About UPAMA

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 and excluded from decision-making processes, even within their own families. Their mobility was restricted, and participation in community development activities was limited by prevailing patriarchal norms. Social perceptions portrayed women as physically weak, emotionally unstable, and economically dependent on men, reinforcing male superiority and female subordination as accepted social norms.
Many women were unaware of their rights and suffered from early marriage, dowry-related violence, domestic abuse, and abandonment without financial support. Despite working from dawn to late night in household responsibilities, their contributions remained unpaid and unrecognized in economic terms. Additionally, malnutrition and maternal mortality rates were significantly high in the region.
The condition of children was equally alarming. Many were born underweight due to poor maternal health and inadequate nutrition. A significant number of children remained out of school or received minimal education because of extreme poverty and lack of awareness among parents regarding the importance of education.