Women and Girls is one of The Salvation Army International Development UK's five areas of work.
We are working with women around the world to ensure they have equal access to rights and opportunities, and the freedom to flourish.
The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland territory currently supports projects for Women and Girls in Bangladesh and South Africa.

A PATH TO FREEDOM
Within walking distance of Jashore’s brothels, The Salvation Army Bangladesh runs a support programme for vulnerable and exploited women and children in the area. Reaching out with care and guidance, the team offer hope and a pathway to freedom. Project Manager Shital Roy reflects on the project and its impact over the past two years.
Saanvi* grew up in Jashore and was married young to a man called Tauhid. Early in the marriage, he began to physically and emotionally abuse her. Struggling with drug addiction, Tauhid’s financial concerns grew and he sold Saanvi into sexual exploitation in a brothel located in the heart of the city.
Abandoned by Tauhid, Saanvi felt trapped in a nightmare. Every day she endured physical and emotional abuse from clients, yet her pleas for help were met with indifference and cruelty. Saanvi’s sardarni (‘madam’) kept all of her money, so she felt powerless to escape.
During this time, Saanvi met Arnab, a local businessman. She became pregnant and gave birth to their daughter, Ishra. However, Arnab rejected both mother and child, threatening to kill or sell young Ishra. Held captive by fear, Saanvi remained in the brothel, where she raised her daughter.
At just 12 years old, Ishra was also forced into the sex trade. The cycle of exploitation continued.
For more than 30 years, The Salvation Army has had a project office across the road from three of Jashore’s brothels and have remained committed to reaching out to, and supporting, women and children who are exploited and vulnerable. Over the years, we have developed significant relationships, and have used the trust we have to amplify the voices of women living in the brothels.
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Areas of Work
We work alongside communities in the areas of Anti-Trafficking, Clean Water, Emergency Response, Food Security, and Women and Girls to support them to overcome poverty and injustice. We are also responsible for overseeing the transfer of funds for the UK’s Mission Support Allocation (money donated through the annual Self-Denial Appeal).

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Clean Water
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