Cutting through barriers: Tania’s journey as a furniture-maker

The first time Tania picked up a saw, her hands trembled. Not from the weight of the tool, but from the weight of everyone's stares. In the bustling, male-dominated furniture market of Cox’s Bazar, a woman building a chair was something people stopped to watch. But Tania had a daughter to feed and a future to build. With a deep breath, she focused on the piece of wood in front of her, drowning out the doubts and starting her first cut.

30 September 2025

Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh -  Tania Akter grew up in a busy household in Shah Fakir Bazar, Eidgaon, Cox’s Bazar, as the middle child of six. She saw her father leave for the salt factory every day and her mother work tirelessly at home. Tania longed to lighten their load and help her family. But life moved quickly, and she was married before she ever had the chance to earn a single taka.

After marriage, Tania became a mother to a daughter. However, her married life soon turned into a nightmare. When her marriage became unbearable, she made the brave choice to leave after three years of her marriage. She returned to her parents’ home with her young daughter, burdened by despair.

Then, a spark of hope arrived at her door. A team from an organization called RISDA told her about a unique training program. They were offering a chance to learn how to make wood furniture.

Tania was shocked. Furniture making? That was a man’s job. The workshops were loud, dusty places filled with men. How could she possibly fit in? Fear almost held her back.

When she reached the master craftsperson's (MCP) shop, she found two other young women, similar to her, participating as well. Encouraged by their presence, Tania decided to join the training. The three women eventually started their training together in a male-dominant market at "SM Furniture Mart".

© ILO/Humayun Kabir Khan

Every cut and polish brings her closer to the independence she once thought impossible.

For six months, Tania and her new friends learned everything. They learned to measure, to cut, to sand, and to build. Their hands grew strong. The noise of the saws and hammers became the sound of a new beginning.

Surviving in a non-conventional trade for women is not a piece of cake. It was hard work, but it paid off. The day she finished her training, she was offered a job right there at the shop. Her monthly salary would be 8,000 taka.

The day she received her first paycheck, Tania felt a feeling she could barely describe. It was more than money. It was independence. The woman who once had to rely on others was now standing on her own two feet.

© ILO/Humayun Kabir Khan

With her first paycheck, Tania not only supports her daughter but also stands tall as her family’s pride.

Her first thought was for her daughter. She could now buy her books, clothes, and good food. Then, with the rest of the money, she did something that filled her with immense pride. She walked over to her father and handed him the remaining cash. She was no longer a burden. She was a pillar of support for her entire family.

Tania’s story is a powerful lesson in courage. She faced doubt, fear, and hardship. But she did not give up. She stepped into a world that said “no” to women and she proved them wrong. Her story shows us that with determination, no obstacle is too big to overcome.