For too many girls in conservative communities, education comes to a halt with the onset of menstruation — a stark reality for Yaesmin Bibi* (14), who lives in a camp for displaced Rohinga in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. At the age of 13, as menstruation became part of her life, cultural norms dictated that she stop her education and redirect her focus toward household responsibilities. Early marriage was looming on the horizon and her parents restricted her from going outside.

But Yaesmin's life took a positive turn when she learned about a Women and Girls Safe Space (WGSS) from her neighbourhood friends. Girls at the WGSS learned about social networks and self-confidence to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV), as well as other life skills, and Yaesmin wanted to take part.

"I was surprised and nervous, but later felt happy to see the girls like me. I felt safe," Yaesmin said, reflecting on her first time at the space.

Following an enlightening awareness session, the WGSS Facilitator also introduced Yaesmin and others to the Girls Shine group. Girls Shine is an evidence-based curriculum that has been designed to contribute to improved prevention and response to violence against adolescent girls in humanitarian settings. The program provides them with skills and knowledge to identify types of GBV and seek support services if they experience it or are at risk.

The adapted curriculum covers six core topics (trust, social and emotional skills, health and hygiene, safety, solidarity and visioning), with 25 sessions for girls and 14 sessions for their caregivers.

The knowledge acquired from Girls Shine profoundly impacted Yaesmin, offering her insights for her individual growth and on her community. Fuelled by her positive transformation, Yaesmin proactively invited other teenage girls from her community to join. She also actively shared the learnings from the Girls Shine curriculum on issues such as early marriage with her family and peers.

"I shared everything that I learned here with my mother. My mother also felt interested in visiting WGSS and started coming often," Yaesmin said.

Motivated by Yaesmin's advocacy, her parents began attending the Girls Shine Group sessions for caregivers. Through these discussions, they realised the adverse effects of early marriage and the significance of a supportive environment for teenage girls like Yaesmin to lead happy and prosperous lives. Consequently, they agreed to allow Yaesmin to resume her education.

Yaesmin is now studying in class six, driven by a newfound passion. She aspires to work at WGSS in the future, spreading the transformative power of education and community engagement.

"Now I know about trust building, my body boundaries, decision making, safety mapping, and planning. I can lead sessions too, which I learned from the mentoring curriculum," Yaesmin said.

Yaesmin's journey from awareness to advocacy is a testament to the positive impact of education and community engagement in transforming lives.

The Girls Shine Curriculum and Women and Girls’ Safe Spaces are supported through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership response in Bangladesh, implemented by CARE Bangladesh and Mukti Cox’s Bazar.

*Name changed

This activity is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership and implemented by the CARE-led consortium with Oxfam and Plan International.