In the heart of Bangladesh lies a story of hope and inspiration, a story of a woman who dared to dream and made it a reality for hundreds of rural women. Meet Zarrin Tasnim, a trailblazer who breaks barriers and empowers women in unlikely places.
Zarrin’s mission started with a simple yet powerful vision: to preserve the local heritage of Nakshi Katha while providing financial stability to women in rural areas who were struggling to make ends meet. Undaunted by the challenges ahead, she began her journey with a handful of women and a steadfast determination to succeed.
Zarrin’s unwavering spirit and tireless efforts paid off as she, with the help of the Bangladesh Youth Enterprise Advice & Helpcenter’s Helpcenter’s (BYEAH) incubation program, expanded her network to support 450 women, empowering them to achieve financial stability and independence. These women are no longer just surviving but thriving, and their families and communities are reaping the benefits of their newfound prosperity.
Zarrin’s story is a testament to the power of belief in oneself and one’s abilities. It serves as a reminder that anyone can create change and make a difference in the lives of others, regardless of the obstacles that come their way. Through her journey, Zarrin also discovered the impact of the Social and Green (S&G) Incubation Program of BYEAH, which provides holistic support, resources and mentoring to entrepreneurs and helps turn their visions into reality. BYEAH’s S&G program is particularly designed to help those early-stage businesses that are established with the primary purpose of solving a pressing social or environmental challenge. In Zarrin’s case, it was her aspiration to uplift the lives of other underprivileged women through a sustainable enterprise model.
After receiving seed funding from BYEAH through the Bangladesh Youth Enterprise Competition (BYEC) 1.0, Zarrin raised BDT 500,000 from biniyog.io for her factory in Nilphamari. This was to manufacture products using her own machines. Biniyog.io, a partner of BYEAH, is a crowdfunding platform that connects small businesses to retail investors for short-term collateral-free debt financing.
The most significant outcome of her journey was the realization that she had established a Social & Green Enterprise, or more commonly known as Impact Enterprise. Zarrin’s enterprise was solving a pressing social problem by providing financial inclusion for rural women, empowering them economically. This realization was a turning point for her and a testament to the strength and resilience of rural women who can overcome adversity and create positive change with the right support and resources.
Zarrin’s story is a call to action to support and empower grassroots women by providing them with the opportunities they deserve to rise and claim their rights. We need to create a world where women are equal partners in progress and whose contributions are valued and recognized. Let us rise and unleash the power of rural women together! Zarrin Tasnim’s journey is a source of inspiration to us all, reminding us of the immense power within each of us to create positive change and make a difference in the lives of others.
During BYEAH’s incubation holding her son @University of Scholars
During Seedfund giving ceremony with Shahariar Sadat (Treasurer, BYEAH) @Bistro Central, Mohakhali
During Seedfund giving ceremony with her son and husband (Treasurer, BYEAH) @Bistro Central, Mohakhali
In front of her previous showroom @nilphamari
Inside her previous showroom @nilphamari
During instructing one of her training recipient groups @nilphamari
With another training recipient group @nilphamari
While participating in a regular followup program organized by BYEAH @BYEAH’s office at Niketan, Gulshan
Written by
Akhand Mihir Faiyyaz
Business Consultant and Project Officer
BYEAH
Photographs
Nazmul Hasan Nadim
Communications & Knowledge Management Officer
BYEAH
