By Mehrin Mubdi Chowdhury
Photos: Ashraf Uddin Apu
“The starting point of all achievement is desire” – Napolen Hill
Ideas are a dime a dozen – even the great ones. But it only matters when you can churn that idea into something substantial and make it flourish. Breaking conventions is always difficult, sometimes even considered a taboo, although true success lies when you can tough it out and come out victorious. This month we bring to you men who dared to do it differently and we bring to you their riveting tales of success. Read on as they discuss their achievements and passions.
Call it a stroke of luck or driving passion, S M Shaikat’s unremitting work in the field has earned him recognition within the country and beyond. Diligently working towards women’s rights, Shaikat works for Socio Economic Rural Advancement Committee (SERAC-Bangladesh) and is the country coordinator for International Youth Alliance for Family Planning (IYAFP). He is also an Advisor to Bangladesh’s Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS, and has been nominated as one of the hundred global young leaders by Women Deliver in 2013.
What encouraged you to work for women’s rights?
The fact that I am a man is what encouraged me the most to work for this issue. Since men are usually accused of being the prime reason behind the shortcomings in women’s freedom, I considered it my duty to work on altering this mindset as much as possible.
I believe that by being a man if I am able to take a stance for women, then many other men might follow suit and ultimately a day would come when men no longer are considered to be the major cause of hindrance to women’s rights.
What lead you to take this challenge?
While studying LLB, I had to read up cases on domestic violence. I learnt that most of the violence towards women was because of dowry. This really affected me and I wanted to do something to improve the situation.
I approached a few friends and relatives to join me in my stance. Initially, everyone discouraged me saying that the concept of dowry was too deeprooted in our culture. Also, they thought that being a man I wouldn’t be able to make much of a difference. However, I was adamant. As the years passed and social media came into existence, things started looking up. I finally opened a page on Facebook calling it Anti Dowry Awareness Program which was highly appreciated with innumerous ‘likes’ especially from men.
How did project Jagoroni, one of your most celebrated projects, come into being?
In 2013, Women Deliver had a global conference in Malaysia for youth leadership. My work regarding social awareness was selected as one of the top ten ideas amongst thousands of submissions. Later, based on the voting process, I won the competition. I was granted a stipend with which I started project Jagoroni.
Jagoroni was a pilot project established in Mymensingh where six hundred and fifty young volunteers spanning over an area of thirteen districts had been trained to revolt violence against women. We called our volunteers Jagori which meant “uprising.” In cases of child marriages or dowry, they would immediately inform the law enforcement agencies and convince them to take immediate action. Jagoris also had the duty to raise social awareness by giving lectures, distributing posters and stickers to the inhabitants, etc.
What are your other accomplishments in the field of women empowerment?
In 2010, after winning the UN habitat growth competition, we utilised the grant received to educate fifty women slum dwellers with life skills such as sewing, handiwork, etc. Every year, we have a new batch and with every new grant, we try to provide for the latest batch of students.
Apart from your unending personal efforts who else would you like to dedicate your success to?
It would be the three volunteers who have been helping me since the inception of my first project. There are more volunteers today, some of whom have formally joined as team members. Apart from them, SERAC-Bangladesh contributed widely by recognising and supporting my efforts.
What were the major setbacks?
There were many, but the major one was in the case of collaborative work. If leadership ideologies don’t match, then a project gets negatively affected. So it is better to work solo than to work with someone with different principles.
Any profound message to the younger generation?
Perseverance is the key to success. No matter how many times you fail, do not give up because there will come a day when you will be successful. People will fight you; they will also mock you in every way possible. Do not be disheartened easily. Face life headfirst with courage and ultimately you will come out victorious.