"Beauty, quality, and happiness should not be felt by other people's comments, it is everyone's own choice"
– Jannatul Ferdous Ivy
About Jannatul Ferdous Ivy
A human rights defender, writer, and short film maker
Meet Jannatul Ferdous Ivy, a leading Bangladeshi filmmaker, writer, and human rights activist. Ivy is a fierce advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, with a particular focus on women with disabilities and burn accident survivors. As the Executive Director of the NGO “Voice & Views,” she is at the forefront of promoting equality, justice, and empowerment for those who are often overlooked by society. Ivy’s work has earned her a prominent place in the fight for human rights in Bangladesh and beyond.
Her creative pursuits inspire her to use storytelling as a tool for promoting positive change and raising awareness for important issues. Her dedication to both her creative pursuits and social justice work has made her a well-respected figure in the Bangladeshi film and human rights community.
Writer
Activist
Advocate for Burn Victims
Film Maker
Get to know me! I discovered the power of the “Disability Movement” during my first job at ADD Bangladesh as a Human Rights Promoter in 2005. This experience paved the way for my passion for the rights of persons with disabilities. With over a decade of experience in the field, I’ve had the honor of working with organizations like National Council of Disabled Women (NCDW), Handicap International, and CBM International, where I served as an Inclusion Manager.
As a 60% burn survivor, I know firsthand the struggles that women with burn-related disabilities face in Asian cultures. My work has inspired me to advocate for their inclusion in society. That’s why I co-founded Voice & Views, a human rights organization, in 2014. Visit our website (https://voiceandviews.org.bd) to learn more about my work and our mission.
2001 | Bachelor of Social Science (BSS); National University of Bangladesh. |
2005 | Master of Arts, English Literature; National University of Bangladesh. |
2009 | Master of Development Studies; BRAC University of Bangladesh. |
2010 | Bachelor of Law (LLB); National University of Bangladesh. |
2012 | Diploma in Social Compliance; Bangladesh Institute of Management. |
Achivments
Awards
- "BBC 100 Women 2023" by BBC. Listed as one of the 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2023.
- 2. “Award of Fighter Women” by Rokeya Hall Alumni Association of University of Dhaka on 8 March 2018.
- 3. Award from Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, on Women Rights in Cinema in 2016.
- 4. Award from Women Architects, Engineers, Planners Association (WAEPA), Bangladesh on 12 December in 2016.
- 5. Award on Women’s Day from Daffodil International, Dhaka in 2011.
Publications & Films
- 2009 - Shopno Nirman Proyash
- 2010 - Pora Matir Rajkonnya
- 2011 - Uttoron (The Emancipation)
- 2011 - An Endeavor Towards A Dream
- 2012 - Princess of Burnt Soil
- 2012 - Nirobey (Silently)
- 2014 - 14 Articles in the First Gender Encyclopedia
- 2019 - Somoyer Proticchobi
- 2019 - Manobi
- 2020 - Bangobondhu’s Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
- 2020 - Nirobey
- 2021 - The Sun Rise
- 2021 - Khijirpurer Messi
- 2022 - Article 16
- 2023 - The Oasis -A Bunch of Poems
Published Major Articles
1. “Media, translated words and Covid-19”
Published on April 4 in the Daily Asian Age
2. "Burn survivor women and their human rights”
Published on 9 March on the Daily Asian Age
3. “Disability cannot hold us back (about expected good governance for ensuring rights of women with disabilities)”
Published on on The Daily Dhaka Tribune, March 11, 2015
4. "Cyber security and women’s safety”
Published on the Daily Bhorer Kagoj
5. “Remittances Vs Women With Disability”
Published on News Hour
6. “Some Expected Steps for Free Books Distribution to Children With Disabilities of Bangladesh”
Published on The Daily Ajker Patrika, 27 December 2014.
7. “Leadership of Women with Disabilities at Local Government of Bangladesh”
The Daily Prothom Alo, February.
8. “Impact of art workshops in Bangladesh” on UNESCO Policy Guidelines
Inclusive education in action
9. “Overcoming Adversities: The Positive Lives Of Women With Disabilities In Society"
Published on News Hour, 23 March, 2023
10. "My rebirth after a horrific day of April the 30th!"
Published on News Hour, April 30, 2023