DHAKA, Dec 4, 2019 (BSS) – Somebody is busy with producing felts, bags and mat while somebody is busy with making hand fans, pillow covers, show pieces and ornaments.
Such a picture is now seen in remote areas of northern Kurigram district,
where the womenfolk have been making contributions to earning money for their
families by doing these hand works at the leisure period.
Thanks to these works, they became self-reliant and are giving opinions on
taking decisions for the important works of the family.
Concerned said most of the females who are involved in making these
handicrafts are widows, husband-abandoned or divorcees.
These attractive goods made by the jute fiber are being produced by the
ultra poor jobless women and the products are being exported abroad alongside
sending to big cities of the country.
As a result, the country’s revenue income is rising in one hand, while
these jobless and helpless women are becoming self-reliant in other hand.
A non-government women development organization of the district named
‘Associate for Reviver Initiatives’ popularly known as ‘Naree’ (women) is
providing support to the rural women.
It was seen after visiting different areas in Kurigram that the women
through their creative hands are producing eye-catching mate, kitchen mat,
basket, bag, hand fan, cushion, show pieces and ornaments and other home
decorating materials.
The production of the jute called as golden fiber is now not high like the
past. Despite that various traditional goods of the country are being made
through jute in remote villages of Ulipur in Kurigram.
As many as 700 women of different villages in Ulipur upazila are making
these decorative handicrafts which are also being exported abroad.
The Naree, which was founded in 2014, first started working with the women
of Ramdas Dhoniram Para at Ulipur-Chilmari Road. Later, many women were
involved in making fancy goods by their own initiatives.
Farida Yasmin, an organizer of Naree, said the women are producing eye-
catching jute goods, which drew attention to the delicate people within short
time. “This initiative has made the ultra poor women self-reliant alongside
bringing solvency to the families,” she said.
Recalling her journey towards this initiative, Farida said at the
beginning, 300 tants (weaving machines) were procured on behalf of the
organisation.
“The initiative created huge enthusiasm among the womenfolk. At the
beginning, the women abandoned by their husbands and divorcees started work
and later the housewives followed them,” she said.
Farida said: “We first organised the widows, divorcees, husband abandoned
and extreme poor women of the surrounding areas and then created a scope for
work for them. The aim was to bring solvency to their families.”
At one stage, she said, they opened a showroom for displaying the products
made by the women. “Simultaneously, we took part in fairs in different
district towns for the publicity which drew buyers’ attention,” said the
organiser.
She, however, narrated a story of some troubles they faced in their
journey towards this venture. “When we went to different banks for loans,
they showed reluctance to provide the credit as we are women. After being
failed to get loan, we’re continuing our work by selling our last resort.”
The 20-year-old Shefali Aktar was busy with making jute goods in Naree.
Shefali’s husband abandoned her when their boy child was born. The son’s age
is now six.
By making jute products at Naree’s factory, Shefali earns Taka 250 to Taka
300 daily. She also enrolled her son to a local school.
“After being born in the house of poor parents, I grew up amid hardship.
In the meantime, I got married at the age of only 14 and my boy child was
born. But my husband left me and my son … he is still traceless,” she
narrated in a dismal voice.
“Last year I found out ‘Naree’ and took a job in the organisation. Now I
myself run my family and also deposits some amount of money every month
through my income … now none can neglect me,” a confident Shefali said.
Not only Shefali, more women including Shaheena Khatun, 35, Selina Aktar,
38, and Helena, 40, became self-reliant by making jute goods.
They said they had no value in their families after becoming a victim of
jobless and neglect. Our honour has increased to a great extent in society
after working here. Like that we earn Taka 7,000 to Taka 9,000 every month,
they said.
In this connection, Kurigram District President of Bangladesh Mohila
Parishad Rawshan Ara said the country witnessed massive women development and
empowerment during the present government.
“The government is creating new entrepreneurs and employments at the
grassroots level and the womenfolk of the remote villages of Ulipur are
enjoying its benefits,” she said.
Kurigram District Deputy Commissioner Sultana Parveen is very impressed
with the initiatives of “Naree”.
“The country advanced much in women empowerment and the womenfolk are also
helping their families after being engaged in various activities … we’ll
continue our support to the initiatives that ‘Naree’ has taken,” she said.