Days in the lives of adolescent girls

Scenes from the documentary

This is one of the several stories featured in Fauzia Khan's documentary film Amakey Bolte Dao ( I had something to say). The unconventional use of stories to flesh out the hard reality of adolescent girls, particularly in villages, adds appeal to a sensitive subject. Other stories depict a gamut of issues such as rape, desire, misconceptions about childbirth.

Fauzia's research for the film took her to villages in Pirujpur and Gaibandha districts. In the course of her research, she came across 500 girls and was "haunted" by their stories. As she asserts, she drew upon her own experience of an adolescence marked by poor information on physiological changes that were a natural part of growing up. Also at puberty she chafed at the restrictions on her movements and her pursuit of athletics. In addition, she found a veil of secrecy when it came to discussions on female sexuality.

"My objective was to look into the scenario of reproductive health of adolescent girls in Bangladesh," she asserts, adding that "In one village in Gaibandha, the poorest district, hundreds of adolescent girls (in the age group of 10-15 years) came to meet me. All of them were married and most had children and were in ill health. I couldn't sleep for two nights after this visit."

The case studies in the film reflect the stifling existence of adolescent girls and the tendency of society to view them as mere childbearing and domesticated machines. There is Rehana Aktar, a Class X student from Sarupkathi, Pirojpur. In her words, "I do not get the sort of independence I used to get in my childhood, as for instance, climbing a tree. Neither can I pursue my interest in my favourite pastime of angling."

Life is even worse for Ayesha, a housewife from Gaibandha. "Living with my in-laws is like being in a jail. I can't eat what I want and no importance is given to my opinion on major issues," she says.

Though somewhat more privileged, girls from urban areas have their own concerns. Take the case of Kaniz Tarzia, an O level student of Scholastica School, Dhaka. Though she does both dancing and modelling, she prefers the former. For her it is vital that she find a husband who approves of her dancing. In the villages, the girls variously say that their future lies in "raising children", "marrying an educated boy" and "teaching girls".

Fauzia's film, produced by the NGO Steps Towards Development, has won plaudits. The film is set to go to the Delhi Open Film Festival '06 for screening between September 15-21. Also on the cards is the release of the film in Bangladesh.

Apart from research, script, editing and direction of Amakey Bolte Dao, Fauzia has also done the graphics and sound recording (for the interview part).

Sensitively made films such as Fauzia's can go a long way in generating awareness about women and other social issues. In the process, they can be catalysts for much needed change in society.