In one of the most disaster-prone areas of Bangladesh, an extraordinary group of gifted women artisans and entrepreneurs, are embracing new technology, to revive ancient art forms, craft beautiful beadwork, or make colourful clothing, to sell online.

Life is challenging in Kurigram, Northern Bangladesh. The climate crisis hits people hard, wreaking havoc on traditional farming livelihoods. For women, opportunities are even more limited, with societal norms to marry young, and little scope for study or future work.

Yet the women in these stories have come together, to carve their own paths. Many of these women are juggling businesses, alongside higher education studies, to further their prospects in Bangladesh, actively encouraging other women to do the same.

Christian Aid’s partner, Aid Comilla, have supported with training, equipment and the funds for business setups. Aid Comilla work with women ‘change agents’, who bring other women on board to setup their own businesses.

Aid Comilla provide training and mentoring for women on gender rights, and digital literacy, so they can pursue different economic opportunities, such a selling their own clothing or handicrafts online. They also provide start-up funds, and key equipment, such as smart phones, to enable them to start up and run these businesses.