Empowering vulnerable

In 1980,she joined a Bangladeshi NGO called ‘Nijera Kori’ which has a pertinent tag-line,‘We Do It Ourselves”. The purpose of the NGO is to work towards development and establishment of rights for the downtrodden,changing the biased male perception towards women and creating an accountable,democratic environment. As such,‘Nijera Kori’ tries to organize landless individuals into organized groups,in an effort to ensure greater representation for them. There is also a very strong focus on women’s empowerment and enabling a woman to participate in the decision-making process. Khushi is largely responsible for revitalizing ‘Nijera Kori’ from the small organization it was then,to a worldwide voice,not restricted to only Bangladesh. ‘Nijera Kori’ has also been waging a long battle against the industrial takeover of Bangladesh’s ecologically-fragile coastal areas. In 2005,Khushi was among the nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize.

She makes it clear that she’s against the concept of institutions looking to profit from exploiting the downtrodden,in the guise of development. “How does it really help,tell me?” she demands. “Take industrial shrimp aquaculture as an example,something which we’ve been fighting against continuously. For every 4 people to whom they give jobs,they deprive 100 people of their land,their sole means of livelihood.” She defines sustainable development as ‘a society which is free from all types of exploitation,where there is security against exploitation for everyone.” She is quick to add,“Yes,it might sound utopian,but there is no harm in trying to at least work towards it.”

She is also very candid on how she sees current political events in South Asia. “I think,in all the South Asian countries,we’re all going through a very new phase,a phase where all of us are taking a good,hard look at conventional democracy. Perhaps,we are realizing that the traditional norm of electing politicians and sending them to legislatures is not working; these parliamentarians are becoming so detached from their people that they’re not really representing their views. I think,we’re all working towards some method to make democracy much more accountable and responsible.”

One may not always agree with this independent woman’s strong views and opinions. But,there is nothing but respect for her faith in her beliefs and her crusades against her opponents.

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