“I never counted my own struggles, as long as my son’s education continued, that’s all that mattered.” – Mini, Gaibandha, Bangladesh
In a quiet corner of northern Bangladesh, where opportunities are limited and dreams often go unspoken, a mother named Mini held onto one strong hope: that her only son would break free from the grip of poverty through education.
Life was never easy. As a single mother in a village of Gaibandha, Mini faced constant challenges. But her determination never faltered. Her turning point came when she joined the Strengthening Women’s Ability for Productive New Opportunities (SWAPNO), a national social protection initiative run by the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Embassy of Sweden and Marico Bangladesh.
SWAPNO provided temporary work, training, and access to savings groups for rural women like Mini. With her earnings, she bought a goat. That single investment grew into a small herd. Then, using savings and proceeds from a local community lottery, she expanded her tiny tea stall, now the only shop in her neighbourhood and a central hub for the community.
More importantly, the income helped her achieve what she once thought impossible: supporting her son through school. Today, he has passed his higher secondary exams, a major milestone that opens the door to college and opportunity.
Mini’s journey is a powerful reminder that real change happens when women are empowered with tools, trust, and opportunity. Her story echoes a global truth: when you invest in women, you uplift entire communities.
Mini’s dream is proof that small steps, fueled by resilience and support, can lead to mighty transformations.