Monira Rahman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Monira Rahman
Rahman in 2013
Born	Jessore, Bangladesh
Notable work	Reduction in acid and petrol attack on woman in Bangladesh

Monira Rahman (born in 1965) is a famous human rights activist from Bangladesh. A human rights activist is someone who works to protect the basic rights and freedoms of all people.

Monira is best known for her brave work to stop violent acid attacks on women in her country. Thanks to her efforts, these terrible attacks have been reduced significantly. For her incredible work, she has won many awards, including the Human Rights Defender Award from Amnesty International in 2006.

She was a key leader at the Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) for many years. This organization helps people who have been hurt by acid attacks. In 2011, she was also honored by the World's Children's Prize for her fight to end this violence.

Early Life and Inspiration

Monira Rahman was born in Jessore, which was then part of East Pakistan but is now Bangladesh. She was the youngest of six children.

When she was a child, the Bangladesh Liberation War began in 1971. Her family had to leave their home for safety. During this difficult time, her father passed away. Her mother was left to raise all six children by herself. This experience had a big impact on Monira and taught her to be strong and independent from a young age.

Even as a student, Monira was active in debates and cultural events. These activities helped her become a good leader and taught her to ask important questions about the world around her.

Education and First Steps

Monira finished high school at Qumarunnessa Girls School in 1981 and later attended Eden Girls College. She then went to the prestigious University of Dhaka. There, she earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree in Philosophy.

After finishing her studies, her family wanted her to take a government job. However, Monira wanted to help people directly. She decided to become a social worker and joined an organization called Concern Worldwide.

Career as a Changemaker

Helping People in Need

Monira began her career in 1992 at Concern Worldwide. She worked to protect the rights of some of the most overlooked people in society. This included street children and homeless women.

She discovered that many homeless women were being arrested under an old law called the Vagrancy Act 1943. Her work helped convince the government to look at this law again and create better ways to help people living on the streets.

Fighting Against Acid Attacks

While working as a social worker, Monira was shocked to see how many women were being harmed by acid attacks. She decided to dedicate her life to stopping this violence.

She joined the Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) in 1998. From 2002 to 2013, she served as its executive director. Under her leadership, the ASF helped survivors get medical care and justice. The foundation also worked to change laws and raise awareness to prevent future attacks.

Today, Monira Rahman continues her work. She is the founder of an organization called Innovation for Wellbeing Bangladesh. She also leads Mental Health First Aid Bangladesh, helping to improve mental health support in her country.

Awards and Recognition

Monira Rahman's work has been recognized around the world. Here are some of her major awards:

• Human Rights Defender (2006) – Awarded by Amnesty International for her brave activism.
• International Award for Health and Dignity for Women (2009) – From Americans for UNFPA.
• World's Children's Prize Honorary Award (2011) – For her fight to protect women and children from violence.
• Commonwealth Professional Fellow (2012) – A special honor from the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
• Ashoka Fellowship (2015) – Recognizing her as an innovative leader changing society for the better.

See also

In Spanish: Monira Rahman para niños