‘With The Mind’, a voluntary organisation dedicated to empowering Bangladeshi women in France, honoured women migrant learners for their academic achievements at a special felicitation ceremony held in the Pantin area near Paris on Sunday.
The event, organised to celebrate the success of Bangladeshi women in learning the French language and integrating into French society, was presided over by the organisation’s President, Zahrin Haque Nupur.
Empowering Bangladeshi women in France
Over the past three years, With The Mind has been working to improve French language proficiency, employment opportunities and mental health awareness among Bangladeshi women living in France.
The organisation currently provides online French language training to more than 450 women, helping them acquire the language skills needed for education, employment and social integration.
Speaking at the programme, Zahrin Haque Nupur reflected on the organisation’s journey since its launch in June 2023. She said the initiative gained official recognition as a registered association under the French government within a year of its establishment.
“So far, 62 women have earned internationally recognised TCF and DELF language certificates through our programmes, while more than 200 women have received mental health counselling and support,” she said.
Special guest Tania Tunu, a city councillor of Bangladeshi origin, praised the organisation’s contribution to women’s empowerment.
“Providing support for language learning, self-reliance and administrative guidance is a remarkable initiative. I welcome these efforts and hope the organisation expands its activities further,” she said.
Hasan Ilias Tanim, a member of the France-Bangladesh Journalists Association, said With The Mind has become an important platform for encouraging Bangladeshi women in France to pursue education, skills development and meaningful community engagement.
Students share success stories
While most language classes are conducted online through Zoom, the organisation regularly arranges workshops, social gatherings and community events to strengthen participants’ confidence, communication skills and social inclusion.
Asma Akter Rupu, who recently passed the B1-level French language examination, credited the organisation for supporting her journey.
“‘With The Mind’ has always stood beside us as we worked to build a better future in France. Their encouragement gave us the confidence to keep moving forward,” she said.
Another learner, Umme Salma, said the organisation helped her overcome numerous challenges.
“There were many times when I felt like giving up, but the team’s guidance and motivation inspired me to continue. Their support has made our lives much easier,” she said.
The programme was attended by community leaders, professionals and journalists, including Ashraful Islam, Dr Habiba Jasmine, Diyan Ashraf, Yasmin Naz, Treasurer Farzana Nupur, Mumin Ansari, Saiful Islam Rony and Ashik Ullash, among others.
The organisation said it plans to expand its activities further by providing greater access to French language education, mental health support and career guidance for Bangladeshi women living across France.
