Farida Parveen, who was trafficked at the age of 12‑13, now leads a development organization in Rajbari’s Gohalanda Upazila, Doulatiya Joynagar. After being forced into a brothel, she lost her childhood and faced severe hardships, but she did not give up. In 2001, Parveen began working as a peer educator for the social organization Payak Bangladesh. Her work focused on women’s health, awareness and rights in the brothel area. She realized that hundreds of women suffered in silence and, together with ten others, founded the Abhuleto Mahila O Shishu Unnayan Sangstha (Neglected Women and Children Development Organization). As chairperson of the organization, Parveen has been active in protecting the rights of neglected women and children in Doulatiya Joynagar. She has helped approximately fifty women, many of whom have returned to normal family life while others have joined human‑rights and service work. The organization now collaborates with about thirty men and women from various NGOs and human‑rights groups, opening new opportunities for marginalized people. Parveen’s advocacy extends beyond the local level. She has presented at ten seminars in four countries, raising awareness of women’s health risks, rights and children’s futures. She continues to fight for children’s right to education, ensuring that birth identity or family circumstances do not deny them normal growth and learning. Her journey from a victim of trafficking to a community leader has become a symbol of empowerment and rights for neglected populations.
Article source: Ajker Patrika | Image credit: Ajker Patrika