LocationsSmall Savings, Stronger Futures for Women Like Adhuri
July 12, 2026
Adhuri Begum’s life in Lalmonirhat reflects the struggle and strength of many poor women who survive through uncertain work, low wages, and limited choices.
Separated from her husband while raising two young sons aged 14 and 10, Adhuri spent years working as a domestic and agricultural labourer. Her income was irregular and often unfair. Some days she earned, some days she did not. Yet she continued to fight for her family and remained determined to keep her sons in school.
Her situation began to change after she was selected through the SWAPNO project’s transparent targeting process. SWAPNO, a gender-responsive poverty graduation initiative, is jointly implemented by the Local Government Division and UNDP, with support from the Government of Sweden and private sector partners such as Marico Bangladesh. Through the project, Adhuri joined public asset maintenance work and started earning a stable daily income. For the first time in many years, she had some predictability in her life.
But income alone was not enough. What helped Adhuri plan for the future was Mushti Chal (fistful of rice) a collective savings practice promoted through SWAPNO. Through Mushti Chal, women save in small amounts from what they have. The contribution may be small, but over time it becomes a source of strength. For women who have little access to banks, loans, or formal financial services, Mushti Chal creates a practical and trusted way to build savings.
Adhuri runs the shop from early morning until night
For Adhuri, Mushti Chal was more than a savings activity. It helped her develop financial discipline, confidence, and hope. With the small savings she built, she first invested in agricultural production. This improved her household food security and created an additional source of income. Later, she took a bigger step and rented a small roadside food shop.
Today, Adhuri runs the shop from early morning until night, serving affordable meals to local community members. Together with farming and food sales, she now earns around BDT 12,000 (USD 97) per month. She employs one from her community and receives support from two family members in managing the daily work.
Her shop has also become useful for other women in the community. It provides a local outlet for vegetables produced by other SWAPNO participants. In this way, her enterprise supports not only her own family, but also strengthens small economic linkages among poor women.
The change in Adhuri’s life is financial, but it is also deeply social. She now makes her own decisions, manages her own income, and receives greater respect in the community. Instead of depending on irregular wage labour, she has built a livelihood that gives her dignity and control.
Adhuri’s story shows how Mushti Chal can help poor women turn small savings into real opportunities. When regular income, collective savings, and enterprise support come together, women can move away from exploitative labour and build safer, more dignified livelihoods. Her journey proves that even a small saving, made consistently and collectively, can become the foundation for lasting change.