Angela Gomes 1952–
Activist and Community Leader
Most women lead hard lives in the villages of Bangladesh. Many have no money or education. They have few legal rights. When they are mistreated, they have no way to fight back. This situation is slowly changing, however, thanks to the work of Angela Gomes.
Gomes grew up in a small village in Bangladesh. She broke with tradition by going to college and becoming a teacher. In 1977, Gomes began visiting villages and talking to women about ways they could improve their lives. She taught them to make crafts, raise chickens, and grow mulberry trees for silk. Women started earning money using these new skills.
In some places, angry villagers threw rocks at Gomes or tried to have her arrested. Gomes didn't stop. She founded an organization called Banchte Shekha, which means “Learn to Survive.” It is one of the largest organizations of its kind in Bangladesh. Today, with its help, thousands of Bangladeshi women are working and saving money. They have access to health care, education, and legal help. Gomes has won many awards for her work. Her proudest achievement, though, is helping village women “stand on their own two feet.”
Critical Thinking
Why do you think some villagers tried to stop Gomes?