“We always dreamt of such a day where girls would be able to take part in sports and enjoy their freedom without being judged or criticized. We can proudly say that today was one of the very first days of freedom.”

It all started a few months back when a bunch of youth decided that they will change their community and create a safe space for girls to play outdoor sports. The youth associated with Uttaran established local Library “Muktijoddha Abdus Salam Library” came under a banner “Meye Rao Khelbe” after receiving the Active citizens training. With the help of community leaders, schools, colleges and Uttaran they provided badminton training opportunities in three unions of the upazila.

Through online/social media crowdfunding, they gathered the required equipment. The training went on for three months and despite various social and familial pressure around 100 girls from 15 villages took the opportunity. Hence, on 8th of March, on the day of International women’s day, they hosted the first ever female badminton tournament in Tala upazila. Local elected Representatives, Government officials, NGO officials, Professors and other civil society members were present at the tournament.

Other Active citizens & SAP (Clean Day) also joined to ensure that the whole operation ran smoothly by installing Dustbins, safe drinking water sources and providing first aid support. The winners received attractive prizes such as a bicycle, scholarship and a smartphone. On this joyous occasion, an informative and entertaining play regarding safe menstruation was also performed by the Active citizens from Satkhira. At the end, local leaders hugely appreciated the volunteers and said that “What we couldn’t do, you made it possible, thank you for showing us the right path”