From struggle to strength: Tamanna’s journey of resilience

In the remote village of Bhangha Faridpur, 14-year-old Tamanna faced poverty, hardship and abandonment. Her father, a rickshaw puller, often struggled to provide food for the family, and when he attempted to arrange her marriage, Tamanna and her mother resisted.

Determined to change her future, Tamanna left for the city and worked as a housemaid. With her earnings, she returned home and bought a smartphone—a purchase that would change the course of her life. Online, she met a young man who promised her love and marriage. Trusting him, she wed and the couple rented a small home in the village.

At first, Tamanna worked in households and managed a modest life. But soon, her husband pressured her to demand money from her impoverished father. When she could not comply, he abandoned her. Heartbroken, Tamanna returned to her family only to face gossip and criticism from villagers.

Two months later, she discovered she was pregnant. A doctor warned that terminating the pregnancy would risk her life, and she resolved to continue. Alone and stigmatized, Tamanna’s story reached members of the Zonta Club of Dhaka III through an advocacy program in November.

Moved by her plight, club members rallied to support her. With their help, Tamanna safely gave birth to a baby boy and, with her mother’s care, began to rebuild her life. Education became her strength—having studied through the seventh grade, Tamanna found online work and secured a job in a garments factory while her mother cared for her son.

The club was able to find Tamanna employment and earn an income to support herself and her child.

Today, Tamanna is proud, independent and determined to raise her child with dignity. Her journey from despair to resilience, supported by Zonta members, has become a testament to the power of women’s courage and solidarity.

“This is what we call women’s power,” the club declared. “Bravo, Tamanna!”