Leadership Development: The Story of Hosneara

Contributed by Bangladesh Labour Foundation

Hosneara worked in a garment factory for a long time, and her family depended on her income. Due to carrying heavy loads regularly at the factory over many years, she developed a severe physical problem in her shoulder. The excessive pressure caused a shoulder bone to displace, pressing against the surrounding nerves and blood vessels. On her doctor's advice, she was no longer able to perform heavy physical labor as before. After a prolonged illness, she eventually lost her job. 

Around the same time, her husband, who worked as a driver, also lost his job due to the closure of the garment factory. As he was unable to find new employment, thefamily's sole source of income was cut off. The burden of household responsibilities, the children's future, and daily expenses suddenly fell entirely upon them. 

Out of necessity, Hosneara began taking garment work at home. She collected work from local vendors, completed it at home, and delivered it back. However, this work was fraught with uncertainty. Even after completing the work, she had to visit the vendor repeatedly just to receive her payment, and wages were often delayed. Consequently, despite working tirelessly, she felt no sense of security about her future. 

At this critical juncture, Hosneara had the opportunity to participate in a leadership development training program organized with the support of the Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF). Through the training, she not only learned leadership strategies but also realized for the first time that countless other women were facing similar struggles, discrimination, and insecurity. 

Many women attending the training told her: 

"Sister, if we can work together, perhaps regular work opportunities will open up for us. Please lead us." 

These words inspired her to think in a new direction. She realized that positive change in one person could spark transformation in the lives of many others. 

Hosneara did not have much formal education, and her experience in sourcing work or contacting factories was limited. She was also concerned about potentially upsetting local vendors. Nevertheless, she did not step back. 

During a BLF meeting, she was introduced to a contractor, through whomshe securedan opportunity to collect work directly from a factory. The profits were modest, but she did not view it merely as a means for her own income. She decided to involve other women from her community. Step by step, she built networks with several other contractors and began securing regular work orders. 

In a short span of time, Hosneara formed small groups with nearby home-basedwomen workers. She distributed work among the members, ensured quality control, submitted completed tasks on time, and managed payment collection.

Today, under her leadership, many women enjoy regular work opportunities right from their homes. Those who once visited vendors alone seeking work are now members of an organized team. As a result, their self-confidence has grown, and their economic contribution to their families has increased significantly. 

Currently, Hosneara is not just a home-based worker; she is a group leader and a community representative. She organizes new women workers, educates them about their rights, communicates with contractors when necessary, and plays an active role in creating new job opportunities. 

In Hosneara's Own Words

"Previously, I was only focused on my own work. After participating in the training, I realized that working together can bring about major transformations. Now, I don't work just for myself, but for the women of my community. Being able to create regular employment opportunities for them is my greatest success. The Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF) has shaped me into a confident woman and a group leader." 

She further added: 

"My dream is to become a major contractor one day, creating regular and dignified work opportunities for many more home-based women workers." 

Hosneara's leadership has not only transformed her own life—through her initiative, many home-based women workers have secured reliable, regular employment opportunities.