A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A WOMAN IN RURAL BANGLADESH
A day in the life of a poor woman in rural Bangladesh is marked by relentless labor, resilience, and hope amid hardship. Every donation you make to PSDI impacts the daily lives of poor Bangladeshis in one way or another. In this story, it was PSDI donors who provided the tin-roof on their hut, the tube well providing clean water, a cow to raise, grants to develop handicrafts at home, a school for the children and the promise of a better future.
Dawn: The Day Begins Early
Before the sun rises, she wakes up in her small, tin-roofed house, often shared with her children and other family members. The walls might be made of mud, and the floor is hard-packed earth. She lights a clay stove (chula) using dried cow dung or firewood, struggling against the smoke to prepare a simple breakfast—often rice with salt or leftover vegetables. If she has access to clean water, she fetches it from a nearby tube well; otherwise, she walks long distances to a pond or river, carrying heavy pitchers.
Morning: Household Chores and Work
After feeding her children, she sets about her daily chores—sweeping, washing clothes by hand in a pond, and tending to livestock if she has any. If she’s married, her husband may be a day laborer, rickshaw puller, or farmer, and she might also need to work to make ends meet. Some women engage in agricultural labor, planting or harvesting crops in the fields under the scorching sun. Others might stitch garments at home, roll bidis (handmade cigarettes), or make handicrafts for a small income.
Afternoon: More Work, Family Responsibilities
If she has children, she ensures they attend the local school—if they are lucky enough to go. Many girls, however, drop out early to help at home. She might spend her afternoon collecting firewood, sewing quilts (kantha), or going to the market to sell eggs or handmade goods. During the monsoon season, her worries multiply — floods can destroy their home, ruin crops, and bring diseases like diarrhea and dengue.
Evening: Preparing for Nightfall
As the sun sets, she prepares a modest dinner. If there’s no electricity, she relies on a kerosene lamp or candles. The family eats together, discussing the day’s struggles and hopes. After dinner, she washes the dishes, bathes with cold water, and ensures her children sleep under a mosquito net—if they have one.
Night: A Moment of Rest, Worry for Tomorrow
Finally, she lies down on a straw mat or a simple bed, her body aching from the day’s labor. Sleep comes with exhaustion, but her mind is full of worries—about food, money, her children’s future, and the uncertainties of life in a changing climate.
Despite the hardships, she holds on to resilience, love for her family, and the hope that one day, life might be better, because she knows there are people – like YOU – who care enough to help. Thank you for your past and future support. It matters.