Personal Information: Julie Khatun (pseudonym), a 30-year-old woman from the village of Haturia, located in the Haturia-Nakalia Union of Bera Upazila in Pabna District, Bangladesh, has lived a life marked by hardship, resilience, and determination. Born in 1994, Julie is the fifth of seven children in a family struggling with poverty. Despite limited opportunities, Julie’s desire for education and a better life has fueled her journey towards empowerment.
Finding the Problem: Growing up in poverty, Julie’s education was cut short when her father could not afford to send her to high school. Her dreams of continuing her studies were crushed by financial constraints. Early marriage was seen as a way to cope with their economic struggles, and at the age of 18, Julie was married off to Md. Momin Hossain, a man from her village. The marriage, though not officially registered, marked the beginning of a difficult chapter in her life.
Julie’s first pregnancy ended tragically when her baby died from pneumonia at just seven days old. She had received no prenatal care, as her husband believed in traditional remedies instead of medical advice. Her first delivery, carried out by a Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA) at home, did not go well. The newborn did not cry after birth, and the TBA used cold water to bathe the baby, worsening the condition. The baby’s death marked a profound turning point in Julie’s life. She realized the importance of proper healthcare and vowed to never let her daughters face the same fate.
BRED Involvement: BRED (Bangladesh Rural Economic Development) has played a pivotal role in Julie Khatun’s transformation by providing her with the necessary resources, training, and support to create change in her life and community. Through BRED’s involvement in the SRMNCH project, Julie gained access to essential knowledge about maternal and child health, hygiene management, and the harmful effects of early marriage. BRED’s commitment to empowering women like Julie has allowed her to become an active member of the Lactating and Pregnant Mother Groups, where she learned about the importance of medical care and hospital deliveries, as well as gender equality. Beyond just educational support, BRED also offered Julie a platform to voice her concerns, share her experiences, and become an advocate for change within her village. By partnering with Julie, BRED has helped her turn her painful past into a source of strength and activism, enabling her to make a lasting impact on her community’s approach to health and social issues.
Success Story: In 2023, Julie became a member of the SRMNCH project’s Lactating and Pregnant Mother Groups, a life-changing decision that would alter her path. Through the project, she received essential training on topics like child marriage, gender equality, sexual harassment, hygiene management, and newborn care. Julie learned about the dangers of traditional birth practices and the significance of hospital deliveries and prenatal care.
Armed with newfound knowledge, Julie began sharing her learnings with other mothers in her community, becoming an advocate for maternal and child health. One of the most powerful lessons she learned was about preventing child marriage. Having experienced the devastating effects of early marriage in her own life, Julie took a stand, vowing to fight against child marriage in her village.
Julie’s efforts, along with the support of other group members, led to increased awareness about the risks of child marriage. She is now a key figure in her village, educating families about the importance of waiting until girls are of age to marry and supporting safe, healthy pregnancies. Through her leadership, Julie has empowered others, particularly young girls, to dream of a better, brighter future.
Julie’s personal journey from hardship to empowerment exemplifies the transformative power of education, health awareness, and community support. She now envisions a future where every girl in her village can grow up free from the constraints of poverty and early marriage, and where families understand the importance of health care and education.
Conclusion: Julie Khatun’s story is one of resilience, change, and hope. Despite the challenges she faced, she is now a beacon of strength and knowledge in her community, working tirelessly to prevent child marriage and improve maternal health. Through her journey, Julie has become a symbol of empowerment, inspiring others to take control of their lives and make choices that lead to brighter futures.
