When Women Stand Together: Shamima Akter’s Journey from Silence to Leadership

Shamima Akter, a 28-year-old leader, has spent the last three years at the helm of the Pallabi Cooperative Society Cottage Industry, where she has led a collective of 20 dedicated home-based workers (HBWs) under her as a group within the organisation. Her story, however, is not just about personal achievement; it reflects the collective strength of women coming together to overcome challenges and fight for their rights. 

Growing up, Shamima witnessed the quiet yet crucial work of HBWs, primarily women, who contributed significantly to the economy without any recognition. These women, including her family members, skillfully crafted intricate items, yet their contributions were invisible. Their struggles were unnoticed, and their voices were unheard. For a long time, it seemed this would be their reality forever. 

That all changed when Shamima became part of the Pallabi Cooperative Society. Joining the cooperative was more than just finding a place to work—it was about finding a community. The cooperative gave these women a sisterhood that offered support, strength, and, most importantly, knowledge. Through Leadership in Empowerment (LIE) training, Shamima and her fellow members learned about their rights as HBWs. These laws had been in place, yet none of the women knew they existed. With this newfound knowledge, they realised they no longer had to endure exploitation or abuse—they had rights, and it was time to demand them. 

One powerful example of their collective strength came from an incident in the community. A man had been abusing his wife, and the violence was often brushed aside as a "private matter" in the name of family dignity. But after receiving their training, Shamima and the cooperative members could no longer stand by in silence. When the abuse continued, they decided to act. 

Together, they confronted the man, warning him that if the abuse didn’t stop, they would file a formal complaint with the police. Their threat was not empty—they were prepared to go to court if necessary. To their surprise, the community elders, who had previously remained silent on such issues, stood with them. They even threatened to rise against the man if he didn’t change his ways.

That confrontation marked a turning point. The man stopped his abusive behaviour, not just out of fear, but because he finally understood the strength of the women’s unity. He began treating his wife with respect, something no one expected. This wasn’t just a victory for the abused woman—it was a victory for the entire community. It proved that change was possible when women stood together. 

However, the cooperative’s efforts didn’t stop at preventing violence. As HBWs, they constantly faced exploitation from middlemen—delays in payments, undervaluing their labour, and being treated as though they had no power. In the past, they had no choice but to accept whatever was given. But now, things were different. Shamima and her fellow members knew the worth of their work, and they demanded fair and timely pay. It was no longer just about survival—it was about dignity. 

Whenever the cooperative members spoke out, they weren’t just advocating for themselves. They spoke on behalf of all women who were still too afraid to raise their voices. They were paving the way for the next generation of HBWs, ensuring that they would not have to suffer in silence. With every act of courage, they created a future where women no longer had to sit in the shadows, accepting mistreatment as their fate. 

Shamima reflects on her time with the Pallabi Cooperative and sees how far they’ve come—in terms of financial stability and emotional and mental growth. These women are no longer invisible. They have become leaders, advocates, and changemakers. They are the ones standing up for their community, ensuring that every woman knows her worth and her rights. 

Shamima is deeply grateful to the organisations that have supported them along the way. These groups have given the cooperative the tools, knowledge, and confidence to stand together and fight for justice in their homes or workplaces. With this support, their progress was possible.

As she looks toward the future of the cooperative, Shamima holds on to one unwavering belief: when women stand united, no force on earth can silence them. The fight for fair wages, respect, and safety will continue because these women are strong—and they are in it together.