Living in a remote village in southern Bangladesh, sisters, Sara and Rani, seemed to have little hope for income generation. After their father abandoned the family to remarry, the sisters needed to find a reliable source of income in order to keep their home and care for their mother. That is when their local Salvation Army officer - the host of their much-loved Home League meetings - presented an opportunity to work.
The Salvation Army's social enterprise, Others (also known as Sally Ann), generates fair income for trade and skills in several communities. The Salvation Army equips artisans with the tools and materials required and provides a fair by-the-piece income. For women, much of this work can be realistically balanced with existing family responsibilities.
With the support of their nearby corps officers (church ministers), they quickly engaged in the enterprise. Their system is simple yet efficient; one sister cuts and sews the heart-shaped ornaments, and the other sister embroiders with threads of white, red, blue, gold and green. Together they combine their skills and maximise their shared income.
The sisters continue attend Home League meetings to spend time with other women from the village. Home League provides a safe and comforting space where they can congregate discuss the things that matter to them, from their favourite fabric suppliers to the challenges of caring a newborn baby!
As well as purchasing a cow, livestock and health and household items over the years, Sara – the older sister – was quick to add that the sisters have each bought a pair of earrings with their earnings! These purchases represent the hope, future and dignity that has been found by these sisters and their family. Their story is beautifully repeated across the many women who have been equipped to fulfil their potential, trading for hope with Others, and experience mutually enriching relationships through Home League meetings.
