Gaibandha: Mitu Begum, a housewife from Nuniyagari village in Gaibandha, has transformed into a successful entrepreneur, establishing a handicraft factory that employs around 2,000 women. These women have achieved self-reliance by specializing in the craft of designing clothes.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Nuniyagari, situated 22 kilometers from Gaibandha district town, falls under Palashbari municipality. During a recent visit, Mitu shared her journey, explaining, "After marriage, I realized we couldn't sustain our family on my husband's income alone, sparking my desire to create something myself."
In 2018, Mitu seized an opportunity to make a change. The Bangladesh Rural Development Board (BRDB) offered government-sponsored training for women. Mitu, along with other local women, formed an association and underwent a month's sewing training with BRDB.
Post-training, Mitu secured a 20,000 taka loan from BRDB to launch her handicraft business. Her venture began modestly with 20 women. As word spread, more housewives and unemployed women sought work with her, leading Mitu to train and employ them.
Mitu remarked, "Women trained here and those who received government sewing training from various upazilas reached out to me. This way, around 2,000 women became self-reliant through my initiative."
Initially, Mitu faced challenges in sales, but BRDB assisted in marketing, drawing in significant orders from institutions like Aarong. Her factory now produces items such as three-pieces, bed sheets, curtains, and baby frocks, with monthly expenses reaching about Taka 25 lakh.
For Aarong, Mitu doesn't require capital as the brand provides materials and wages in advance. Currently, she designs and sells approximately 50,000 pieces monthly.
Women employed at Mitu's factory have improved their financial situation, covering educational expenses and supporting their families. Mitu's workforce extends beyond her village to seven upazilas, allowing women to earn extra income while managing household responsibilities.
Mitu supervises local workers and employs a system of group leaders to oversee distant workers, ensuring smooth operations. These leaders distribute materials and collect completed orders.
Rumi Akter, a BA student and factory worker, supports her family and education through her earnings, stating, "I've been working here for about 5 years."
Mitu advises aspiring entrepreneurs to persevere through challenges, revealing she earns profits between Taka 50,000 to one lakh monthly. She aims to expand her business and employ more women, highlighting the positive impact on her family and her husband's support.
She urges the government to provide large-scale training for rural women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of proper training and guidance over financial incentives.
Local BRDB sources confirm that women receive varied training to foster product-based villages under the Gaibandha Integrated Rural Poverty Alleviation Project, enabling self-reliance through diverse activities, including sewing.
Palashbari Upazila BRDB officer Md Hasanuzzaman recognized Mitu's self-reliance and success post-training, affirming ongoing support to establish her as a successful entrepreneur.