A woman has set up an example by providing employment to hundreds of destitute women in the district. Only 20 yards of cloth, a sewing machine and an associate with what Romena Khatun started her organisation -Shelter Samaj Kalyan Sangstha (a centre for social welfare) - in 2004 in Basudevpur village in Jhenidah Sadar upazila.
Now, hundreds of women see ray of hope in empowering themselves in the society with the assistance and cooperation of Romena Khatun.
The Department of Youth Development (DYD) in Jhenidah in 2010, impressed by the progress of the Shelter, provided the organisation with Tk 10,000. The Shelter had started collecting design and some other related activities. They have started making three-pieces, saree, embroidered quilt, bed sheets and dresses for the children.
Before starting work with Shelter, each and everyone were given support to acquire basic knowledge. They were also offered training on tailoring and relevant works for their betterment, Romena said. Mimma Khatun, who has received training from Shelter, is now earning money to supplement he family income.
Arifunnessa, another woman working with the Shelter, said the earning from daily work supplement her family income and help meet educational expenses of their two children.
The women, trained at the Shelter, have been leading a better life, Arifunnessa said.
Sakhina Khatun, the first member of the organisation, said she has constructed a building house on two decimals of land of her own at Lakkhokole in upazila.
Sultana Parvin, a buyer, said the quality of Shelter clothes is better and the price is reasonable. Many customers like her prefer Shelter products, she added.
Romena Khatun, the director of Shelter, said she along with her team members always value the interest of the women and children. Their activities have been promoting women empowerment in the society, Romena said adding: “Any helpless woman can come here and take training without financial involvement.”