Case Study: Minara Begum
Location: Rural Charfasion, Bhola, Bangladesh
Sector: Livestock Farming
Support Received: BDT 149,000 (~$1,350) in total grants
Background:
Minara Begum, a widow and mother of two, lives in the climate-vulnerable region of southern Bhola, Bangladesh. Her life was upended by the loss of her husband and home to a devastating climate disaster. Now living in a modest house built by her elderly father, Minara struggles to support her family on a limited and unstable income.
Her 18-year-old son, who works in Dhaka under harsh and physically demanding conditions, sends home BDT 3,000 (~$27) each month from his BDT 7,000 salary. Minara supplements this with her own small earnings, but the combined monthly household income—around BDT 4,000 (~$35)—barely covers basic needs.
Still, Minara holds fast to her dream: a life where her family doesn’t go to bed hungry, where her younger son can go to school, and where her older son can escape the inhumane conditions of his current job.
Support & Entrepreneurial Journey
Moved by Minara’s story and her unshakable will to build a better life, we partnered with her to develop a livelihood strategy centered around livestock farming—an area she identified as both viable and sustainable for her region.
- We helped create a detailed business plan, set up her first-ever bank account, and laid the groundwork for her to access financial services independently.
- Minara received an initial investment of BDT 75,000 (~$675) to launch her livestock initiative.
- With the funds, she:
- Constructed a barn
- Purchased a cow
- Rented a small plot of land to cultivate grass for feed
Her dedication and wise use of funds demonstrated real promise. To further support her growth, we provided another investment of BDT 74,000 (~$665)—bringing total support to BDT 149,000.
Impact & Early Outcomes
- Stable Asset Acquisition: Minara now owns two cows—a productive and appreciating asset that will provide both nutrition and income.
- Land Use for Feed: She is cultivating her own grass, reducing dependency on external feed and lowering operational costs.
- Business Expansion Plans: She intends to acquire a third cow, moving toward a small-scale dairy operation.
- Confidence & Control: With her own bank account and an income-generating asset, Minara is taking control of her financial future.
Looking Ahead
Minara Begum’s story is not just one of survival—it’s a story of quiet but powerful transformation. From deep loss and daily struggle, she is rising as an entrepreneur, with renewed hope for herself and her children.
We remain closely involved in her progress, offering technical support, mentorship, and continued monitoring. Her journey is a testament to how small, targeted investments—combined with local knowledge and personal determination—can pave the way for lasting change.
We will continue to share updates as Minara builds a path toward dignity, independence, and stability for her family.
