Queen Elizabeth has recognised Sharmin Sultana, representing Bangladesh, as the 61st Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of her exceptional voluntary service providing humanitarian relief to Rohingya refugees.
Sharmin Sultana, is an experienced reproductive health-care provider and clinical trainer supporting Rohingya women and girls in the Kutupalong refugee camp in the Cox’s Bazar district, the UK High Commission says in a press release.
Sharmin provides vital antenatal, delivery and postnatal care and ensures women and girls can prevent or safely end an unwanted pregnancy.
She provides training to paramedics, midwives and doctors working in the camps, many of whom are not initially comfortable talking about rape, gender-based violence, or abortion.
She has also ensured that emergency procedures are in place for staff to support women and girls in the aftermath of rape.
As part of the legacy of the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in London 2018, the Queen - as head of the Commonwealth - is thanking inspirational volunteers across the 53 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond, by recognising one volunteer from each Commonwealth country each week in the two years following the summit.
By sharing these stories of service, the Commonwealth Points of Light awards celebrate inspirational acts of volunteering across the Commonwealth and help inspire others to make their own contribution to tackling some of the greatest social challenges of our time.
Each Commonwealth Point of Light will receive a personalised certificate signed by the Queen as head of the Commonwealth.
The award for Sharmin will be presented to her by British High Commissioner in Bangladesh Alison Blake.
Sharmin Sultana said: “I feel so good, proud and in fact I was speechless when I received the information about the award. It is a recognition not just for me but for all the case workers of Mukti, the NGO I work for and mostly for the Rohingya women for their enormous resilience. I tried my level best to serve the women who came to me but when I look back, I feel that I could not provide all that they needed and I feel disappointed about that. Though this award is something that I will treasure for life, my first award was given by the Rohingya woman whom I saw at Balukhali refugee camp thanking and walking confidently after her session with me.”
Alison Blake said:“I am delighted that Sharmin Sultana’s work and tremendous dedication providing support to Rohingya women refugees affected by gender-based violence has been recognised. Particularly because she provides support to women who are at the most difficult time of their lives. Sharmin’s work with midwives and doctors in the refugee camps in Bangladesh to ensure access to clinical services for survivors of gender based violence is so vital. Sharmin’s dedication, teamwork and kindness are truly a Point of Light for us all to be proud of. We congratulate her for winning this well deserved award”.