Smriti's Story: Woven with Courage

Smriti Akter Sumi, a 24-year-old member of the Mirpur Pallabi Women's Cooperative, is part of a remarkable group of 300 women within her organisation, dedicated to preserving their cultural heritage while forging new paths for the future. The cooperative specialises in traditional handicrafts, including weaving clothes and sarees, with skills passed down through generations. Beyond its business operations, the cooperative serves as a space where women unite, support each other, and grow personally and professionally. Each handcrafted item they create represents the resilience and strength of their community. 

Their journey toward empowerment began in 2008 with a partnership with the OSHE Foundation/ LIE. This organisation provided essential training not only to enhance their craft but also to equip them to face gender-based challenges. These sessions helped the women understand their rights, enabling them to protect one another and create a safe environment where they could thrive as artisans and individuals. 

A pivotal moment came in 2021 when Smriti was offered the opportunity to participate in a digital skills training session organised by HNSA. This training was conducted via Zoom and opened up a world of possibilities that had previously seemed out of reach. The idea of selling handmade products online had always been a distant dream. Still, with the newfound skills, Smriti and her peers learned to navigate platforms like Facebook and Instagram, showcasing their work and expanding their reach beyond local markets. 

This digital training couldn’t have come at a better time. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the cooperative’s sales dropped dramatically, and the fear of losing their livelihoods became real. The digital skills Smriti had acquired became their lifeline. She set up an online presence for her small business, and slowly, sales began to trickle in. These skills saved her business and helped support her family during an uncertain time. 

Like many success stories, the cooperative faced its share of challenges. One particularly troubling moment occurred when a younger member became the target of exploitation by a middleman who would call her to his home on the pretext of discussing some work-related requirements, and then behave inappropriately with her. Uncomfortable with such behaviour, the girl opened up to her group. The cooperative banded together to confront the man, clarifying that they would not allow anyone in their group to be taken advantage of. The middleman initially tried to sweep it under the carpet, saying that the girl had been free with him too. But supported by the group, the young girl stood her ground. Faced with the collective strength of the women, the man quickly apologised. This incident reinforced an important truth: while individuals may struggle to fight injustice, unity makes them unstoppable. 

The lesson of unity has defined everything the cooperative does. They are stronger together, whether growing their businesses or standing up against exploitation. For Smriti, the digital skills training was not just about learning how to promote their products but about opening new doors and realising their capacity to adapt, innovate, and succeed in the modern world. These tools, combined with the strength of their community, have empowered them to face adversity with resilience. 

Smriti remains deeply grateful to the OSHE Foundation, LIE, and HNSA for their unwavering support. These organisations have done more than just increase sales or help them navigate the digital landscape; they have transformed the women's lives in the cooperative. They’ve empowered them to confront challenges head-on, from navigating business hardships to standing firm against injustice. The confidence gained through these experiences has reinforced their belief that no matter what obstacles lie ahead, they can overcome them—because they are not alone. 

As the cooperative looks toward the future, it is clear that their journey of empowerment is far from over. The skills they’ve acquired, the unity they’ve built, and the resilience they’ve cultivated will continue to guide them. They are not just artisans but businesswomen, leaders, and advocates. They represent the voices of those who have been silenced for too long. With each new challenge, they will stand together, knowing that the strength of their collective is far greater than any obstacle in their path.