Alternative livelihoods for 500 ragpicker families

Hasina’s Inspiring Journey of Transformation

In the underserved canalside community of Topsia , 50-year-old Hasina once struggled every single day just to survive. For years, she worked as a ragpicker, collecting recyclable waste from streets and dumping grounds under harsh weather conditions. The work was physically exhausting, unsafe, and deeply uncertain. Despite working tirelessly from morning till evening, her earnings were never enough to provide stability for her family.

Her situation became even more difficult when her husband fell seriously ill and required continuous medical care. With no regular financial support from her children, the burden of running the household rested entirely on her shoulders. Many nights passed without knowing how the next day’s meals would be arranged. Yet, even in the darkest moments, Hasina held on to one dream — to build a dignified livelihood through her own hard work.

In 2016, with support through a small financial intervention of 7,000 (approximately USD 82), Hasina took the first step toward changing her life. She began a small vegetable-selling business, but the returns were too low to sustain her family. Instead of giving up, she courageously adapted and shifted to selling roasted corn (bhutta) using a handcart. Her determination and willingness to work hard slowly began transforming her circumstances.

Over time, Hasina continued improving her livelihood strategy. Today, she successfully runs a small home-based snacks business along with a roadside snack stall. Through consistent effort, dedication, and the opportunity created by timely support, she now earns nearly 500 per day (around USD 6). Though modest, this income has brought stability into her life and enabled her to manage household expenses and her husband’s medical treatment with dignity.

The transformation in Hasina’s life has been remarkable. From surviving on uncertain daily earnings as a ragpicker to becoming a self-reliant small entrepreneur, she has rebuilt her confidence and regained a sense of hope for the future. Her journey clearly demonstrates how even small financial assistance can create meaningful and lasting change in the lives of vulnerable women.

Today, Hasina is no longer dependent on unsafe and degrading work for survival. She has become an example of resilience and determination within her community. Her story reflects the powerful impact that livelihood support and community assistance can have in empowering women living in extreme poverty.

However, her journey toward stability is still ongoing. Her roadside stall operates without proper shelter or infrastructure, making her vulnerable during heavy rains and extreme weather. With additional support, Hasina could further strengthen and expand her business by purchasing better equipment, securing a covered vending space, and increasing her stock and food preparation capacity. Such assistance would not only increase her income but also provide long-term security and protection in her later years.

Hasina’s success story is proof that when vulnerable women are given an opportunity, they can transform not only their own lives but also the future of their families. Every contribution toward livelihood development becomes an investment in dignity, independence, and hope.

Your support can help many more women like Hasina move from hardship to self-reliance, creating sustainable change where it is needed the most.