In Kafila village of Niamati Union under Bakerganj Upazila in Barisal, 40-year-old Asma Begum has transformed a small tea stall into a source of stability and resilience for her family. Living with her husband, Md. Jahid Khondaker, and their three children, Asma faced years of financial hardship due to limited and unstable household income. The situation became even more challenging when her husband’s auto-rickshaw became inoperable, leaving the family largely dependent on the modest earnings from her tea stall. Despite these difficulties, Asma remained determined to improve her family’s circumstances and create a more secure future.
In 2023, she started a small tea stall with an initial investment of BDT 6,000. Although the business provided some financial support, its limited earnings were often insufficient to meet the family’s growing needs. A significant turning point came when Asma was selected as a participant in the ACT-II Project implemented by WAVE Foundation under Strengthening Community Preparedness, Rapid Response and Recovery in Bangladesh Program. Through training on alternative livelihood development, she gained valuable knowledge and skills in business management, financial planning, savings, and income generation. In April 2025, she received livelihood support of BDT 10,000, enabling her to strengthen and expand her enterprise.
Using this support, Asma increased her stock and introduced new products to her tea stall. As a result, her daily sales increased from BDT 500-600 to BDT 1,500-2,000, with an average daily profit of BDT 500-600. The increased income allowed her to contribute to repairing her husband’s auto-rickshaw, enabling him to return to work and restoring a second source of income for the family. With improved earnings, the household can now better manage daily expenses, support their children’s needs, and save regularly for the future.
Living in a disaster-prone area, Asma understands the importance of preparedness and financial security. Having two sources of income has significantly strengthened her family’s resilience, as both are unlikely to fail simultaneously during a disaster or emergency. This diversification of income has reduced financial stress and improved the family’s ability to cope with unexpected challenges. The alternative livelihood support provided by WAVE Foundation has strengthened her capacity for anticipatory action and preparedness, helping her family remain more secure and resilient in times of crisis.
Expressing her gratitude, Asma shared, “Thanks to WAVE Foundation, earlier I was not capable of expanding my business and building a better future for my family. Now we have two sources of income, and I can save money to prepare for emergencies and difficult times.” Her success has also inspired others in the community. Neighboring shopkeeper Jasmin Begum remarked, “If poor people like us get opportunities for alternative income like this, we can prepare in advance for disasters and reduce our losses.”
At present, Asma Begum stands as a positive example of determination, hard work, and resilience in her community. Her journey demonstrates how targeted livelihood support can empower vulnerable women, strengthen economic independence, diversify household income sources, and enhance disaster preparedness. Through her achievements, she is not only improving her family’s well-being but also inspiring others to build a more secure and resilient future.
