Told to Deepti Ann Joseph, Assistant Manager - Communications and Ainud Zubair, Gender Expert

Beauty Khatun, aged 34, has lived all her life in Monohorpur village, Jibon Nagar Thana in Chuadanga, a district in the western Khulna division of Bangladesh. The youngest of five brothers and two sisters, her story of how she became a successful entrepreneur is an inspiration.

When asked about her childhood aspirations, Beauty Khatun responds with a smile, ‘I wanted to pursue higher studies, be educated, independent and earn my own living.’ Beauty was married to Mostafizur Rahman Swapan, a farmer from the neighboring village as soon as she passed her secondary school exam (grade 10) in 2011. She adds that her early marriage felt like a roadblock to fulfill her dreams. However, she remained focused and worked towards achieving her dream of being an independent earning woman.

‘As a new wife and new member in my husband’s family,’ Beauty recounts, ‘I remained positive. To fulfil my dream, I began by rearing goats. Even the small income from selling the milk would make me feel proud and happy. It also made me very hopeful about the future. I felt that I had the capability to achieve something greater.’

Beauty and her husband now have three children, two sons aged 11 and 5 and daughter who is one year old . She continues to practice animal husbandry and now has three cows and fifteen goats, all bought by her using her earnings saved up since the early days rearing and milking goats.

Next, she tells us about the start of her vermicompost business. ‘A few years back, my husband started a fertiliser shop alongside his regular agricultural work. I would sit in the shop and be very interested in the business.’ It was during this time that Beauty keenly observed a rising demand for organic fertilisers. Recognising the potential, she contemplated the possibility of starting a similar venture on her land. ‘I had almost all the inputs - cow dung, farm waste and enough space, but I was not sure how to start. I lacked the funds for a shed and the correct know-how to turn my vision into reality.’

‘It was during this time that, in March 2022, I was told about the Women's Entrepreneurship Development Programme being piloted by CottonConnect. The opportunity to participate in the programme proved to be my turning point,’ she shares with great joy in her voice. ‘The training was very helpful. I received comprehensive training in vermicompost production, business planning, financial management, and market linkage. The training also provided the materials I needed to set up my compost centre.’

When asked about her husband's reaction to her initiative, she responds, ‘He was initially a bit hesitant, but when he saw my determination, he became supportive. When I started the production centre, he lent me one Lakh BDT as a loan, and we now work together at the centre.’

‘It's been two years since I started, and things have only improved.’ She continues. ‘I now earn 30,000 BDT each month. As the business flourished, I have even diversified my offerings and even ventured into earthworm sales. Some months I have difficulty meeting the demand so I am considering increasing my production capacity.’

When asked her if she feels this new role of an entrepreneur has changed her role in her family and community and how they perceive her. Beauty reflects on the positive changes she has witnessed, ‘besides the financial benefits, my new role has changed how my family sees me. They now listen to me more and involve me in important decisions. I have a say. And with the money I earn, I support my family and, most importantly, my children's education.’

When asked about her vision for the future, Beauty expresses optimism and determination. ‘In the coming years,’ she says confidently, ‘I see myself continuing to grow and expand my business. I want to further increase my production capacity. Monetarily I want to be able to make 1lakh BDT each month. This goal is not just about personal success; it is for me to be able to make a positive impact on my family and community.’

Beauty is determined to put her earnings to good use, ‘I want to empower other women in my community as well.’ Already taking steps towards this goal, Beauty has begun helping other women. ‘Some women have joined my centre and assist with sales management for a modest salary,’ she explains proudly. ‘It makes me very proud that I am able to help other women feel independent.’ She concludes our chat by saying, ‘I have always believed that when we ‘women’ are financially independent, everyone benefits – especially fellow women and family, children - we leave no one behind.’

You can read about the Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme in our latest research report on Women In Cotton: Addressing the Impact of Climate Change through Climate-friendly Practices.

You can read more about our work with women farmers and its impact in our latest Impact Report 2023

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