This has resulted in the improvement of the quality of life for many women, men, and young people. The stories in this booklet give us hope that such progress will continue. Among them, the story on the TV talk show for adolescents in Bangladesh demonstrates that even in an environment in which publicly talking about sexual topics is generally taboo, particularly when it involves young people, it is nevertheless possible to do so if the appropriate context is found. The Girl Child Project in Pakistan , and the Status of Women Radio Series, demonstrate that it is possible to help girls and women to empower themselves. Time and again, we have to remind ourselves that development practitioners cannot empower others.
People empower themselves.
It is not something that can be bought, or easily measured. It is possible, however, to assist in the process. Likewise, stories from Iran, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka bode well for the future. We hope that you are as inspired by the collection of stories in this booklet as we are.