Make your dreams come true

They say money makes the world go round. They are not wrong. Money can indeed make many of your dreams come true. And determination - the power to dream boldly. As President Abraham Lincoln once advised to someone in a letter, "Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed, is more important than any other one thing." 

Numerous women in our country have that determination - or 'resolution', as Pres. Lincoln had put it - to succeed. Therefore, even though they might lack financial stability and face humungous pressure from family and peers to quit their studies/career, these women will succeed in making their dreams come true. Their dreams override lack of money and other problems. 

For these women, Unilever Bangladesh's social development initiative, named Fair and Lovely Foundation, which was born in 2003 with the aim of empowering women, ran the campaign, 'Tomar Shopno Koro Shotti' (Make Your Dreams Come True). 

Women were asked to write and send in essays about their dreams. Thousands of applications poured in. Out of these, 1000 were initially selected for further scrutiny.

Selection was made by Fair & Lovely Foundation's advisory board, which comprises of Dr. Mizanur Rahman Shelley, Chairman, Centre for Development Research- Bangladesh, Rubana Huq, Managing Director, Mohammadi Group and Selina Hossain, a prominent author. 

Finally, 357 impoverished women emerged as winners of this competition. They would now be provided the necessary finance and guidance to help them achieve their dreams. 

These women were awarded on 3 categories. 200 of them would receive scholarship for higher education. Research shows that one of the highest dropouts is of the post-HSC segment. Therefore, Fair & Lovely Foundation aptly decided to target this group. Meanwhile, 150 women would get the opportunity to enrol in vocational training, on crafts, garments, etc. On the other hand, 7 women were provided with capital for their own business. 

On 20 November, 2015 Fair & Lovely Foundation organised the certificate giving ceremony for these women. The event took place at International Convention City- Bashundara. The media partner was RTV. 

The winners came to attend the gala event from all corners of the country. For example, one of them was Nargis Akter, who came all the way from Bagha, Rajshahi. She is going to receive scholarship for her education. "My father passed away when I was young, and my mother raised me, battling with poverty. When I grew up, I chipped in by providing tuitions." she said. "The scholarship will help me to continue my education. I would like to be a teacher one day."   

Indeed, the programme meant a lot for these women - it was the celebration of their victory, a stepping stone towards fulfilling their dreams. 

The event was stylised as a convocation ceremony, where the women wore convocation gowns and hats and received certificates on the stage. 

The evening started with a breathtaking sand art by Rahul Arya, which paid a tribute to Roquia Sakhawat Hussain. There was also a dance performance. 

The campaign brought 357 women closer to their dreams. The fund-providers have promised to keep track of their progress. Kudos to those brave, confident women for not giving up and to Fair and Lovely Foundation for coming forward to empower 
them!

By M H Haider