BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0001-0009 “Before I always used to have a feeling of disappointment with myself that I wanted to study and become something. And at one point I felt that I would never be able to stand on my own feet. Now I feel good thinking that I am a chairman of the union and I am able to solve problems for other workers,” says Mahfuza Begum (31). Here she is working on her sewing machine in the factory. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0001-0009 “Before I always used to have a feeling of disappointment with myself that I wanted to study and become something. And at one point I felt that I would never be able to stand on my own feet. Now I feel good thinking that I am a chairman of the union and I am able to solve problems for other workers,” says Mahfuza Begum (31). Here she is working on her sewing machine in the factory. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0001-0009 “Before I always used to have a feeling of disappointment with myself that I wanted to study and become something. And at one point I felt that I would never be able to stand on my own feet. Now I feel good thinking that I am a chairman of the union and I am able to solve problems for other workers,” says Mahfuza Begum (31). Here she is working on her sewing machine in the factory. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0001-0009 “Before I always used to have a feeling of disappointment with myself that I wanted to study and become something. And at one point I felt that I would never be able to stand on my own feet. Now I feel good thinking that I am a chairman of the union and I am able to solve problems for other workers,” says Mahfuza Begum (31). Here she is working on her sewing machine in the factory. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0001-0009 “Before I always used to have a feeling of disappointment with myself that I wanted to study and become something. And at one point I felt that I would never be able to stand on my own feet. Now I feel good thinking that I am a chairman of the union and I am able to solve problems for other workers,” says Mahfuza Begum (31). Here she is working on her sewing machine in the factory. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0001-0009 “Before I always used to have a feeling of disappointment with myself that I wanted to study and become something. And at one point I felt that I would never be able to stand on my own feet. Now I feel good thinking that I am a chairman of the union and I am able to solve problems for other workers,” says Mahfuza Begum (31). Here she is working on her sewing machine in the factory. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0001-0009 “Before I always used to have a feeling of disappointment with myself that I wanted to study and become something. And at one point I felt that I would never be able to stand on my own feet. Now I feel good thinking that I am a chairman of the union and I am able to solve problems for other workers,” says Mahfuza Begum (31). Here she is working on her sewing machine in the factory. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0001-0009 “Before I always used to have a feeling of disappointment with myself that I wanted to study and become something. And at one point I felt that I would never be able to stand on my own feet. Now I feel good thinking that I am a chairman of the union and I am able to solve problems for other workers,” says Mahfuza Begum (31). Here she is working on her sewing machine in the factory. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0001-0009 “Before I always used to have a feeling of disappointment with myself that I wanted to study and become something. And at one point I felt that I would never be able to stand on my own feet. Now I feel good thinking that I am a chairman of the union and I am able to solve problems for other workers,” says Mahfuza Begum (31). Here she is working on her sewing machine in the factory. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0010-0012 “The major problem in the garments sector is sexual harassment. Men stare and make comments, or try and touch them and even pressure them in engaging in wrongful activities. If people see a beautiful girl, then they would try their best to make it hard for her to work. But now we have formed a sexual harassment committee regarding the matter and I am also acting as chairman there.” says Mahfuza Begum (31) during her walk along the machine line talking to workers about their problems and issues they might be facing in the workplace. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0010-0012 “The major problem in the garments sector is sexual harassment. Men stare and make comments, or try and touch them and even pressure them in engaging in wrongful activities. If people see a beautiful girl, then they would try their best to make it hard for her to work. But now we have formed a sexual harassment committee regarding the matter and I am also acting as chairman there.” says Mahfuza Begum (31) during her walk along the machine line talking to workers about their problems and issues they might be facing in the workplace. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0010-0012 “The major problem in the garments sector is sexual harassment. Men stare and make comments, or try and touch them and even pressure them in engaging in wrongful activities. If people see a beautiful girl, then they would try their best to make it hard for her to work. But now we have formed a sexual harassment committee regarding the matter and I am also acting as chairman there.” says Mahfuza Begum (31) during her walk along the machine line talking to workers about their problems and issues they might be facing in the workplace. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0013 “I would mostly walk from home to work and back again. And I would walk a distance of more than 5km every day, even if I was tired or running late. Because if I took a rickshaw, I would not be able to afford groceries for the day,” says Mahfuza Begum (31) while she was buying vegetables on her way back from work. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0014 “I had my eldest son when I was 16 years old. It fills me up with pride to see him get a good education and be able to work in an office,” says Mahfuza Begum during the preparation of a meal for the family, while her eldest son Tipu (15) helps her. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0015 “Girls are more neglected and under constant pressure. This is because people think that girls are not capable of doing the same amount of work as a man,” says Mahfuza Begum (31) while cooking in the kitchen for her family. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0016 Mafuza Begum (31) serving her eldest son during lunchtime in her house in Savar, Dhaka. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0017-0018 Mahfuza Begum (31) spending some quality time with her family over the weekend at home in Savar, Dhaka. She is playing a board game with her eldest son and her husband. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0017-0018 Mahfuza Begum (31) spending some quality time with her family over the weekend at home in Savar, Dhaka. She is playing a board game with her eldest son and her husband. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0019 Mahfuza Begum (31) applying coconut oil and massaging her eldest son, Tipu’s (15), scalp which he loves. She does this every weekend and they catch up regarding Tipu’s work and his plans. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0020 Mahfuza Begum (31) repairing her husband’s shirt as they chat in the bedroom in their apartment in Savar, Dhaka. Mahfuza was married when she was 11 years old and has a happy family. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0021 “Most of us workers are denied our rights and, also there are a lot of times we are not paid what we are owed. I am working for the rights of the workers and to establish that we should be paid what we are owed. That is why I am doing this.” says Mafuza Begum (31) during her session with the workers from her factory on the rooftop of her home. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0022-0025 “My boss says that previously he did not have anyone to talk to and now he has someone to speak about the factory problems. Before when there used to be a problem we would have racketeering, strikes and hooliganism in the factory, and the owner would have to solve such problems. But now there are no such problems“ says Mahfuza Begum (31) during her interview. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0022-0025 “My boss says that previously he did not have anyone to talk to and now he has someone to speak about the factory problems. Before when there used to be a problem we would have racketeering, strikes and hooliganism in the factory, and the owner would have to solve such problems. But now there are no such problems“ says Mahfuza Begum (31) during her interview. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BD-RMG-Mahfuja-0022-0025 “My boss says that previously he did not have anyone to talk to and now he has someone to speak about the factory problems. Before when there used to be a problem we would have racketeering, strikes and hooliganism in the factory, and the owner would have to solve such problems. But now there are no such problems“ says Mahfuza Begum (31) during her interview. Mahfuza Begum (31) is the union leader in a garments factory where she has been working for the past 15 years. She is fighting to ensure that no workers are wrongfully treated in the workplace and they receive all the benefits proclaimed by the country’s government. E.P.Z. Road, Ashulia, Dhaka-1349. Bangladesh. Photo Credit: b.a.sujaN / Plan International / Map Photo Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh.