Oporajita, meaning "undefeated" in Bengali, is a pioneering collective impact initiative designed to empower women garment workers in Bangladesh amid the challenges of climate change, automation, and evolving global trade dynamics in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector. Led by the H&M Foundation and co-funded by entities like COS for specific components, the project addresses gender-based violence (GBV), promotes equitable household relationships, and fosters economic independence through safe spaces, skill development, and entrepreneurial opportunities. At its core, Oporajita establishes Women Friendly Spaces (WFS) in communities like Jirabo, Kashimpur, Goiripur, and Jamirdia in Gazipur and Savar districts. These spaces offer psychosocial counseling, GBV referral services, and skill-building sessions on topics such as stress management, nutrition, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), and problem-solving. Couples' workshops focus on marital communication, mutual respect, masculinity, and shared decision-making, encouraging behavioral shifts among husbands to support more equal partnerships.
5000 working and out-of-work women garment workers accessed Women Friendly Spaces (WFS) and received services and sessions on GBV, stress management, problem-solving, SRHR, and nutrition.
4000 women received psychosocial counseling and GBV referral services, equipping them with tools for stress management, better interpersonal relationships, and enhanced resilience.
280 couples were reached and sensitized on GBV and social norms through workshops and community engagement, fostering more equitable household dynamics.
800 of women received skills and knowledge on entrepreneurship development, financial literacy
200 women received trade-based skills training
Operationalize the four model cafés
Mahmuda Begum, 25, from Netrokona, left her garment job after her son’s birth but longed to regain financial independence. When CARE Bangladesh introduced the Oporajita project’s Women-Friendly Space, she eagerly joined and learned about women’s rights, empowerment, and self-reliance. Motivated, she started a tailoring and fabric business with 7,000 BDT, now earning 700–800 BDT daily with capital exceeding 50,000 BDT. Mahmuda trains other women, manages her finances confidently, and even intervened to prevent a local abduction. Grateful to CARE, she says, “The Oporajita project opened my eyes and heart, it gave me confidence, dignity, and strength.”
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