Situation: Child participation, protection, survival and development is rife in Bangladesh.

Impact: Orphan children are the most vulnerable due to the lack of protection and support. Many leave school and become trapped in a cycle of child labour. They are easily abused and exploited, and many young girls are married off early.

Response:100 orphan households were provided with assistance to improve their socio-economic condition and enhance their wellbeing. Through access to training on income generation activities, skills development and training, we are able to provide long-term and sustainable solutions to empower women living under the poverty line to transform their circumstances and instill self-confidence, unity and leadership qualities in them.

Maha lost her husband to a road traffic accident in 2016 and has since been living with her youngest son. She works as a day-labourer to sustain her household and her son’s educational expenses. With no electricity, Maha gets up early and tries to complete all her household activities before sunset.

When Maha’s husband was alive, she says her life was different and that they managed with his small income. Since his passing however, she is in constant worry about where her next income will come from and how she will manage the household and educational expenses.

Maha was one of the 100 orphan mothers to receive assistance in increasing her household income, improving her family’s living standards in terms of nutrition, health, water and sanitation. She also has access to service providers, who can help with any additional needs and wellbeing support.