These Photos Of Surfer Girls In Bangladesh Will Bring You Pure Joy

Photographer Allison Joyce has spent the past two and a half years following a group of girls who are learning how to surf in Bangladesh. The girls, who usually work on the beach selling water, snacks and homemade jewelry to support their families, have been learning from a local surfer, Rashed Alam, who started teaching surfing as a way to give back to the the children. Alam and his wife say they believe surfing will empower the girls and give them an outlet to become who they are — kids.

When Joyce visited the surf club in Cox's Bazar, a major fishing port and one of the top tourist destinations in Bangladesh, in April, she said some of the older guys were harassing the girls, saying it is inappropriate for girls to surf. Many of the parents also objected to their daughters spending time at the beach, and said some young men came to the house to complain that their daughters were behaving improperly.

But Alam continued to talk to the parents, trying to convince them that their daughters would have a better future if they were allowed to pursue their hobbies. Today, with private donations, Alam has been able to continue mentoring the girls, and has expanded the program to teach new girls. They surf and practice their lifeguard training regularly. Last year, Joyce helped set up a crowd-funding project to support the girls' families — and as a result, the girls have recently started school, most of them for the first time in their lives.

Allison Joyce / Getty Images

Allison Joyce / Getty Images

Allison Joyce

Allison Joyce

Allison Joyce / Getty Images

Allison Joyce / Getty Images

Allison Joyce

Allison Joyce

Allison Joyce

Allison Joyce

Aisha sells jewelry on the beach.

Allison Joyce

Young girls and boys hang out with Rashed Alam, who is also their surfing instructor.

Allison Joyce

Allison Joyce

Allison Joyce

Allison Joyce

Allison Joyce

Allison Joyce

Allison Joyce

Allison Joyce

Allison Joyce