A day of field trips to meet producers working for Swajan and Jute Works. The Swajan girls were working in premises in Dhaka city – our first exposure to street life with its bustle and distinctive aromas. The 50 producers normally work in two ‘factories’, but had been assembled on a sunny roof for a photo opportunity. I was intrigued by the girls doing gold embroidery – two needles, like a sewing machine. The individual motifs would be eventually cut up and used for greetings cards. Another group was embroidering bags for Traidcraft’s catalogue next year.

From there, back in the bus to head off to one of Jute Works’ producer groups in Gazipur. A tourist stop en route to photograph some river gypsies – waiting for the monsoon season. One of the young men passing time at the roadside started chatting in English – a merchant seaman on home on leave – promptly invited us to his home village nearby. As we had time to kill, Islam and Shamim diverted the bus down the country roads and into the village.

Chairs appeared and we were soon seated in the shade, the centre of attraction for the local kids – Brian’s sticker collection appeared again and made him an instant hit. Light refreshments soon appeared, which it would have been discourteous to refuse – sweet cakes, biscuits, lemonade, and sweet tea. The Bangladeshis – at least in the countryside – are still maintaining a wonderful tradition of unconditional hospitality to strangers.

Back in the bus and on to Gazipur to one of the 12 Jute Works groups in the area, supported by a Jute Works field worker. The 43 women run the group themselves, with a committee elected every three years. The committee manages the orders for jute handicrafts from Jute Works and distributing the income received from their work. The group also organises a local savings and loans scheme for members, and manages welfare funding received from Dakhar.

Three of the women explained how their earnings from Jute Works had made a dramatic difference to their lives. The women can make up to 1500 Tk in a very busy month. For Rehana (on the left) it meant being able to finance her children through school. Lucy, the longest serving member of the group had financed her sons through university and into well paid professional jobs in the city; they had now built her a new house in the village.

However, Jute Works emphasises that they are not just in the employment business. Becoming earners and managing their own affairs gives the women status and confidence, backed up with education from Jute Works in family planning, social skills, peace studies, etc. As we left, it was clear that the women had developed a good head for business too – we were told we’d always be welcome back, but go home and get more orders!

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