From Survivor to Role Model: Deepali’s Journey to Empowerment

While Bangladesh has made remarkable strides in economic growth and poverty reduction, violence against women (VAW) remains alarmingly prevalent. According to the recent Violence Against Women (VAW) Survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, 54.2% of ever-married women aged 15 and older have experienced physical or sexual violence by their spouses at least once in their lifetime. This widespread violence is a significant barrier to women’s empowerment.

Despite these challenges, women like Deepali Rani Mandal rise above their circumstances to create better futures. A survivor of gender-based violence, Deepali has turned her struggles into strength, achieving financial independence through her work at a garment factory in Gazipur. 

For 18 months, she worked on road maintenance under the Public Asset Maintenance initiative of SWAPNO, a project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) implemented by the Local Government Division and supported by Marico and the Embassy of Sweden. This job provided her with a living to support her family.

In 2020, Deepali found a new livelihood opportunity at EcoFab, a garment factory known for empowering women with safe working conditions and fair wages. Deepali embarked on this new chapter, driven by the desire to secure a better future for her 9-year-old son, whom she left in the care of her mother. 

She received training at the factory, learning sewing skills and gaining confidence through the support of the staff. Her acquired skills allowed her to send money home, financing her son's education. Now, in class 8, her son is a source of immense pride for her.

Deepali’s routine is one of dedication. After her 8-hour shifts, she returns to her shared home with another female worker, adjusting to life far from her family. While transitioning from rural life to factory work was difficult, the steady income and safe environment allowed her to build financial independence and support her family.

Today, Deepali earns around 18,000 taka (USD 150) monthly, significantly improving her earlier struggles. Her dreams extend beyond her family to other women from villages who seek a better future like her.

 “I dream that many more women like me get the chances I did. We are capable of so much if only we are given the opportunity,” she reflects. 

Deepali’s story is one of the transformations of a woman who refused to let her circumstances define her and instead took control of her destiny. She is a survivor and a symbol of empowerment for women in Bangladesh.