Canada-backed project to support indigenous women entrepreneurs in Joypurhat
A Canada-backed project has launched in Joypurhat to help women from the Kormokar and Pahan indigenous communities develop strawberry-based enterprises and sustainable livelihoods.
The initiative, titled "Empowering Indigenous Women and Enhancing Market Access Through Value-Added Strawberry-Based Enterprise Development", was formally launched with an agreement signed on 30 July, according to a press release, inviting local partners to support the project.
Supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) of the High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh, the project aims to create entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and dignified livelihoods for vulnerable indigenous women in the district.
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Daahuk — Research & Development Organisation will implement the project by establishing a research-based cooperative model to help indigenous community members strengthen organisational capacity, acquire skills, and develop value-added strawberry products.
The initiative will promote safe cultivation practices, research and development, product innovation and market linkages.
People's Union of the Marginalised Development Organisation (PUMDO) will serve as the community engagement partner, helping ensure active participation, local ownership and meaningful involvement of indigenous women throughout the project.
Project Director and Researcher Magfi Reza Siddique described the initiative as a bridge to opportunities for marginalised indigenous communities in northern Bangladesh.
"Their long-standing vulnerabilities and challenges require deeper attention and sustainable solutions. Alongside social and economic barriers, climate-related challenges also demand innovative approaches," he said.
"We believe this initiative can become a reference model for other plainland indigenous communities in Bangladesh by demonstrating how research, cooperative leadership and market-based solutions can create lasting change."
The project seeks to go beyond strawberry cultivation by building confidence, strengthening community ties and creating opportunities for indigenous women to become entrepreneurs and take leading roles in their own development.
Through cooperative action and innovation, the initiative aims to promote resilience, dignity and sustainable economic opportunities among indigenous communities in northern Bangladesh.
