The BBC has released its list of 2024 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world, and among the list is Bangladeshi nurse and school founder Rikta Akter Banu.
Banu, who worked as a senior staff nurse in Kurigram’s Chilmari upazila, struggled to find a school that would accept her daughter, who is autistic and has cerebral palsy, says media reports.
Her daughter was admitted to multiple schools before being refused and removed days later, despite the schools keeping five seats reserved for children with special needs.
She eventually decided to build a special school for children with special needs in 2010, which was initially a small house with a tin roof, four volunteer teachers, and 63 mentally challenged children.
Since then, Rikta Akhter Banu Learning Disability School has grown to over 300 students and has worked to bring a positive impact on the community’s view of disability.
Despite financial struggles, she is determined to make her school a safe place to promote the education of children with special needs.
