In Azimpur village of Darshana, Chuadanga, Rikta Khatun is rebuilding her life through handicraft work. After experiencing abuse in her husband’s household, she returned to her father’s home with her daughter. Her circumstances became more difficult when her mother fell ill and her father, the family’s only earning member passed away. Rikta was then left responsible for caring for her mother and daughter without a regular source of income.
An opportunity came when Rikta joined handicraft training through WAVE Foundation’s Social Enterprise ‘Ankur Craft’ under trainer Nahida Parvin. After completing the training, she began making handicraft products from home. Working from home allowed her to earn while remaining available to care for her mother and daughter. Today, Rikta earns around BDT 5,000 per month. Her income contributes to household expenses, helps meet her mother’s medical needs and supports her daughter’s education. For a family with no other regular income, even this modest monthly earning has become an important part of managing everyday needs.
“There were times when I worried about how I would manage my mother’s treatment and my daughter’s education. Now, I can earn from home and use my own income for these needs. I may not earn a lot yet, but being able to contribute to my family with my own work has given me confidence,” said Rikta.
For Rikta, the change is visible in everyday life. She can work from home, contribute to family expenses and make decisions about how to use the money she earns. Her handicraft work has become a practical way to support the people who depend on her while giving her a greater sense of control over her own life.
