In the village of T&T Para in Rajapalong, Ukhiya, 35-year-old Yasmin Akter carries a story of quiet strength and unshakeable determination. Faced with the twin burdens of financial hardship and domestic violence, Yasmin’s life has been far from easy. Her husband, a day labourer, brings in an irregular income, while Yasmin herself must endure physical and emotional abuse tied to dowry disputes. Yet even in the face of such pain, Yasmin never gives in.
With three children depending on her — two daughters and a son — Yasmin found solace and strength in the land. She began cultivating vegetables and fruits, using her bare hands to coax life from the soil. What started as a way to feed her family soon turned into a small source of income, as she began selling produce in the local market. These small steps laid the foundation for something greater.
Yasmin’s turning point came with the SHINE Project. Selected as a participant, she received hands-on training in financial management and business development. Equipped with new knowledge and a cash grant of Tk 12,000, Yasmin took her first real leap into entrepreneurship.
She chooses to enter the food processing items—a venture close to her heart. With care and precision, she began producing and packaging nuts, ghoja, and fried chickpeas for sale. Her products found eager buyers, and soon her small business grew into a reliable source of income. No longer just surviving, Yasmin was beginning to thrive.
But her ambition didn’t stop there. With renewed confidence, Yasmin expanded her efforts into livestock and poultry rearing. She began raising geese, pigeons, and hens, steadily building a diversified enterprise. Each success fuelled her vision, transforming what was once a modest effort into a sustainable and growing livelihood.
Today, Yasmin Akter stands as a powerful symbol of resilience. Her journey — from hardship and violence to independence and hope — is a testament to what can be achieved when courage meets opportunity. Yasmin’s story continues to inspire those around her, proving that even in the harshest circumstances, transformation is possible.
