Asmat, Grameen Bank member for ten years, owner of milk-giving cows, currently building grocery store in Savar, mother of two.

"Years ago more women were dependent on their husbands. If their husbands fed them, they ate."

I have been with Grameen Bank for over 9 years. Since I first entered the Bank, I have made a house, bought two cows, provided adequately for my children and have been able to send them to school. My life has become much better. I am now building a grocery store in the center of our village-town. Before becoming a member of the Bank, I felt less confident that I could do things on my own, like run a business. I had very little security, and had lost courage with every period of difficulty. My courage has grown with the opportunities the Bank has made me conscious of. I will stay a member of the Bank for another couple of years. When my daughters are old enough, I will encourage them to enter the Bank. My eldest daughter, I made a mistake with her. A family sent a proposal and I agreed to her being married at age 14. She was young. I will never make that mistake with my second daughter. My second daughter, this one I am educating. No way will I let her go until she is able to first stand on her own.

Translated from Bengali

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