“I am not educated. I didn’t have an education. All I have to offer is courage.”

Morjina Baski. Credit: Transform Trade/ Tarik Rahman Emon

Morjina Baski is the leader of a group of 52 women in Nachole, Bangladesh. Against a backdrop of discrimination, unequal pay and limited opportunities, Morjina and the women in her collective are standing up for their rights and building new business opportunities in the toughest economic conditions.

They’ve been so successful that the people sitting in public offices now come to Morjina for her advice and for her connections with the community. She says:

“I always try to help my fellow villagers, whatever purpose it might be. If anyone needs to go to the hospital, they seek my help because I will not only take them to the proper place, but I can arrange for some extra care because people at these places know and trust me. I try to maintain contact with the doctors, police, and lawyers in our area.”

Having worked as a day labourer in rural Bangladesh, Morjina Baski has faced discrimination.

"After toiling from dawn to dusk in the field, I would receive only BDT 200 taka as wage, whereas my fellow male labourers would get minimum BDT 300. Women like me had no other choice than to accept this discrimination.”

Now leader of her community group, she's demanding change:

“The people sitting in these public offices need to work for all - rich or poor.”

Morjina did not initially intend to take on this role, but her leadership qualities shone through as she advocated for her community.

“I am not educated. I didn’t have an education. All I have to offer is courage.”

The courage the Morjina shows is exactly what the world needs - the bravery to stand against injustice - and build a better system. Our role is to partner with people like Morjina, so that together we can transform trade so everybody benefits.