Priya Akter: From Housewife to Thriving Entrepreneur
Priya Akter, a simple housewife, and her husband, a handicraft artisan, have two children. The family faced daily hardships to make ends meet. With the help of MVM and VARD of Bangladesh’s Entrepreneurial Program, Priya envisioned a goal of starting her own sewing business. With her constant effort, diligence and consistency, she made her business thrive. Today, she earns a monthly net profit of around 5,000 Taka. Priya and her husband are deeply grateful to MVM and VARD for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in transforming their lives.
“Thanks to the support from MVM and VARD, I’ve been able to turn my dreams into reality… I’m grateful for the opportunities this journey has given us, and I’m excited to continue expanding our livelihood.”
– Priya Akter.
Reshma Khatun: Building a Future with Paper Packets
To support her family of six, Reshma sought additional resources to complement her husband’s income. In November 2022, she became a member of the VARD of Bangladesh’s Entrepreneurial Program. In March 2023, Reshma, with the help of VARD of Bangladesh and MVM, started a small business making paper packets. This venture marked a significant turning point in her life. She now earns 200 Taka daily and supports her husband in managing the household. Her children attend school regularly.
Moni Begum: From Tragedy to Triumph
After tragically losing her husband, Moni Begum joined VARD of Bangladesh’s Entrepreneurial Program in September 2022. In 2023, with the help of MVM and VARD of Bangladesh, Moni established her own small tea stall, serving between 300 to 350 cups of tea daily. Grateful for the opportunity, Moni states, ‘It is a remarkable chance for women like me who once felt adrift and hopeless.
“Lost in the depths of despair, I found myself engulfed by darkness… With a young child depending on me, the weight of survival felt overwhelming.”
– Moni Begum.
Guria Begum: A Journey to Self-Sufficiency
Guria Begum, a dedicated leader of the VARD of Bangladesh’s Entrepreneurial Program, exemplifies remarkable progress. Owning two small shops, she has expanded her business, significantly enhancing her family’s financial stability. On October 13, 2024, Guria declared her self-sufficiency, no longer needing business support from MVM and VARD. While remaining an active group leader, she has urged MVM to redirect their assistance to other members. Guria expresses deep gratitude to MVM for their pivotal support, which transformed her family’s livelihood.
“I am a self-sufficient entrepreneur with the help of MVM and VARD of Bangladesh.”
– Guria Begum.
VARD of Bangladesh is a national, non-profit, non-governmental, and non-political voluntary development and humanitarian organisation. We are committed to serving the most vulnerable, particularly children, women, youth, and families living in rural and marginalised communities across Bangladesh.