The road to self-reliance

From Panjabis and three-piece sets to bedspreads and bags, Ankur Handicrafts in Mymensingh town offers a wide range of handmade items. With product prices ranging from Tk 120 to Tk 4,000, Ankur is buzzing in the lead-up to Eid. But it's not so much the quality products that make Ankur stand out: the business employs many physically-challenged women and girls.

Ankur has trained over one hundred women with disabilities over the past decade, says supervisor Chumki Biswas. “They can also work from home and are able to maintain their families as well from the income they earn.”

Products from the main store in town, as well as from branches in Nehalia Kanda and Char Kalibari in sadar upazila, and from a third branch in Muktagacha upazila, are purchased by many stores across Mymensingh town and also exported to India, Japan, the United States and Europe. “Foreign buyers often visit us here too,” says Chumki, “to place orders.”

“I earn a good income working for Ankur,” says 23-year-old Afroza Begum from the town's Natun Bazar area, who has been with Ankur for ten years. “It's my ticket to a decent life.”

Another young woman with a disability, Munni Akhter, 18, from the town's Ghunti area, has worked for Ankur for the past four years. “I learn handicraft skills and earn enough for an independent life,” she says.

“Because of my disability,” Munni continues, “I lost all hope that I could survive. Now, when I hear that our products are applauded by different quarters, I feel honoured.”

“We are all grateful for the opportunity to work here,” says Bilkis Akter, 22, with Ankur for twelve years. “We see many men and women with disabilities begging on the street but we earn a living through work.”

In the lead up to festivals including Eid, the workers of Ankur are particularly busy to meet the challenge of finishing all the orders on time.