By Protima Rani from Shymnagar, Satkhira
Despite continuing social and economic challenges, many rural women are demonstrating that determination and leadership can transform communities. One such example is Bonoshree Rani Mandol, a resident of Kalmegha village in Shyamnagar.
After completing her education up to the ninth grade, Bonoshree married and began struggling to support her family amid poverty. Alongside her husband, she engaged in various income-generating activities while raising two children and caring for other family members.
In addition to cultivating a diverse range of vegetables throughout the year, she also raises cattle, goats, ducks, and chickens. Her homestead has gradually evolved into a local learning center, and she supplements her family’s income through tailoring.
In 2012, she became involved with BARCIK and organized a group of 25 marginalized women in her village. Through training, fairs, and connections with government and non-government institutions, she helped to improve access to services and opportunities for disadvantaged women.
Her growing acceptance and leadership in the community led to her election as a reserved female member representing Wards 1, 2, and 3 of the Shyamnagar Sadar Union in 2022.
According to Bonoshree, women contribute significantly to household management, agriculture, rainwater harvesting, and other environmental initiatives, yet they continue to face discrimination. She believes that women must rely on their own courage and abilities to claim their rightful place in society. She also credits BARCIK for providing the inspiration and knowledge that enabled her to become both a learner and a community educator.
Her journey from poverty to local leadership has become an inspiring example for other rural women.