“The dream of becoming self-reliant became possible through the RAISE Project,” says Rehena Akter, her voice filled with confidence and gratitude.
Rehena Akter (30), the youngest of three children of Abdul Hai Howladar and Johura Begum, grew up in Salna, Gazipur, in a family struggling with financial hardship. Her father, an Imam at a local mosque, suffered from poor health and earned a limited income, making it impossible to continue his children’s education. As a result, Rehena’s schooling ended in Class Ten, and she was married at an early age. Her husband, Sumon Mollah, worked in a garment factory in Dhaka, earning a modest monthly income of BDT 14,000–15,000 including overtime, which was insufficient to meet the rising costs of city life.
Determined to support her family, Rehena tried to contribute financially by joining a garment factory in the packaging section. However, her lack of skills, constant pressure at work, and repeated verbal abuse from relatives and neighbors forced her to quit after just four to five months. Soon after, she became a mother, and once again her world was limited to household responsibilities. The ongoing criticism and her inability to earn an income deeply affected her mental well-being, leaving her frustrated and insecure.
A turning point came when Rehena learned about the apprenticeship training under the RAISE Project supported by PKSF and implemented by WAVE Foundation through a Master Craftsperson in her area. With renewed hope and determination, she contacted WAVE Foundation and was selected as an apprentice due to her strong motivation and genuine need. From 21 October 2023 to 20 April 2024, she completed a six-month apprenticeship in Fashion Garments under Master Craftsperson Azadur Rahman at Azad Ladies Tailors in Shyamoli Square. Alongside hands-on technical training in pattern making, cutting, and sewing of both ladies’ and gents’ garments, Rehena also participated in a five-day Life Skills Development Training. This training strengthened her leadership, communication, stress management, marketing, financial record-keeping, and conflict management skills, enabling her to think beyond employment and envision entrepreneurship.
With support from WAVE Foundation, Rehena successfully achieved the NSDA-approved Level-1 certification in Fashion Garments. After completing her training, she invested her apprenticeship stipend of BDT 21,000 to purchase a second-hand industrial sewing machine and began working from her home in Adabor. Although her work gained appreciation, limited capital made it difficult for her to expand production and earn a stable profit.
After discussing with her husband, Rehena made a bold decision. Using BDT 18,000 from their personal savings, they rented a three-room apartment, and with a BDT 100,000 loan from WAVE Foundation, Rehena purchased three second-hand industrial sewing machines and invested in raw materials. With this support, she officially established her enterprise, “New S R Shopno Boutiques.”
Today, Rehena’s enterprise employs five people, including herself and her husband. She pays a monthly salary of BDT 12,000 to each of three employees. On average, the workshop produces 120–130 three-piece garments per month featuring block and batik designs. These garments are sold at prices ranging from BDT 800 to 850 per set through 10–11 showrooms and wholesalers in Gazipur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, and Sylhet. Rehena personally manages marketing and order collection through WhatsApp, IMO, and direct communication with buyers.
After deducting all expenses, Rehena now earns an average monthly profit of BDT 20,000. The relatives and neighbors who once criticized her now praise her achievements, and she is respected within her community. Her husband has also left his garment factory job to work alongside her in their own enterprise, finding pride and satisfaction in their shared success.
Looking ahead, Rehena dreams of expanding her business within the next five to six years to create employment opportunities for 20–25 more people. She plans to establish a showroom and launch an online platform to further increase sales and strengthen her brand. Reflecting on her journey, Rehena says, “Earlier, I had to endure harsh words from people. Without the RAISE Project, I would not have come this far. Today, I am confident, self-reliant, and deeply grateful to everyone associated with the RAISE Project.”
