Aysha's story

Aysha, a young girl from Bakerganj sub-district of Bangladesh, had no particular dreams or future plans when she came to know about the Empower Youth for Work project and became a member of her ward-level youth group, named ‘Adoarsha’ (which means ‘Ideal’). She received orientation on gender discrimination, women’s empowerment, the need to plan for a career and the importance of self-dependence. The district-level inception workshop was the first time she had attended such a big forum, and she was inspired by motivational speeches on youth empowerment from government and non-governmental officials.

Since joining this youth group, she has achieved direction and self-confidence. She now believes that her dreams can come true and that she has the ability to overcome any barrier if she works hard and invests in her self-development through this project.

Aysha is much more optimistic about the socio-economic empowerment of youths of her community, especially young women like her, if they try hard and receive the right guidance and opportunities.

Aysha Akter, age 20, member of a ward-level youth group

Story collector and writer: Md. Rasel Talukder, Project Facilitator – EYW, Wave Foundation