My name is Rehena Akter, and I am from Hetalbunia village in Batiaghata, Khulna. My father worked as a hotel assistant, and I have four siblings. Due to financial difficulties, my education did not progress far. I was married at the age of 13.
After marriage, I faced various health challenges, and managing household responsibilities was difficult. Soon, I became a mother to two children. Household expenses continued to rise, and my husband’s income alone was not enough. I realized that I needed to do something for myself.
At first, I had no idea how to start. That was when I learned about BRAC’s Skills Development Program and its entrepreneurship training. With my family’s permission, I enrolled in the three-month program. There, I learned how to start a small business, manage accounts, and interact with customers professionally.
After completing the training, I rented a small shop near my home and started a grocery store. In the beginning, I sold only a few essential items. Gradually, as demand grew, I expanded my products. Today, my shop has become a trusted place for the people of my village. I now earn around 15,000 BDT per month, which I use to support my children’s education, manage household expenses, and save a little.
I hope to expand my shop further and inspire more women like me to be courageous. I firmly believe that with the right guidance, women can transform their own lives.
