In the hill districts of Bangladesh, women are quietly rebuilding their lives, one stitch at a time.
Vannuam Bawm serves as General Secretary of Bandarban Hill Church of Christ and as an adviser to the Women’s Ministry within BHCOC.
“The aim of women ministry [is to] increase women participation in serving the Lord. Create opportunities where women can minister to women and young women in different facets of their lives,” she said.
At its heart, the ministry nurtures spiritual growth and strengthens families. It encourages prayer and spiritual learning, trains women for leadership in church and community life, and teaches practical skills such as handicrafts to support sustainability.
Since last year, its focus has sharpened around families returning to Bangladesh from a neighbouring country. Many have come back with very little.
“Most of them do not have houses, no home appliances, no food and no dress. Children’s education is abnormal,” Vannuam said.
When education is disrupted, children lose more than lessons. School provides structure, safety and a pathway toward a different future. For families already struggling to rebuild homes and livelihoods, interrupted schooling deepens vulnerability and limits long term opportunities.
For mothers, the challenge is deeply personal. Many long to see their children continue learning but lack the resources to make it possible. Strengthening access to education, especially through women’s literacy and learning support, helps mothers guide their children with confidence and lays a stronger foundation for the whole family’s future.
In response to these urgent needs, the Women’s Ministry has provided food packages and distributed sewing machines to women in some of the most remote areas.
Although a sewing machine may seem like a small form of help, it can make a meaningful difference in the life of a woman seeking to rebuild. It allows her to sew clothes and blankets for her family and begin earning a modest income of her own.
“The BHCOC women ministry has been a great dream and desire to provide support to the recent returnee families to Bangladesh,” Vannuam explained. “Sewing machines were provided to families in the most remote areas, enabling them to meet their own household needs and reduce financial pressure.”
One such story is that of Mrs Pazuamkim. With the support of the ministry, she and her two daughters have begun stitching clothing and blankets for their household, easing some of the pressure they face as a family.
“The impact to Mrs Pazuamkim and the two daughters have been stitching and producing for their family need of clothing and blanket which reduced their barrier in the family,” Vannuam said.
Beyond economic and spiritual support, the Women’s Ministry reflects the strength and resilience of the women it serves. When asked what this ministry reveals about women in Bangladesh, Vannuam pointed to their determination and leadership within their communities.
“Their contributions to society, their fight for equality and their ability to overcome challenges,” she said.
She added that the ministry encourages communities “to recognise and appreciate the vital role women play in various aspects of life, fostering a culture of respect, empowerment, support, and taking action to ensure gender equality and protect women’s rights.”
While needs remain, including basic household items such as utensils, blankets and lighting, these practical interventions are restoring dignity and stability to families who have lost so much. Yet lasting change goes beyond immediate relief. As women gain skills and confidence, especially through literacy and learning, they are better equipped to rebuild their families and shape a stronger future.
Through Great Gifts, you can support Women’s Literacy Training in communities like Bandarban. This training equips women with reading and writing skills that strengthen their confidence, deepen their participation in church life and help them guide their children’s education with greater assurance.
For mothers rebuilding after displacement, literacy brings confidence and stability. It equips women to guide their children’s learning and participate more fully in church and community life, helping lay a steadier foundation for the future.
This International Women’s Day, stand alongside women like Mrs Pazuamkim.