Stairway to Heaven: Bridging Hope and Healing for GBV Survivors in Bangladesh

“I just want to learn how to make handicrafts and be able to earn my own living and be accepted in society,” says Shabana (pseudonym), a survivor with eyes brimming with tears but determination shining through.

In a world shadowed by trauma and despair, there exists a haven in Barishal, Bangladesh, where the echoes of pain are drowned out by the resilient voices of survivors. The Training and Rehabilitation Centre for Socially Disadvantaged Women stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of women and girls who have weathered the storm of torture and abuse, seeking solace, support, and a chance to dream again.

The rehabilitation center, established in the 2002-2003 fiscal year, has provided sanctuary to 1,038 girls, offering protection, education, vocational training, and mental development. Currently, there are four rehab centres in Faridpur, Kushtia, Barishal, and Sylhet- with a capacity of 100 individuals each. But till November of 2023, the Centres have taken in 1,038 girls. “Many of these girls (and women) are very smart and talented” says Sazzad Parvej, manager of the rehabilitation centre in Barishal.

The stories of these survivors are both heartbreaking and inspiring. Shabana, once tortured and abandoned, now leads a group of 30 women who have found an unexpected family within the center’s walls. The scars on their bodies and souls don’t define them; instead, they find strength in shared experiences, singing, dancing, and crafting Nakshi Kantha, creating beauty from the fragments of their past.

The center is not just a refuge; it’s a place of empowerment. Md Jasimuddin, a staff member, highlights their achievements, stating, “The girls have earned over Tk 50,000 in the last year by selling various handicrafts.” This economic independence is not just a means of sustenance; it’s a step towards reclaiming agency and dignity.

According to a Social Services officer, the center has successfully rehabilitated 271 girls and women in the last two decades, with 18 of them now leading happy married lives. Their stories extends beyond mere survival; it encompasses the restoration of dreams, dignity, and societal acceptance.

Like, Ferdous Ara’s (pseudonym) journey from the brink of starvation, foraging from dustbins, to a woman with dreams of marriage and a fresh start showcases the transformative power of support and opportunity. Another resident of the rehabilitation center, Purnima (pseudonym), sold by her husband for gambling money, now stands tall, rescued by police and finding a lifeline in the rehabilitation center. These are not isolated success stories; they are a testament to the effectiveness of the center’s holistic approach.

Yet, amidst the triumphs, there are challenges. The absence of counselors in a facility dedicated to healing trauma underscores the need for increased resources and a comprehensive approach to mental health. The center, with its current limitations, presses on, recognizing the intelligence and talent within these women and girls, striving to provide quality training for future employment.

However, these success stories shouldn’t overshadow the broader issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in Bangladesh. The Department of Social Services has set up four rehabilitation centers across the country, collectively capacitating 400 individuals. These facilities primarily cater to girls under 18 years old forced into sex work or subjected to physical or sexual abuse.

The prevalence of GBV is a harsh reality that cannot be ignored. The numbers, while staggering, reflect only a fraction of the silent suffering endured by countless women and girls. The need for awareness, education, and preventive measures is imperative to break the cycle of violence.

Sazzad Parvej, manager of the Barishal rehabilitation center, emphasizes, “We are trying to provide quality training so that these girls have opportunities to be employed in good professions.” The limitations faced by the center highlight the broader societal responsibility to address SRHR (sexual and reproductive health and rights) and GBV issues.

In this journey of recovery and empowerment, every rehabilitated individual represents a triumph over adversity. The Training and Rehabilitation Centre for Socially Disadvantaged Women, despite its constraints, stands as a beacon of hope, lighting the path for survivors to dream again, to reclaim their agency, and to rewrite the narrative of their lives. In the resilience of these women and girls, we find a collective call to action, urging society to stand against GBV, support survivors, and create a world where dreams can flourish unhindered.

Source: The Daily Star
Source Contributor: Mohammad Jamil Khan, Sushanta Ghosh
Picture Credit: Kabiur Rahman Riyad/Unsplash