Bashundhara Group upskills women to achieve their dreams

In a noble initiative that holds the promise of transforming lives, Bashundhara Group, the country’s largest business conglomerate, is providing sewing training to economically disadvantaged women in Khetlal, Joypurhat.

The initiative is part of Bashundhara Group’s social welfare arm, Bashundhara Shuvosangho, and aims to empower women with the skills needed for financial independence.

The sewing training programme comes as a glimmer of hope for women like Khadiza Akter Rumpa and Akhi Bashfore, who have struggled with poverty and limited educational opportunities.
Khadiza Akter Rumpa, who lives in Sahapara in Khetlal Sadar with her mason assistant husband, had previously scored a GPA-5 in her SSC examinations but could not continue her higher secondary education due to financial constraints.

Her father, Rafikul Islam, a van driver, found it challenging even to provide three meals a day for the family, making educational expenses an insurmountable burden.

After her SSC exams, Khadiza was married off and currently lives with her husband, who earns a meagre income. She expressed her desire to stand on her own feet financially and thus enrolled in Bashundhara Shuvosangho's sewing training centre. On successful completion of the training, she will receive a sewing machine, which could prove to be a life-changing asset for her.

About her participation in the programme, Khadiza said, "I could not continue my study due to poverty. Now, Bashundhara Group has stood by me to turn things around. The training, coupled with a sewing machine, will enable me to adopt tailoring as a profession and be self-reliant. Bashundhara Group has bound me with perpetual gratitude."

Similarly, Akhi Bashfore, who hails from Itakhola Bazar—two kilometres away from Khetlal Sadar—also joined the training. The middle child among three siblings, Akhi wishes to earn money to support her father, who works as a cleaner. "Bashundhara Group has stood by me. May the Almighty bless the owner of the largest business conglomerate," she said.

Apart from Khadiza and Akhi, the sewing training will benefit a total of 20 women, including those who are widowed or have been abandoned. These women, who have often been considered burdens at their parental homes, find new hope through this programme. The initiative has proven to be of immense help in alleviating extreme poverty and frustration among the participants.
Imdadul Haq Milan, noted litterateur and Editor-in-Chief of daily Kaler Kantho, is set to distribute sewing machines to the trainees upon the successful completion of their three-month training.

This will provide the women with a fresh lease on life, opening doors to financial independence and a more secure future.

SOURCE : Daily Sun