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BRAC's Graduation program reached 2.1 million households in Bangladesh. 95% lift themselves from extreme poverty. Participants increase earnings 37%, improve savings ninefold, double asset ownership. Ten years later, 93% sustain gains proving long-term poverty escape. https://www.bracusa.org/solutions/development/poverty/ultra-poor-graduation/

Bangladesh's 4 million garment workers (80% women) organize through Awaj Foundation supporting 600,000 members. Workers demand living wages, safe conditions, maternity benefits. Grassroots organizing demonstrates power of worker solidarity in manufacturing employment. https://awajfoundation.org/

Nations, regions & cities • 26 Mar 2025 Dina M Siddiqi Bangladesh is well-known for its low-cost production of textiles and clothing, with much of the country’s recent development resting on rapid growth in the garment industry. But behind this progress is an unsustainable reliance on low pay and poor working conditions, particularly for women. The textile and clothing industry is one the main sources of Bangladesh’s recent economic growth and development. In particular, the

Mahbuba Akbar 11 March 2025 The  Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector is the lifeblood of Bangladesh’s economy, accounting for over 80% of the country’s export earnings and employing approximately 4 million workers, the majority of whom are women. These women, often from rural areas, have been instrumental in transforming Bangladesh into one of the world’s leading garment exporters. Despite, their role, women in the RMG sector face numerous challenges that hinder their economic

A collection of one-of-a-kind, heirloom-quality Afghan rugs. Empowering a group of brave women committed to creating beauty against all odds. Preserving An Ancient Craft This initiative is to ensure the art and beauty of Afghan rugs lives on today. The rich history of carpet weaving runs through the heart of Afghanistan’s heritage, with prints, patterns, and techniques that have spanned thousands of years. https://www.the-citizenry.com/pages/the-afghanistan-project

UNICEF-supported program trains 100 young women ages 15-25 in carpet weaving in Herat. Girls banned from secondary school since 2021 gain income skills. Trainees receive certificate and loom to start businesses. "This training gave me a second chance to still have a dream." https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/weaving-carpets-building-futures-skills-training-girls-and-women-afghanistan

USAID-funded ACEBA project created 5,000 yarn spinning jobs, trained 14,842 weavers (90% women), built washing facilities processing 500,000 square meters annually. Trebled national carpet production. Secured international orders. Women-owned businesses expanded from 15 to 280 weavers through working capital. July 4th, 2024 | News ACEBA in action The five-year ACEBA project has sought to promote sustainable economic growth in Afghanistan’s carpet production. In COVER 75, Lucy

Written by Marc Peeters and Roel Schouteten - May 26, 2024 The Mondragón cooperative movement in the Basque Country has long captivated workplace innovators. Amidst the backdrop of contested global capitalism, the cooperative movement garners recognition for its human values, social impact, and competitiveness. In this piece*, Marc Peeters and Roel Schouteten delve into whether Mondragón truly provides an answer or a partial solution to the detrimental aspects of capitalism

Between 1.2 and 1.5 million Afghans rely on carpet sector for income. Women represent 90% of wool-spinning and weaving workforce. UN Women supports 90 women across three provinces with improved equipment, demonstrating how traditional craft creates modern employment. The hands of an old woman who has been spinning wool for 11 years, and because they didn't have a spinning machine before, the wool would hurt their hands. Photo: UN Women/Sayed Habib Bidell Carpets made in Afgha

LightCastle Analytics Wing February 8, 2024 Examining the Current State: Realities for the Well-being of Women RMG Workers in Bangladesh’s RMG Industry The Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry in Bangladesh holds a crucial position in both the nation’s export portfolio and overall economic development. According to data provided by the Export Promotion Bureau for the fiscal year 2023-2024, the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry emerged as a substantial contributor, constituting