November 2010 Jatidronagar village, Satkira District
Selina Begum, 29, sits with her daughter Sumi, 10 outside their house. Selina has been involved with Shushilan as a volunteer for more than 3 years. With ShushilanÕs support Selina has challenged her husband, and local women and men, to fight for womenÕs equality in the community. She says that now, for example, due to ShushilanÕs training and support she is against dowries. ÔI hate dowries! I will never give or take a dowry for my daughter or son. Not in my family. Also, I now think that early marriage is bad. I will never let my daughter have an early marriage or dowry. Her education is so important.Õ Selina is also involved in ShushilanÕs saline rice seed programme. SelinaÕs village is affected by salination- an impact of climate change so normal rice seeds do not grow well. Shushilan has introduced adapted seeds which can grow in this environment. The project has helped her rebuild her familyÕs lives as they lost much to Cyclone Aila. As a campaigner, Selina also speaks out about climate change and the impact it is having on her community. Abusyad is now very supportive of her work.