Turkish state aid agency launches program for underprivileged girls, families in Bangladesh

The Turkish state aid agency on Thursday launched a 10-month project in Bangladesh's remote regions of Moulvi Bazar and Bagerhat to help 300 underprivileged girls and their families.

The project by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), titled "Give me a chance" will be carried out by Sports for Hope and Independence, a social service organization using sports for social development.

"The idea of this project is to use football as a tool to empower girls and at the same time use a football pitch to educate girls and their parents about their rights," said a statement by Sports for Hope and Independence.

The statement added that besides the girls and their families, other members of their communities would benefit indirectly from the project.

It underlined that the project's main aim was to create a safe space for girls to express themselves, overcome stereotypes of their participation in sports, and raise awareness about their rights.

A girls' football championship was held on Thursday at Sreemangal, Moulvi Bazar as part of the project.

Sevki Mert Baris, TIKA's coordinator in Bangladesh, and SHI Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sharmin Farhana were also present at the occasion.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Baris said the project was "really exciting" and that Bangladeshi people, including girls, had shown their interest in football during the recent FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

"Therefore, active participation of girls in this project is no surprise. Bangladesh has a very dynamic and talented young generation and Bangladeshi girls once more showed what they can do when they have the opportunity," he added.