Zakat for Migrant Women's Economic Empowerment

SUMMARY

Due to climate change, river erosion, floods, and the loss of rural livelihoods, rapid migration from rural areas to overpopulated cities like Dhaka has significantly increased unemployment and poverty, particularly among women. Through the SHOKKHOM NARI program, OBHIZATRIK Foundation is utilizing Zakat funds to support 370 migrant women with income generating assets, skills training and continuous monitoring. The project enables women to earn sustainably, support their families and live with dignity and self-reliance.

CHALLENGE

The lack of farming land and rural employment has driven many families to migrate to cities in search of work. However, limited job opportunities in urban areas have further increased unemployment and poverty. Migrant women are among the most affected groups, often lacking education, vocational skills, and sustainable income opportunities.

Widows and women who have been abandoned by their families face particularly severe economic hardship, struggling to meet even their most basic needs with dignity. The intersecting challenges of displacement, poverty, and gender inequality create significant barriers to their socioeconomic advancement.

SOLUTION

The project employs Zakat funds to provide migrant women with practical income-generating assets, targeted vocational training, and regular follow-up monitoring through the SHOKKHOM NARI initiative. OBHIZATRIK Foundation distributes essential equipment including sewing machines, kitchen appliances, and livestock, based on each beneficiary's skills and interests, enabling them to start or strengthen small businesses.

Support categories under this initiative include:

• Tailoring tools and equipment for home-based sewing businesses
• Small trade and food business support for home-based food enterprises
• Livestock and agricultural support for relevant beneficiaries

This approach builds practical skills, ensures stable income, and promotes long-term self-reliance. Many beneficiaries are already generating steady income through tailoring, food businesses, and livestock rearing enabling them to become financially independent contributors to their households.

LONG-TERM IMPACT

By converting Zakat into productive assets, the project works to reduce urban poverty and dependency among migrant communities. Empowered women contribute to household income, improve family well-being, and gain social confidence within their communities. The initiative is creating measurable change in the following areas:

• Financial independence:  Beneficiaries are generating independent incomes, reducing dependency on others and contributing meaningfully to household expenses.
• Decision-making power:  Economic participation has strengthened women's voice within their families and communities.
• Breaking the poverty cycle:  Sustainable livelihoods help families avoid debt and build long-term financial resilience.
• Gender equity: The program advances women's rights to equal economic opportunity and social participation.
• Community development:  Empowered women create local employment and inspire broader social and economic participation.

OBHIZATRIK Foundation is addressing ongoing challenges  such as limited market access and mobility constraints through regular follow-up visits, mentoring, and by building market linkages and local business networks. The long-term goal is to sustain a revolving fund that continues supporting new women entrepreneurs, ensuring continuous empowerment and growth over the next five years.