A Mother’s Tea Stall, A Daughter’s Dream

Empowered by SWAPNO, Lipi turns a roadside stall into a launchpad for her daughter’s dreams.

July 2, 2025

Two women stand outside a small shop, smiling. The shop is filled with various goods. — Lipi Begum stands proudly with her daughter Lamia in front of their tea stall in Gaibandha, where every cup served fuels a dream for a brighter future.

©UNDP Bangladesh

Every morning, 13-year-old Lamia puts on her school uniform and heads off to her classroom with hope in her eyes, hope that comes from her mother’s small tea stall in rural Gaibandha, in northern Bangladesh.

Her mother, Lipi Begum, wakes up before sunrise to prepare tea and snacks for her busy roadside stall. Hot tea, fresh snacks, and her warm smile draw neighbours and travellers alike. But behind each cup she serves is a bigger dream, to give her daughter the education and opportunities she never had.

Woman in colorful attire stands in front of a small shop, with others seated nearby. — Lipi Begum stands confidently outside her tea stall in Gaibandha, where her small business is brewing big dreams for her family’s future.

©UNDP Bangladesh

Lipi’s days are long, but her heart is full. She earns about 2,000–2,500 BDT (18–23 USD) in sales daily and saves around 350 BDT (3 USD) in profit each day. This moderate tea stall, set up next to her home, is more than just a business; it’s a stepping stone for her daughter’s future.

“I want my daughter to finish school, get a good job, and stand beside women like me, so that no woman has to live in struggle anymore,” says Lipi. Her next plan is to buy a refrigerator so she can expand her shop and offer cold drinks to attract more customers.

Lipi’s journey didn’t begin with tea. She found her courage and skills through SWAPNO, a project that empowers rural women in Bangladesh. With support from the Local Government Division, the Embassy of Sweden, Marico Bangladesh, and UNDP, SWAPNO gave Lipi not only an income but also training in leadership, financial literacy, health, and climate resilience.

She also saved money through her group’s ‘Mustir Chal’ (Handful of Rice) initiative and even won a small local lottery, turning every chance into a step forward.

“I have learned that with determination, even the smallest steps can lead to big changes,” Lipi says, pouring another cup of tea, and pouring her dreams into tomorrow