Pipa’s Success Story

Pipa Begum is now a handicrafts trader by profession. She was born in the old town of Ghoshpara in Jashore city. She was married at the age of 13 years and completed only 6th grade education. Her desire was to become self-reliant. Her family income was very low. To break her poverty situation, she tries to find a job. In the meantime, she joins an insurance company. She earns 800 taka per month by investing at insurance. But she wanted to earn more.

Then she started doing works of handicrafts. This is how her days went on. Six years ago, she was present at an event organized by IED in Ghoshpara area. From there, she learned about the works of IED and the IED women’s group. She also learned that IED works for the development of women. She likes the work of IED and when she expressed interest in becoming a member of the group, the members happily enrolled her in the group. Pipa learns about various awareness issues through group meetings and also dreams of becoming an entrepreneur herself.

She participated in IED’s skills and entrepreneurship development training. Through the training, she learned how to become an entrepreneur. Then, with a capital of 10,000 taka, she started a handicraft business. Pipa did not stop at just becoming an entrepreneur herself. She was always trying to involve other women in her enterprise activities. She gained high capacity to expand business portfolio. Currently, 50 women work in handicrafts activities.

Pipa is very happy that she has created job opportunities for women. In this way, she is trying to stand beside the women of the area so that they too can become self-reliant. Currently, Pippa is spending her days well with her two children, husband, and mother.

Pipa wants to expand her business in the future and also open a clothing showroom. She wants to do better by being with people in the future and to be in people’s hearts. This is her dream.