Today we met with a group of women in Pubail to discuss the status of change toward women and their work in the home, child marriage and payments for marriage (doweries). This village in particular is a model for change, as it has made growth in these areas over the last seven years. Women are working and earning money outside the home, child marriages are less common and more men are helping with work in the home. I was blessed with the opportunity to talk with these women and girls about their lives, dreams and wishes for equality. They inquired about life for woman and girls in the United States. Many wished their girls would have the opportunities that girls have in the US. |
| At the end of the session with these beautiful women and girls, they honored me with a song, played on the harmonium; a piano like instrument with a bellows for air. Please enjoy this beautiful piece of music. A song about the dreams of Bangladesh. |
Later, we traveled to Kaliganj to visit a government school for girls. Although, school is available for girls, many families still keep them home to work in the house. These girls were lucky, they have the conditions to be able to learn and consider jobs in the future. I met with the vice principal as well as 8th grade English students and 9th grade. |
We discussed the things they like about school and what they want to do with their lives when they grow up. Sadly, the average class size in Bangladesh is around 60 students or more. All of the girls were very proud to be in school and learning.
Today, Banasree and Orgho and I travel by train to Chittagong to visit students who have been in hazardous jobs and are now in a safe place and in school. We will then travel to Cox Bazaar to visit with a home for students with special needs. I will be posting when I can.