Farida Khanam

A Bangladeshi social activist who empowered marginalized women through education and economic opportunities

Farida Khanam (1945–present) is a trailblazing social activist from Bangladesh renowned for her work in empowering marginalized women through education and economic initiatives. Born into a poor family in the Jessore district, Khanam faced early challenges including child marriage but later became an advocate for women's rights. Her most notable contribution is the establishment of the Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Memorial Trust in 1976, which focuses on providing education, healthcare, and vocational training to rural women.

In the 1980s, Khanam pioneered microfinance programs long before they became globally recognized, enabling women to start small businesses. Her work with the Bangladesh Shramik Jonokotha organization addressed labor rights and gender equality in factories. Khanam's advocacy led to policy changes, including the inclusion of women's rights clauses in Bangladesh's 1997 Labor Act. She has also been a vocal critic of child marriage and dowry practices, collaborating with international NGOs like UNICEF to implement awareness campaigns.

Her impact extends to global platforms: Khanam represented Bangladesh at the 1995 Beijing World Conference on Women and co-founded the Women in Development Bangladesh. Despite facing threats from conservative groups, her sustained efforts have transformed thousands of lives, earning her the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1999. Khanam's legacy continues through her training centers that now educate over 50,000 women annually across Bangladesh.