Poly Begum Has Become Self-dependent

Many women in the rural areas of Bangladesh are struggling to become self-dependable and helping their families financially. Nowadays, along with the government, many organizations are helping women so they can be an entrepreneur.

Poly Begum a 36-year-old housewife from Gouripur Upazila of Mymensingh district was struggling to get financial emancipation. She was from a very poor family. She was confronted with poverty since her childhood.

“I’ve seen poverty as I’m coping with it from my childhood. I have a big dream that someday I’ll get rid of poverty and bring financial stability for my family,” Poly was revealing her dream which was dormant in her mind.

Poly lives in Khalijuri village which is a remote area under Gouripur Upazila of Mymensingh district. Her husband Mustofa is day labor. She lives together with her husband, two sons, and a daughter. Since Mustofa is day labor, he doesn’t get work regularly. It’s very difficult for him to maintain a family comprised of five members with very little income.

The breadwinner of the family Mustofa had to struggle with arranging three meals for their children every day. Poly was drowning into despair thinking of how she could help her husband so both they could pull out their family from poverty.

In 2019, Community Empowerment Project (CEP) – Gouripur, Mymensingh of ADRA in Bangladesh started working in Khalijuri village. CEP conducted diverse training, workshops, seminars, and a wide range of activities in its project area.

Poly Begum attended an event with her neighbor which was organized by the CEP project of ADRA in Bangladesh. She observed its activities and got motivated. She decided to get enrolled in CEP led Shomity.

“I started depositing money in the savings scheme of my Shomity. I also attended most of the events organized by CEP and learned a lot of things which helped me to reorganize my life,” said Poly.

After a few days, the CEP project authority started to select the beneficiary for tailoring training. The project authority selected Poly as one of the trainees as she was very needy. She accomplished the training successfully.

Poly decided to buy a sewing machine but she didn’t have enough money to buy it. She applied to her Shomity for a loan intending to buy a sewing machine. Then she took a loan of Tk. 5,000.00. She started getting orders from her neighbors and preparing dress for them.

“I’m earning Tk. 6,000.00-7,000.00 monthly by doing sewing works. Now, I can help my husband financially to run our family more smoothly. I can arrange three meals for my children. I’m grateful to ADRA as they help me to change my life,” Poly showed her gratitude towards ADRA Bangladesh.