- I have gained increased respect and dignity in my family and in society, says Anita Gurung, chairman of a group of women who, with the support of IM, have started manufacturing traditional Dhaka products in Munchock, Gorkha.
- I have gained increased respect and dignity in my family and in society, says Anita Gurung, chairman of a group of women who, with the support of IM, have started manufacturing traditional Dhaka products in Munchock, Gorkha.
During my last field trip, Anita was one of the women I met and touched me the most. Anita told us at our meeting about how her family did not support her before and how people in the community did not respect her. Although she worked hard as a "labor worker", which for example could involve carrying stones and materials to construction sites, she barely made any money. In addition, she did not have the opportunity to take out a loan as no one trusted her ability.
However, life has taken a positive turn after Anita has been given the opportunity to start working on producing Dhaka clothes. Together with 24 women, Anita has received training in how Dhaka clothes are made, which has now resulted in her registering her own company. Today, Anita earns the equivalent of 600 SEK per month - a salary that she uses for living expenses for herself, her parents and her five siblings. However, Anita says that income is not everything - self-confidence and respect are at least as important, Anita explains.
- I feel more confident and can talk to local officials, who now listen to what I have to say, says Anita proudly.
In the future, Anita hopes to develop her business and become a successful entrepreneur in Dhaka manufacturing. A dream that just a couple of years ago seemed impossible, but which can now become a reality.
Photo: Nikolina Stålhand / IM
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