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Stories of change
by Turaj Ahmad
The role of women, the significance of their actions and the struggles that come along in the process have been put somewhat under a tangible lid. However, over the years, many women have indeed managed to alter or ever break the barriers that are drawn against them in this society. While withstanding countless struggles, some have successfully stamped their marks, achieving the recognition their efforts deserved as well as paving the way for more women in the years to come in different fields of work.
On March 14, ‘Stories of Change’ – a 55-minute long documentary film by Simon & Sara, recognising and portraying, the lives, paths and lanes, of five such triumphant women who have had to traverse many paths to reach their desired destination, was screened at the Russian Cultural Centre in Dhanmondi.
By the time the documentary had started, the auditorium had reached full capacity with many in the audience seated on the floor, closely following the riveting tales of the lives of the women and their challenges.
The documentary starts off by following the 16-year old spin bowler of the National Women’s Cricket Team, Champa Chakma as she walks along the hill tracts in Rangamati, narrating her transformation from a fast bowler to a spinner, explaining some of her initial struggles while finally she is shown giving tips to young hopefuls in her region. The next story is located in a tea garden in Sylhet, 22-year old school teacher and field worker of the Tea Labourers’ Union, Lakkatura Tea Estate, Dipaly Goala’s story is a tale of strife, of pushing against odds and barriers, to hopefully rise to a new dawn.
Next in line was the story of the highly reputed photojournalist, Bilkish Akhter Sumi. With a camera pack slung across her shoulders, pushing her way through the crowds, Sumi’s life can be seen as a stepping stone for aspiring female photojournalist as she points out the abuses she had initially received for being a female journalist on her way to becoming one of the most instantly recognised and respected figures in her region.
From the tea gardens of Sylhet, the camera then follows, Kamala Rani Rai, a 32-year old goldsmith. On a mist-laden morning in Sirajganj she makes her way to her jewellers shop. Kamala’s story typifies bravery as she narrates some of the close calls some robbers have had from getting annihilated by Kamala, who is more than capable of knocking out even the most notorious of crooks single-handedly, while summoning quite a few laughs within the audience through her narration.
The final story starts off with a whole host of rickshaws queuing up to offer their services to a woman as soon as she walks out of the gate of her house. The woman is none other than the 60-year old social activist Rokeya Begum, telling a wonderful story of overcoming barriers and creating opportunities for others like herself while stressing upon the need to dream, which in essence is exactly what distinguishes these five women.
Produced by The Pathways of Women’s Empowerment Research Programme, Stories of Change travels through Bangladesh, through its hills, rivers and lanes, through generations, following the narratives of a 16-year-old cricketer to a 60-year-old activist.
‘Women through societies faced intolerance and ignorance, adding to their struggle of survival in this ever-competing world. Still, one with belief in her heart can reach her dream with vigour and dignity,’ says Kamar Ahmad Simon, the director of the documentary.
‘Of human bondage, to its time and existence, I attempted to portray struggles of five women, ageing from 16 to 60, that tells us stories of the never-ending journey of mankind. I believe, it is this journey that confirms life, confirm one’s existence,’ he concludes.
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