Lensational’s film, Daughters of Bangladesh, empowers women and girls to share their own stories and become advocates for local challenges by utilizing storytelling, photography, and video production. When the Rana Plaza garment factory collapsed in Dhaka, media outlets published stories condemning the appalling conditions under which individuals were working, while journalists highlighted the stories of these individuals. Daughters of Bangladesh placed agency back in the hands of those on the ground by empowering them as the directors and protagonists of their own stories. Through film, we witness the challenges associated with supply chain transparency and the need for gender empowerment through the eyes of five girls, ages 7 to 15.
Since being produced in 2017, Daughters of Bangladesh has been screened around the globe, bringing diversity to the media landscape. Today, people know the story of Hafiza, whose mother works in a garment factory and fell ill. This unfortunate situation left all care responsibilities in the hands of the young daughter, who also takes care of her younger brother. Through this video journalism project, not only has Hafiza been able to gain confidence and speak publicly for the first time during the documentary screening in Dhaka, but she has also been able to acquire digital and filmmaking skills to help her in her future career. Through their initiatives, Lensational has worked with over 800 women and has partnered with many foundations, artists, and private companies to bring about gender equality in access, and use of, media.
