In 1999, an assessment of the socio-economic condition of poor communities in Sunamganj district revealed a deeply distressing situation, particularly for women and children. The area was characterized by acute poverty, widespread disease, malnutrition, illiteracy, and unemployment. Women were subjected to severe social, economic, and cultural deprivation. They faced exploitation in multiple forms, including religious and gender-based discrimination. Women in the area were largely asset-less an...