17: Providing Quality Education That Promotes Gender Equality for Women and Girls

Together we can build a school where gender equality and quality education provide opportunity in Bangladesh

The Situation

Bhadun, Gazipur District, Bangladesh, is on the growing edge of Dhaka and on one of the main roads leading into that city from other parts of the country. The parents and village leaders in this rural area were eager to have a local school for their children rather than sending them to the distant, overcrowded, government-run school.

The Sisters’ response

In 2015, the Sisters of the Holy Cross opened a school in the rural Bhadun, Gazipur District in Bangladesh. Moreau Holy Cross is open to children of garment workers, day laborers, and farmers — all of whom earn a subsistence living. 

Along with providing quality education for those in the lowest socio-economic level, this Sisters welcome students from various religions (Islam, Hindu, Christian, etc.). They intentionally create an atmosphere for girls and boys to value and respect one another. 

In addition, the Sisters provide innovative seminars and counseling programs for parents to assist them at home in the understanding and implementation of these core principles of gender equality, non-violence against women, and respect for all human persons; all counter-cultural in Bangladesh.

Funds Needed: $6,000

Funds are needed to build a larger school to accommodate 2000-3000 students each year. The Holy Cross Sisters will donate their land near their convent for the new school. The new school will hold two shifts daily. The people of the area are able to support the maintenance and staffing for the school once it is built. The Holy Cross Sisters, teachers from the area and additional teachers from outside the local community will staff this greatly expanded school.

Goals and Objectives:

Timeline: 8 years

Goal: Improve gender equality, religious tolerance

Objectives

• Provide seminars and counseling programs for parents to assist them at home in the understanding and implementation of the core principles of gender equality, non-violence against women, and respect for all human persons regardless of religious practices
• Create an atmosphere in school for girls and boys to value and respect one another
• Build a school expansion on the Sisters’ donated property for grade levels 5-12, adding one grade/year
• Hold two school sessions each day.

Systemic Impact

Form future leaders open to acknowledging the contributions of both women and men in society. Violence against women and religious differences will decrease as the school’s graduates and future leaders will acknowledge and value contributions from both women and men as well as be open to religious difference.