SWAPNO Turns Survival into a Family Enterprise

Through Strengthening Women’s Ability for Productive New Opportunities (SWAPNO), a government initiative implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the government of Sweden and Marico Bangladesh, what began as one woman’s fight to survive has become a thriving family enterprise in Jamalpur district of Bangladesh. 

Today, 40-year-old Fotikjan Begum works side by side with her elderly mother and eldest son, transforming their home into a shared space of production, learning, and income.

But the journey to this point was not easy.

After losing her husband, 10 years back while she was pregnant with her second child, Fotikjan was left to raise her sons alone while caring for her aging mother, with little financial security to rely on. 

Like many women-headed households in rural Bangladesh, she took on whatever work she could find, often unstable and poorly paid, just to keep her family afloat. Making ends meet was a daily struggle, and the future felt uncertain.

Over time, Fotikjan returned to a skill she had known for years: crafting bamboo and cane products. What began as a modest effort to earn a little extra income gradually became the foundation for rebuilding her livelihood.

Her turning point came when she became part of SWAPNO. Through the project, Fotikjan received training in entrepreneurship and digital business management, along with financial and equipment support. Rather than starting from scratch, she used this support to strengthen and expand what she had already begun, turning a survival strategy into a sustainable business.

Today, the impact of SWAPNO extends across three generations in Fotikjan’s household.

Her home has evolved into a small production hub, where bamboo baskets, trays, and sieves are crafted with care. Fotikjan leads the production process, while her mother assists with preparation and finishing. 

Her eldest son plays an equally important role, managing accounts and records using digital tools introduced through the project, all while balancing his studies. What was once an individual struggle is now a shared family effort, generating a steady monthly income of around BDT 15,000 (USD 123).

Beyond home-based production, Fotikjan has confidently stepped into local markets, spaces where women’s presence is still uncommon in many rural areas. She regularly negotiates with buyers, takes advance orders, and travels to sell her products. Her growing confidence reflects not only improved skills, but a shift in how she sees herself: as a businesswoman and decision-maker.

Looking ahead, Fotikjan has clear ambitions. She hopes to expand production, reach larger markets, and create income opportunities for others in her community. With the foundation built through SWAPNO, she sees a future that extends beyond survival.

Stories like hers reflect what UNDP is working to achieve across rural Bangladesh, supporting vulnerable women with skills, confidence, and access to finance so they can move beyond short-term survival. 

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