Binota, a symbol of resilience, empowerment

As the backbone of tea gardens, female workers far outnumber their male counterparts at the labourer level, yet their presence at the decision-making table remains negligible.

— Binota Bhumij President of Panchayat Committee Rehana Tea Plantation, Moulvibazar

From the humble confines of a mud wall house, where economic struggles cast their long shadows, emerges a woman who defies all odds and shatters gender norms.

Binota Bhumij, a widow, has ascended as a symbol of resilience to become the president of a tea garden panchayat committee. The workers of Rehana Tea Plantation in Kulaura upazila of Moulvibazar voted her to power twice.

However, her path to leadership was strewn with obstacles, as opposition groups, mostly run by "men", sought to undermine Binota's capabilities by perpetuating archaic stereotypes. They scoffed, insinuating that a woman tea worker should confine herself to plucking leaves and tending to domestic chores, questioning her aptitude for political negotiations.

Binota stood her ground, unyielding in the face of opposition. Despite concerns of potential harm, she dismissed them, asserting that her time would come when fate deemed it, refusing to succumb to unwarranted fear.

Her resolute determination resonated deeply with the tea garden workers, who admired her ability to boldly say "no" to those in positions of power.

In her journey, Binota draws strength from her upbringing and the support of her family. Her father Narayan Bhumij instilled in her the confidence to speak up against all injustice, while her husband, Budhuha Bhumij, stood by her amidst all obstacles.

Binota firmly believes that the increased representation of women in policymaking is essential.

"As the backbone of tea gardens, female workers far outnumber their male counterparts at the labourer level, yet their presence at the decision-making table remains negligible," she says.

Binota has spearheaded numerous transformative initiatives that have brought tangible improvements to the lives of tea workers.

One of her notable achievements has been her unwavering dedication to education for the children of tea workers. Through her efforts, she has successfully secured funding so that they can break the cycle of generational poverty and build a brighter future.

Furthermore, she has fought tirelessly to secure earned leave for tea workers, negotiating with the tea garden authorities and leveraging her position. She also helped workers get back their arrears.

"My husband was also the president of this committee for many years. But in my short tenure, I did what he could not," said Binota.

Pankaj Kanda, president of the Central Committee of Bangladesh Tea Workers Union, commended Binota's achievement as the first and only woman president among the 243 tea garden panchayat committees in Bangladesh's 168-year tea industry history.

"Her exceptional courage and determination to break gender barriers within the tea gardens' political landscape are truly remarkable," he said.

Perboti Prodhan, a fellow tea worker, passionately expresses the significance of having female leaders in the tea plantations.

"Female tea workers are the backbone of these plantations, and their unique challenges require empathetic and understanding leaders who can effectively address their concerns," she asserts.