From sex worker to Marie Stopes Volunteer - Kohinoor's story

“Life was getting harder and harder. I often had to face a lot of physical violence, plus there was no security or food. Marie Stopes Clinic Society (MSCS) has given me and my child an opportunity of having meals three times a day.”

Dhaka - Kohinoor Begum, 35, is a homeless woman in Dhaka. Her story is similar to that of hundreds of other homeless women in the city. She arrived hoping to earn a living, after being abandoned by her husband and in-laws, but like so many before her, she became a sex worker, as it quickly brought her cash in hand.

Now, however, thanks to MSCS, she is a volunteer for the organisation and earns regular money by improving the lives of others.

“I was amazed and happy that MSCS chose me to work as a volunteer to raise awareness among poor people about sexual and reproductive health. I know the suffering they go through due to not being able to afford proper treatment.”

Reaching out to the most vulnerable and socially excluded people through Marie Stopes Volunteers (MSVs) has proved an enormously successful strategy for MSCS. MSVs are selected from within the community and given extensive training. It’s amazing to see the gradual transformation of these volunteers into a responsible and empowered homogonous group, truly committed to working for the community to which they belong.

MSVs are responsible for the day to day management and maintenance of their centre, the promotion of centre services and for changing attitudes using picture based information, education and communication (IEC) materials. They also provide counselling and assist the centre's paramedic or doctor.

MSVs provide an essential bond between the service providers and the community, making clients feel at home and helping to meet their expectations.