From Hardship To Hope Changing Lives and Protecting the Environment

For Morzina Akter and Babita Akter, life was once a relentless struggle. Born into poverty, they faced constant financial hardship, uncertain futures, and limited opportunities. But their journey took a turn for the better when they joined Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC, a company at the forefront of sustainable innovation in Bangladesh. Through the collaborative efforts of Walton, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Department of Environment (DoE), with funding support from the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol, they found not just jobs but a pathway to empowerment and resilience.

The Montreal Protocol and HPMP Initiative

The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, aims to phase out ozone-depleting substances. As part of this, Bangladesh launched the HPMP Stage-II, where Walton, with UNDP and DoE’s support, switched to eco-friendly refrigerants (R-290 and R-32) in AC production. This transition reduced 222 metric tons of harmful emissions and made Walton’s air conditioners 46% more energy-efficient, cutting electricity use and benefiting both people and the planet.

A Second Chance at Life

For Morzina Akter, Walton became her lifeline during the darkest period of her life. After her husband’s tragic accident and passing, she was left alone with her young son, buried under debt and uncertainty. With no home and no clear future, she found strength in her job at Walton. This opportunity was made possible through the HPMP Stage-II initiative, which not only advanced environmental goals but also created stable employment for many. Over the years, she steadily repaid her debts, built financial stability, and saved with the hope of one day buying land for her son. Walton’s commitment to providing stable employment and professional growth allowed her to regain control of her life.

Babita Akter’s story echoes a similar resilience. Born into poverty, she had to drop out of school to support her family. When she got married, financial struggles continued, but her job at Walton provided much-needed stability. Through her earnings, she not only secured a better life for her children—sending them to school—but also managed to start saving, something she had never thought possible.

Empowering Lives, One Job at a Time

The HPMP Stage-II project has done more than just promote environmental sustainability—it has also created over 1,500 green jobs, providing a lifeline to many like Morzina and Babita. Walton, in line with UNDP’s commitment to gender equality, has also worked to increase female participation in the workforce, raising the proportion of women employees from 2% to 7%. By integrating gender considerations into its operations, the project has played a role in breaking barriers for women in Bangladesh’s manufacturing sector.

A Future of Possibilities

As Walton continues to lead the industry with eco-friendly technology, the partnership with UNDP and DoE remains evidence of how development initiatives can simultaneously tackle climate change and improve lives. Morzina and Babita’s journeys highlight the power of stable employment in transforming not just individual lives but entire communities. Thanks to this initiative, they have been able to rise above their circumstances, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.

In Bangladesh, the fight against climate change is not just about policies and protocols—it’s about people. It’s about women like Morzina and Babita, who, through perseverance and opportunity, are now writing their own success stories.