Empowered by Friendship: Over a Hundred Coastal Women Achieve Self-Sufficiency

Monika Rani, a resident of Dhulasar Union in Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali, used to spend her days in poverty, hunger and semi-starvation with her sick husband. In this difficult time, the non-governmental organization 'Friendship' has come to her aid. Monika Rani is now self-reliant by raising ducks given to her by them.

Not only Monika Rani, but 120 women from the coast of Patuakhali are playing a role in changing the economic situation of their families through various activities including raising poultry, cultivating vegetables and weaving thatch sheets, in addition to their daily chores. Through these activities, they are also playing a role in achieving economic prosperity and improving the quality of life. As a result, prosperity has returned to these poor families on the coast.

According to local sources, with the help of Friendship Organization's ASD project, 120 poor women from Mohipur and Latachapali Unions of Kalapara Upazila have found a way to earn money. The organization has extended a helping hand to these women in 3 ways. Through the project, vegetable seeds and agricultural inputs have been distributed to those who have land for cultivation. Those who have land in ponds or yards have been given improved varieties of ducks. In addition, some women have been trained in weaving and provided with raw materials used in weaving.

Recently, it was seen during a visit to the project area that most of the women in the families who have received assistance and training from Friendship are in a good position.

Monica Rani, who has benefited from the project, said, "We have seen a ray of hope through this project. Since I started raising ducks with the training, I can now do many necessary household chores well with the income I get from selling duck eggs regularly. The number of our ducks is increasing day by day. And now, since the demand for ducks is also good, I am able to sell them at a good price. I see that many people in this area have now started raising rabbits.

Shahidul Islam, Senior Project Manager of Friendship's ASD project, said, "We are providing various types of assistance to the members to increase their income. As a result, they are able to play a role in economic development, wealth growth and good governance in the society. Good quality vegetable seeds of 15 to 16 species of different varieties, insecticide traps and medicines have been distributed to the members twice a year based on the season. As a result, visible improvements are being seen in their families and society."