More than 100 million people live below poverty level in Bangladesh—many of them women. Thanks to the Grameen Bank and the small-business loans it makes to women only, many of them and their families are beginning to prosper. This program describes the philosophy, development, and function of the bank, then follows the daily activities of three women who have taken out loans to fund their cottage industries. We follow the women to bank-sponsored support groups and business classes, and watch as they sign their names and receive their loans. “Allah is going to punish anybody involved in the Grameen Bank!” shouts one Islamic leader, who, along with most males, opposes the loans as being contrary to Islamic law. But bank founder and economics professor Muhammad Yunus defends the bank’s policies, stating that women in the region are more competitive in business than men. The Grameen Bank model has been copied in more than 40 countries throughout the world. Portions are in Bangla with English subtitles. (47 minutes)