Jotsna is a 25-year-old woman from Bangladesh. At a very early age Jotsna was infected with the polio virus, which permanently affected her right leg. Jotsna lived with her parents and brothers who were fiercely protective of her and restricted her movement outside of the home.

For a while, Jotsna did not go to school because of the condition of the roads, distance of the school and the lack of family support. Jotsna was made to stay indoors, where she helped with household chores and tutored young children. She had no participation in the decision-making process and her family members did not value her opinions.

Jotsna learned about the Self Help Groups (SHG) formed under CBM Australia's Promotion of Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Bangladesh project. She wanted to participate in a 28-day training on leadership and rights at the Centre for Disability and Development. Jotsna's elder brother was firmly against the idea of Jotsna travelling to Dhaka. Eventually, with the support of her younger brother and her parents, Jotsna attended the training.

When Jotsna returned home from the training, she located other people with disabilities from her community and motivated them to form an SHG. She also sensitized her family and the community on disability and rights of person with disabilities. Her community was amazed to see the tremendous changes in Jotsna. Once shy and reclusive, Jotsna was now spreading her knowledge and skills regarding the rights of people with disabilities. She also enjoyed increased acceptance and dignity within her family as well as the community.

"I realised that before the training I had no knowledge at all. The training gave me the courage to go out on my own and explore the possibilities. I feel proud that my elder brother who doubted my abilities before now discusses with me before making decisions," says Jotsna. She returned to school and passed the exam. Following this a non-formal primary school recruited Jotsna, and she now works there as a full-time teacher.

"I don't need any financial support from my family anymore; I am capable of bearing my own expenses moving around. The SHG is a powerful tool and all my successes and achievements have been attained only because of the SHG initiative," says Jotsna.

Besides teaching, Jotsna is an active member of the SHG and Apex body where she promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities in her community. She was selected as the Treasurer of the SHG and Secretary of the Apex body. Through her active leadership, seven SHG members received disability ID card; 12 people with disabilities were enlisted for receiving Vulnerable Group Development (VGD) support; three children with disabilities were enrolled in school; and one student with disability received stipend.

Jotsna is a member of a Standing Committee of the Union Parishad and a committee for preventing women abuse and child marriage. She is also actively involved in organising different events and often delivers speeches in front of high level government officials.

Jotsna's family members are pleased with her achievements and are more supportive of her decisions. Jotsna enrolled in college to complete Higher Secondary Education. She wants to become a teacher at the government school, which will give her job stability and increase opportunities to promote the rights of people with disabilities.

"I hope to be self-reliant, never to be dependent on others. If persons with disabilities get proper opportunity and right information, they can lead a dignified life and promote their abilities and talents," says Jotsna.

CBM Australia is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).