Munira’s journey in autism advocacy

Staff Correspondent :

Over the past decade, Syeda Munira Islam has become a leading advocate for autism and disability rights in Bangladesh.

Munira’s advocacy began with a personal decision in the early 2010s to leave her teaching career and care for her autistic daughter full-time. This life-changing choice led her to support not only her own child but many others facing similar challenges. Armed with training in autism management, Munira has made a lasting impact, both in Bangladesh and abroad.

From 2011 to 2014, Munira served as General Secretary of the Parents Forum for Differently Able, where she helped raise awareness, organize events, and advocate for children with disabilities. She also began consulting expatriate Bangladeshi families with autistic children, offering valuable support from abroad.

A key moment in her journey was her involvement in the RTV program Hat Bariye Dilam, which raised autism awareness and won the UNICEF “Meena Media Award” in 2015. Munira’s work on the show helped educate the public about autism and its challenges.

In 2019, Munira was honored with the Autism Uttoron Sommanona-2019 by the Prime Minister for her contributions. She has also been involved in showcasing the talents of autistic children, including organizing an art exhibition in 2017. Munira continues to support mental health programs for mothers of autistic children through her work with the ICDDRB.

Syeda Munira Islam’s decade of advocacy has significantly improved the lives of families affected by autism and disability, while also changing the discourse around these issues in Bangladesh.