Microfinance programme in action for Bangladeshi women - Cox's Bazar

On Wednesday 20th September 2017, I was taken to the outskirts of Cox's Bazar organised by BRAC, with a very small group of volunteers to understand how microfinance programme works for Bangladeshi women. 

During our journey, I met women who were delighted to share their stories. Jahanara was very proud to share her story on her achievements utilising one of the small micro finance loans provided by BRAC. The dhabi loan provided Jahanara the investment to build her home and she was keen to show her asset, the cow she bought too. 

The skills Jahanara developed were shared by Tanzina from BRAC. Jahanara explained what steps she had taken to secure her asset and improvements to her home.  

The improvements to Jahanara’s home alongside her asset was an outcome pleased to see. Jahanara developed business skills and self-confidence, it was rewarding to see her smile continuously.

I had the opportunity to talk to the other women on the benefits of having micro finance loans and the segments they had selected for themselves. 

Some of the Bangladeshi women in the group talked about their dry fish business expanding, and their vegetable stock. Tanzina, from BRAC outlined the Dabi products delivered via the ‘village organisations’ (VOs); a community lending and savings groups of 15-25 women, the financial training and women’s empowerment in the household. 

Jahanara and the rest of the Bangladeshi women made me feel very welcome. My only regret was not being able to spend more time with them. It was fantastic to see such engaged Bangladeshi women with independence. 

For further information on the work and developments of BRAC project, visit the link: http://www.brac.net/microfinance