, I stayed inside my home and avoided social interaction. But in 2017, Joyita Protibondhi Nari Unnayan Sangstha found me through a community survey and invited me to join their activities. That was a turning point in my life.
With their support, I started attending meetings and gradually became more confident. Today, I actively participate in different seminars and awareness programs, including street dramas. I also grow vegetables and raise chickens at home to support my family.
Now, I feel connected to society and have found my voice. I am grateful to Joyita Protibondhi Nari Unnayan Sangstha for standing beside me and helping me move forward in life.
I am Masuma Akhter (29) from Ishwaripur Union, Shyamnagar. I was born with a physical disability and grew up in a poor family. Due to poverty and negative attitudes in society, I faced many challenges in education and social participation from an early age.
In January 2017, Joyita Disabled Women's Development Organization identified me through a survey and supported me with financial assistance, counseling and awareness activities. Their support helped me become confident and self-reliant.
Currently, I earn an income through vegetable cultivation, duck and poultry rearing, and running a small grocery shop. I also participate in street drama and awareness programs organized by the organization and encourage other persons with disabilities to pursue education and become self-dependent. Today, I am an active member and play a leadership role in different activities in my community.
I am Ekadashi Rani Mondal, a 21-year-old woman with a physical disability from Dhumghat Village under Shyamnagar Union. Since birth, I have lived with physical challenges, and due to my short height and disability, I often faced discrimination and could not continue my education for long. My father is a day laborer, and my family comes from a low-income background.
In 2017, Joyita Protibondhi Nari Unnayan Sangstha identified me through a community survey and included me in their monthly activities. Before that, I rarely left my home, but now I regularly participate in meetings, seminars and community programs. With their support, I received assistance to start a small grocery shop, which I now manage myself.
Alongside running my shop, I grow vegetables, raise ducks and chickens, and work in street drama and folk song awareness programs with the organization. I also take leadership roles in different community activities and continue working towards the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in society.