Rani Padampasee, Founder of Bengal School of Shotokon, freelance writer for the Dhaka-based English newspaper The Daily Star, mother of two.

What accounts for my accomplishments? My faith. My firm belief. Everything—my survival, my existence, my passion—is from religion.

When I entered the world championship in 1993, I was the first ever to fight wearing hijab [head covering]. They told me, "You are making history, you know." I do feel that I am making a statement. I also know that what I do is a drop in the ocean. But that is OK. Drops make ripples. It will create problems if I make too much noise. I am in no position to change Bangladesh, but the people around me I can at least influence. A lot of men don't like to send their mothers, daughters, and wives to me. They think I am teaching them bad things because the art I teach changes women. It makes them confident, able, and this is hard for many people here to accept. Many women tell me, "Our husbands won't let us come [to the Dojo] because it is changing our outlook." I have been lucky. I came from a family where women and men were equal, where gender didn't matter. Although I was raised to believe in myself, I have still had to fight my way for everything, especially in a country where new things are not easily accepted.

This online exhibition was created in December 2001. To reach Fariba Alam, email her at faribaalam@yahoo.com