‘I Made Something of My Life’

Asma Khatun, a 32-year-old woman from Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, has been working as a security guard at the Women Friendly Space (WFS), locally known as Shanti Khana or Home of Peace since it first opened its doors to Women and girls in 2021. 

The facility serves as a sanctuary for vulnerable women and girls, including survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), offering life-saving support, counselling, and vital resources for growth and recovery.

A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment through self-sufficiency, Asma’s journey began not in formal classrooms as her education ended abruptly in the seventh grade, but at the fateful moment when she chose an unconventional career for herself – becoming a security guard. 

“People sneered, made jokes, and were unbelievably cruel in their remarks. They called it a man’s job,” she recalled. “But I can confidently say now – I made something of my life. I am providing for my family so that they go wanting for nothing.” Over time, her economic independence earned her respect in the community, with many openly celebrating her accomplishments today. 

Once estranged from Asma, her brothers now proudly tell their daughters about their remarkably self-reliant auntie. In family matters, they consult her opinion, and she too makes sure to generously give back to her family and community. 

Equipped with the knowledge she gleaned from WFS sessions either on her days off or in passing, she has even recently stopped a child marriage in her extended family.

Asma takes immense pride in being able to support her elderly mother and her extended family.

Not only does Asma take great pride in guarding the Women-friendly Space, but she also encourages women and girls to visit the facility. Everywhere she goes, she inquires with her signature questions: "Do you feel restless or overwhelmed? Do you want to talk to someone or even just have a moment of quiet? Your secret is yours to keep, and your words will be met with complete confidentiality.” 

Knowing many visitors to the facility are survivors of gender-based violence and might be at risk of recurrent violence, Asma takes her role of guarding the Women-friendly Space extremely seriously. "When these women and girls come here, it is crucial that they feel safe – away from anything or anyone that might cause them further harm or distress,” she explained. "That's why I do not ever take my job lightly.”Women-friendly Spaces offer social networks, recreational activities, skill development support and confidential GBV (gender-based violence) and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for women and girls.

A talented craftswoman, Asma learned embroidery and papercraft at the facility, and her beautiful creations now grace the facility’s wall. She is also proficient in using computers, having received training at the facility. 

“It has always been important to me – becoming self-sufficient, to have skills that can not only earn me an income but also give me a purpose,” she admitted.

“It might seem that I have chosen an unlikely profession for myself. But then again, even working outside was once considered unconventional for women. This job might still raise eyebrows, but this is what I love to do most,” she added.

With the World Bank’s funding and UNFPA's technical support, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the Health and Gender Support Project in 2021. Through this project, over 700,000 women and girls, including survivors of gender-based violence, have accessed services from 35 Women-friendly Spaces across Cox’s Bazar.