Married during her Higher Secondary studies in 2013, Umme Habiba Ratna from Narail’s Kalia Upazila soon faced severe financial uncertainty when her husband lost his job. Domestic burdens, scarcity and family responsibilities threatened to cut her education short. However, through sheer determination and family encouragement, Ratna refused to let hardship define her future.
Balancing household chores, motherhood and academic pursuits, she went on to earn both her Bachelor’s degree from Munshi Manik Degree College and a Master’s degree from Gopalganj Government College. To support her family, she began her career as a low-paid project staff member at the development organization BRAC. Her hard work paid off over time also earning her a permanent position at the organization.
Today, Ratna is a mother of two and a vital financial contributor to her family. Her journey stands as an inspiring example for women in rural Bangladesh, proving that marriage and motherhood need not mark the end of educational or professional aspirations.
