40 Women Gain Home-Based Income Opportunities with Bashundhara Shuvosangho Support

Many women dream of becoming financially independent and overcoming their families’ economic hardships. However, despite having the willingness and skills to work, many struggle to find employment because of financial constraints. Bashundhara Shuvosangho has stepped forward to support such women.

Following three months of sewing training, 40 underprivileged women from Netrokona Sadar and Barhatta upazilas have received sewing machines. The initiative has opened up opportunities for them to earn from home and improve their own lives and those of their families.

Sewing Machines Bring New Hope to Mahamuda
Mahamuda Akter of Barhatta upazila is among those who have found renewed hope after receiving a sewing machine. After completing three months of training under the initiative, she said, “This sewing machine is an opportunity for me to start living anew. Now I will be able to earn some money by sewing at home. I hope I will be able to raise my child properly. I am deeply grateful to Bashundhara Shuvosangho for this support.”

At a recent programme held at the multipurpose hall in Barhatta upazila, another 19 underprivileged women received sewing machines after completing the training.

The machines were handed over by Imdadul Haq Milan, a renowned author in both Bangladesh and West Bengal, head of Bashundhara Shuvosangho and adviser to Bashundhara Group.

Among those present were Barhatta Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Selina Akter, Upazila Social Services Officer A.S.M. Golam Hossain, Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) Shafiquzzaman, Press Club President Shamsuddin Akand Babul, Dharmapasha Press Club President Selim Ahmed, Akhil Chandra Pal, Md. Nurul Amin, Ferdous Ahmed and Mokhlesur Rahman, among others.

Speaking at the event, Imdadul Haq Milan said the primary objective was to support women who wanted to become self-reliant but could not afford to buy sewing machines.

“Bashundhara Shuvosangho regularly distributes sewing machines in different districts across the country. We want these machines to be more than just equipment in a woman’s hands; we want them to become a pathway for her to stand on her own feet,” he said.

UNO Selina Akter said the initiative was important for helping disadvantaged women become financially independent. She noted that the three-month training programme was not merely about providing sewing machines but also about creating opportunities for women to support themselves.

She added that the initiative would enable women to earn from home and contribute to addressing their families’ financial difficulties. She also expressed her pleasure at being associated with the programme undertaken by Bashundhara Group.

Another 20 Women Receive Sewing Machines in Netrokona Sadar
In a separate programme, another 20 women received sewing machines at the office of Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha in Netrokona Sadar upazila.

Guests at the event included freedom fighter, writer and essayist Haider Jahan Chowdhury; former general secretary of Netrokona District Press Club Shyamolendu Pal; Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha Manager Mrinal Kanti Chakraborty; Bashundhara Shuvosangho Netrokona district unit President Abdur Rahman; Bangladesh Pratidin correspondent Alpana Begum; News24 correspondent Sohan Ahmed Kakon; Kaler Kantho correspondent Ebad Hossain; and Shuvosangho Organising Secretary Ashraful Alam Tony, among others.

Mitu Hopes to Work Alongside Her Mother
Mitu Akter, one of the recipients, lost her father. Her mother supports the family by travelling between tailoring shops to find sewing work. Mitu is currently a third-year honours student in the Department of Political Science at Netrokona Government College.

Seeking to ease her family’s financial burden, she wants to work alongside her mother.

“If we have a sewing machine at home, my mother and I will both be able to work and earn a better income. With support from Bashundhara, I have received training and a sewing machine. Insha’Allah, our family will become financially stable. I sincerely thank Bashundhara Group,” Mitu said.

Sewing Machine Offers Hope to Iti Rani Das
Iti Rani Das has also found renewed hope after receiving a sewing machine. Her husband works at a garment factory in Dhaka for a modest salary, making it difficult for the family to meet all its expenses.

Concerned about the family’s financial situation, Iti wanted to contribute to household income. The sewing machine provided by Bashundhara Shuvosangho has created a new opportunity for her to pursue that goal.

With training and sewing machines provided through the initiative, the 40 women now have an opportunity to turn their skills into income-generating work. They hope that sewing will help reduce their families’ financial hardships and enable them to contribute to a better future for their children.