A remarkable story has unfolded in the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD). Jannatul Ferdous Ivy, an esteemed alumna of the Master of Development Studies (MDS) program, has etched her name among the BBC's 100 most powerful and inspirational women globally in 2023.
Jannatul started her journey in MDS in the Spring of 2007, shaping her academic prowess and resilience. By the fall of 2009, she graduated from BIGD as a beacon of strength and determination.
Life, however, had its plans. A tragic accident left Jannatul with 60% of her body burnt. Instead of succumbing to the darkness, she embraced the flames of adversity and turned them into a powerful force for change.
From the ashes, Jannatul rose as a film-maker, a writer, and a disability campaigner. Her journey took a transformative turn with the founding of "Voice & Views," a human rights organization fiercely advocating for the rights of women who, like her, have survived burns.
Jannatul Ferdous Ivy's name became more than just a name after she made five short films and three novels. Her stories went beyond the pages and screens, becoming a powerful tool to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities. Her dedication to working for the rights of those facing challenges reflects the values instilled in our MDS alums at the BIGD.