Pushing Back
Published on
September 11, 2024 at 2:17:00 PM PDT September 11, 2024 at 2:17:00 PM PDTth, September 11, 2024 at 2:17:00 PM PDT
Khursida (centre) proudly supports her mother and daughter with her new tailoring skills.
After Khursida’s husband left her and their 28-day-old daughter in 2011, Khursida was forced to move back to her childhood home. Over the next decade, she struggled to earn income with limited skills and opportunities for women in her community of Ratnapalong, Bangladesh. Her monthly income from designing nakshi kantha (traditional embroidered quilts) wasn’t nearly enough to provide food and education for her daughter.
But Khursida is a resilient, hardworking woman with a determination to build a better life for her family and community.
In 2022, Khursida enrolled in a three-month sewing training offered by FH, and upon completion, received a sewing machine and fabric to launch her sewing business. Today, she’s employed as a tailor, earning a monthly income ranging from $30 – $35 CAD. Not only does she generate enough income to support her family, she also diligently saves a portion of her earnings for unexpected expenses, rising costs, and purchasing a goat!
When asked to reflect on her journey, Khursida says,
“I find immense joy in witnessing these remarkable changes as they have empowered me to effectively care for my family and overcome the obstacles in my life. I am now confident in my ability to address any challenges that may arise within my family.”
While the cost-of-living crisis pushes against Khursida and millions of women like her, she is pushing back. With creativity, perseverance, and a little support, Khursida is beating poverty, for herself and her community.