Alhamdulillah, Marufa is actively pushing for positive change in her community. She is championing a change in attitudes towards early and forced marriage, domestic violence and wider issues of gender equality, such as encouraging girls to continue their education.
Not only this, but Marufa has also created a platform in the community for safeguarding against violence and has arranged counselling for teenage school dropouts, bringing them back into education.
This is in addition to advocating for local authorities to provide blankets and other essential items to people in need.
Alhamdulillah, Marufa has ensured that people with disabilities have the tools they need to make their lives easier, whilst also helping to provide pregnancy and disability allowances for local residents.
While Marufa motivates other women to follow her footsteps, her own dream now is to compete in union elections. She wants to be elected as a local union council member (working on a governmental basis) order to have more influence in helping other communities.
From struggling to earn enough money to feed and educate her children, Marufa has worked hard to build a dignified life and claim a respected place in society:
Now I have great respect in my family and community as well as society.
Once I did not even know how to talk [confidently] but today I can… communicate with people at all levels.
I am so grateful to Islamic Relief for extending their support to me and for changing my life.
SubhanAllah, it’s incredible to see the positive transformation and see Marufa’s confidence go from strength to strength. May Marufa’s success continue!
Alhamdulillah, it’s thanks to your generous donations that we’ve been able to provide such opportunities to help empower, uplift and support women like Marufa across Bangladesh. This is critical work.
Thank you for supporting our life-transforming work. You truly are life-savers!
Find out more about our work in Bangladesh supporting local communities.