Amena Begum - B’Yeah

Amena Begum comes from a lower middle class family in Bangladesh. She learned tailoring from her mother at an early age and later at an institute in Dhaka. Putting her training into practice, Amena started contributing to the household income after her marriage. Unfortunately for Amena and her three young children, she became a widow in 2008 when she lost her husband to kidney disease. By then, all the family’s savings were used on her husband’s medical treatment, leaving little hope for the family. Amena continued her tailoring work but the earnings weren’t enough to meet her family expenses.

Amena contacted B’Yeah and applied for a loan in June, 2009. The loan enabled her to buy two sewing machines and an embroidery machine.

Amena now produces a wide range of ladies garments and has been able to employ four women in her shop. In addition to training these women in tailoring, Amena also provides training to destitute women in her community free of charge as she feels that this is her own way of giving back to her community.

Amena’s mentor is Mrs. Shamima Khan, a boutique shop owner with 10 years experience. Amena calls her mentor regularly and meets with her at least once a week for advice on how to develop her business.