adhunika blog

Written by our member and regular participant Shakila Hashem
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It was an evening to remember as singers, dancers, musicians and many other talents descended upon Manhattan to celebrate Adhunika’s five year anniversary. On Saturday, June 16, 2007 performers, artists and volunteers from several corners of the arrived at a local high school in New York City and gave their time and energy to an important cause which is very close to their hearts.

The aim of Adhunika is to bring about social change in the lives of women through the use of technology. With this important agenda in mind, Adhunika organized a fundraiser - a half day event that celebrated the myriad roles and responsibilities that Bangladeshi women have adopted through the decades. The show was entitled “Dreamers & Makers”, an apt description of the powerful women in Bangladesh who have made numerous unforgettable and enigmatic contributions to our society. (more…)

A teenage resident of one of the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka’s poorest slums who transformed the area through concern for fellow residents is preparing to leave - as she is now to go to university.

Eighteen-year-old Doly Akter’s work in the slum to help improve health and education has been widely praised, even earning her the chance to speak at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

With the help of some friends, she set up a project to change the lives of local women that became massively successful.

“I hope we showed the strength we have by establishing ourselves,” she told BBC World Service’s Outlook programme.

“As teenagers, we have stood side by side.” (more…)

Tribute to Women of Bangladesh.

The Adhunika Foundation cordially invites you to a celebration of women at their fifth anniversary gala in New York.

Program includes Adhunika’s activities fair, get to know about organizations providing community outreach programs, join children’s activities - story telling and face painting, visit the craft and creative corner and support their work, and try the food stall catered by women of Bangladesh in New York. The evening is filled with presentation by Adhunika, theater, musical performance, poetry, dance, fashion show and more!

Proceeds will fund Adhunika’s Information Technology for Women Project in Bangladesh.

Join us for a night of awareness & festivities and Make a difference.

Event Details:
Date
Saturday, June 16, 2007

Time
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Location
Parkwest High School Auditorium
525 West 50 Street New York, NY 10019
(Between Avenues 11th and 10th)

On several occasions I came across a hot topic – where women are more liberated, here in US or back home in Bangladesh. I have heard opinions from both sides which I will summarize here. There are many factors that I won’t be able to discuss due to the vastness of the topic.  But we would like to hear opinions from our readers.

Majority of people who have grown up in Bangladesh and have lived in US for parts of their lives have mentioned that west has given women more freedom.  Freedom or liberty in terms of the ability to make your own choice, being able to lead a life without depending on others, being able to move/walk/travel on your own without being escorted by a man.  On top of all of these, women in the US can work hard to achieve their goals and are less likely to become victims of sexual abuse.

Some who disagree say that it is a superficial freedom in the west.  There is still discrimination against women.  Look at the western media, entertainment industry, how do they portray women?  Woman is merely a commodity in the western market.  They have to work hard to earn their living; they have to attract men with their physical beauty; and they are being discriminated at work as well.  This group says in Bangladesh women are respected, while in US women are always judged by their looks.  (more…)