#WorldRefugeeDay - How an adolescent girl in Cox's Bazar found her voice

A reality shared by thousands of girls

At 13 years old, Fatema lives in Balukhali Camp-10 in Cox's Bazar. A Rohingya refugee who arrived in Bangladesh when she was just three years old, she grew up surrounded by messages that girls should stay at home and avoid pursuing education or leadership.

Fatema's experience reflected a wider challenge. A 2024 UNICEF survey found that more than 21,975 girls aged 11-18 in the Cox's Bazar camps were out of school. Many believed they were too old to continue learning, while others faced pressure from household responsibilities, early marriage, and limited family support for education.

A programme designed around girls' realities

To address these challenges, Girl Rising partnered with UNICEF and GAGE to pilot the RISE programme for 500 at-risk adolescent girls and 500 caregivers.

The programme focused on helping adolescent girls successfully transition from Grade 5 to Grade 6, a stage when many are at risk of dropping out of school. Through twelve interactive sessions, girls explored the value of education, reflected on their dreams and aspirations, and developed leadership and storytelling skills. They also examined harmful gender norms and discussed how they can be challenged. The curriculum combined Girl Rising films, camp-based stories, an illustrated storybook, and play-based activities designed for low-literacy settings.

Recognising that girls require an enabling environment to thrive, RISE Cox’s Bazar also engaged parents through dedicated sessions that highlighted the long-term benefits of girls' education.

Fatema finds her voice

Before joining RISE, Fatema was quiet and shy. Although she dreamed of becoming a doctor, she lacked confidence and often felt her opinions did not matter.

Through the programme, she learned a powerful lesson: girls' dreams matter, and girls have the right to shape their own futures.

As the sessions progressed, Fatema began speaking up during group discussions, sharing her ideas, and encouraging other girls to do the same. At home, she started talking openly with her parents about the importance of continuing her education.

Inspired to lead

Among the Girl Rising stories, Fatema was most inspired by Nasro, whose determination to pursue her dreams despite hardship showed her what leadership can look like.

The story resonated deeply. After witnessing injustice within her own family, Fatema had long wanted to help others but never knew how. RISE gave her the confidence and skills to see herself as a future leader.

Today, she dreams of supporting other girls, speaking up against harmful norms, and helping create a community where girls can learn, lead, and thrive.

Creating change across the camp

Fatema's journey reflects broader changes seen across the programme.

A mixed-methods assessment led by GAGE followed 522 adolescent girls and their caregivers across six camps. After participating in RISE:

• Girls who felt comfortable expressing their opinions to elders increased from 56% to 69%

• Girls discussing their dreams with their fathers increased from 47% to 78%

• Girls aspiring to pursue university education increased from 9% to 24%

  
  

Caregivers also showed more support for girls' education, with growing disagreement toward beliefs that prioritise boys' schooling or limit girls' opportunities.

Looking ahead

Today, Fatema sees education not just as a pathway for herself, but as a tool for change.

Her message to other girls is simple: "Believe in your dreams, speak up for yourself and others, and never let fear stop you. You have the power to create change, inspire others, and make your community stronger and fairer."

In a place where many girls are told their futures are limited, Fatema is discovering her voice and helping other girls discover theirs, too.