“I could not lose hope because I had two of my children dependent on me. I knew no matter how dark the situation gets I must survive for them”, Anju said.

At just 28 years old, Mst. Anju Ara has faced more challenges than many endure in a lifetime. Her story is one of courage, and transformation, showcasing how even in the harshest circumstances, hope can pave the way for change.

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Anju Ara, from Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Bangladesh, was married off when she was in class six, a child bride in every sense. At 14, she became a mother for the first time, thrust into a life of responsibilities she was too young to comprehend. Her husband was abusive, and her in-laws exploited her at every opportunity. They even attempted to coerce her into dehumanizing activities, but Anju stood her ground. Her resistance came at a cost—escalated violence and relentless torture.

Eventually, her husband left her for another woman, remarrying and abandoning her with three young sons. Desperate to keep her family together, Anju pleaded for reconciliation, but her efforts were in vain. Her mother-in-law kept her eldest son, refusing to let him stay with his mother.

After her divorce, Anju returned to her parents’ home, hoping to find solace. But her struggles only deepened. Her brother and sister-in-law shamed her for being a divorcee, ultimately leaving the family home to avoid living with her. Anju was left to care for her disabled father and her two younger sons with little support.

She worked as a daily labourer, but her earnings were barely enough to provide food for her family. Each day was a battle for survival, and Anju longed for a chance to rebuild her life.

When Anju heard about SWAPNO (Strengthening Women’s Ability for Productive New Opportunities), she saw a glimmer of hope. Determined to make a change, she applied for a public asset maintenance job and was selected.

With SWAPNO’s support, Anju received training in business and entrepreneurship. She benefitted from a ROSCA (Rotating Savings and Credit Association) and the program's fistful rice activity, which provided her with initial funds to start a small fishery business.

Today, Anju works diligently in public asset maintenance during the day. After her shift, she goes home to tend to her fishery business—a venture born out of her hard work and determination. She catches fish from the nearby river and sells them at the local market.

Her income from both jobs is slowly transforming her life. Anju now supports her two sons and even contributes to her parents’ household. She no longer lives under the shadow of abuse or shame. Instead, she stands tall as an independent woman who has turned her life around.

For Anju, the journey has just begun. With dreams of expanding her business and providing a better future for her sons, she continues to defy the odds, proving that no challenge is insurmountable with determination and support.

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