Acid and petrol attacks against women in Bangladesh declined forty-fold following the sustained advocacy of Monira Rahman. Born in 1965 in Jessore, she navigated the displacement caused by the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War before establishing herself as a prominent figure in the field of civil rights and social welfare throughout her home country.
Early Development and Academic Path
Rahman completed her secondary education at Qumarunnessa Girls School in 1981, followed by her higher secondary studies at Eden Girls College in 1983. Her academic trajectory led her to the University of Dhaka, where she attained a Bachelor of Arts in 1987 and a Master of Arts in Philosophy in 1988. During her university years, she served as the Vice President of Samsunnahar Hall, an experience that honed her leadership capabilities and public engagement skills.
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In 1992, Rahman began a seven-year tenure as a social worker with Concern Worldwide. Her efforts focused on the rights of street children, the homeless, and commercial sex workers. She specifically addressed the treatment of mentally ill women detained under the 1943 Vagrancy Act. Her intervention prompted government reviews of the Vagrancy Act and the juvenile justice system, resulting in a formal agreement to improve oversight within government-run vagrant homes.
Combatting Acid Violence
While working with the organization Nari Pokkho, Rahman confronted the rising frequency of acid attacks on women. She transitioned to the Acid Survivors Foundation in 1998, collaborating with founder Dr. John Morrison. She served as the executive director of the foundation from 2002 to 2013, overseeing programs aimed at ending acid and petrol-based violence. Her focus later expanded to include mental health, leading to her roles as country lead for Mental Health First Aid Bangladesh and founder of Innovation for Wellbeing Bangladesh.
Recognition and Fellowships
Rahman received the Amnesty International Menschenrechtspreis in 2006. Subsequent honors include the International Awards for Health and Dignity from Americans for UNFPA in 2009 and the World's Children's Prize Honorary Award in 2011. She was named a Commonwealth Professional Fellow in 2012 and an Ashoka Fellow in 2015, recognizing her contributions to public innovation.
Fast facts
- Born: 1965, Jessore, East Pakistan
- Education: University of Dhaka
- Key Role: Executive Director, Acid Survivors Foundation (2002-2013)
- Notable Award: Amnesty International Menschenrechtspreis (2006)
- Fellowship: Ashoka Fellow (2015)
- Citizenship: Bangladesh, Pakistan
Questions readers ask
What is Monira Rahman's impact on public safety?
Her advocacy contributed to a forty-fold reduction in acid and petrol attacks on women in Bangladesh.
What is her current professional focus?
She acts as the country lead for Mental Health First Aid Bangladesh and as the founder and executive director of Innovation for Wellbeing Bangladesh.
