Empowering women and young people through ensuring their leadership has been one of the key working areas of ActionAid Bangladesh. Last year, Angikar Samaj Unnayan Sangstha (ASUS), with the support of ActionAid Bangladesh, involved 150 young people through establishing a youth digital club at Panchagarh. Through this initiative 27 young girls came into leadership and initiated different advocacy.

In December 2018, Maleka Yeasmin, the Executive Director of ASUS, a BFI Partner of AAB in Panchagarh received ‘Joyeeta award’ for her contribution in the community development in the former enclaves in the district.

Ms. Belly Begum, Ms. Zenthi Begum and Ms. Santona Rani receive Joyeeta Award 

Ms. Belly Begum, President of Gazaria Union Federation, Ms. Zenthi Begum, Treasurer of Gondoraj Nari Dal from Gaibandha and Ms. Santona Rani, President of Rajpur Union Federation from Lalmonirhat, who are AAB’s POWER Project Participants in Gaibandha, received ‘Joyeeta’ award 2018 for their contribution on overcome VAW.

The women leaders believe that this recognition will inspire them to do more for their community and for the society.