Riya Datta, Rubaiya Jahan Eva, Rifat Jahan Anny

Riya Datta (17), is from Bangladesh. When Riya’s close friend was forced to give up her education and dreams due to severe financial hardship, watching her fall into hopelessness stayed with Riya — and became the reason she decided to act.

Riya, along with Eva and Anny, co-founded a community initiative that started with just the three of them and has grown into a team of 15 to 30 volunteers, all dedicated to supporting underprivileged girls and young women. They provide regular listening sessions and informal counselling, reaching over 580 girls with emotional support and a safe, judgment-free space to talk through hardship.

Their work goes beyond emotional support — they’ve helped over 100 girls at risk of dropping out stay in school or find alternative learning paths, and organized hands-on skill-training in baking, sewing, handicrafts, and jewelry making for 150 to 200 girls, helping them build practical, self-reliant futures.

Through door-to-door outreach and partnerships with NGOs, local leaders, and 30+ volunteers, Riya’s initiative has reached over 280 girls in a lasting, trust-based way — with encouragement from their parents fueling their work every step of the way.