National Assembly

We went to visit the National Assembly while in session to watch them
debating a proposal for Wireless Bangladesh. By establishing this
program centrally, more money can go to the project, not people's
pockets. We were on TV (B-Span) in the visitor's gallery. Many of us
weref ighting not to nod off while a guard made sure we didn't cross
our legs and show the bottom if our shoes, a sign of disrepect.

The building is a national treasure having been designed by Louis
Kahn. (designed at Bryn Mawr dorm) Bangladeshis are clearly very
proud of thw building. Cameras were not allowed inside. It is a huge
contrast from our beautiful buildings in DC.

It is like a big grey concrete bunker which brought to mind adjectives
from the group like depressing, concentration-camp-like, jail-like.

What was notable was our own celebrity. Groups of men just stared at
us. It wasn't threatening, but odd. Apparently it is unusual to see
foreigners. Bangladesh doesn't have a big tourist business.

My ceiling.

Just in case you were wondering which direction Mecca is from my hotel
room, here is the indicator.

Small print

I just want to add a caveat to my posts. We are learning so much and I
expect that I will omit critical aspects of the conversations of these
wonderful speakers. Please check their website and giver
Some room for some inaccuracies.

ASK

First of all my apologies on not having photos on the previous
entries. I forgot to bring my camera inside.

This lively woman is Sultana Kamal, a lawyer who has dedicated her
life to providing a voice for the disenfranchised in the Bangladeshi
legal system. Guess who they are.

Over the years, her organization of 200 has helped to make women aware
of their rights over issues like domestic violence, divorce, acid
attacks etc. While the government can condemn and make public acts
illegal, it cannot make private acts illegal. They are governed by
religious law.

She explained how the most critical issue is a literacy rate of 40
percent. Literacy is defined as being able to write your name.

Knowlege is clearly power.

Farida Akhter

Our next stop was to Narigrantha Prabartana, a feminist bookstore,
sari shop and gossip cafe. Started in 1986 during the military
government, this has become a refuge for women seeking connections to
other women either through reading or chatting. Men are not allowed.

The organization also supports rural communities to bring their goods
to market. Some of you readers may benefit from that visit.

Asian University for Women

It's Thursday morning somehow so I have time to write about
yesterday's adventures before they blur into today's adventures. I
will do my best before the alarm goes off.

Our first meeting was at The Westin where we met with Dr. Hoon Eng
Khoo (Smith) the Provost and Vice Chancelor for AUW. With funding from
some major names, she is helping to start a preeminent private
university to provide access to high quality education to women.

Last year,they had 1200 apps for 400 spots.

In societies where women don't officially exist, education is the
first step.

Prabartana

We just spent several hours at a Women's bookstore, Prabartana. It
carries books written by women about women. Other floors include
beautifully woven fabrics and saris from Bangladeshi weavers.
Apparently it has only been recently when weavers were recognized as
women. Usually the women did all of the prep work and the men got the
title. On subsequent floors they sold fabrics and saris. The top floor
is the gossip cafe. Men are not allowed inside and it has become a
place where women communicate, gossip and connect.