By Gunjon Rema from Kalmakanda, Netrakona
Gouri Mondal of Nalchhapra village in Kalmakanda upazila has been awarded the title of “Best Indomitable Woman (Economically Successful Category)” at the upazila level on the occasion of Begum Rokeya Day 2024.
The honor was conferred by the Department of Women Affairs under the Upazila Administration in recognition of her outstanding economic contribution and environmentally friendly initiatives.
A housewife by background, Gouri began her entrepreneurial journey in 2021 after receiving training from BARCIK on making eco-friendly paper bags as an alternative to polythene. Alongside this, she also works in tailoring and bamboo crafts enabling her to earn additional cash that significantly contributes to maintain her family expenses.
Despite declining local demand for paper bags, she expanded her market to Mymensingh town, where she regularly supplies paper bags in different sizes. Using old books and notebooks purchased at BDT 60 per kg, she can produce 250–550 paper bags, with a daily capacity of over 500 bags.
Gouri Mondol is the Vice President of BARCIK’s Jagroto Nari Organization and an active member of the Green Coalition Committee. She also mentors village women in income-generating activities and has helped over 120 women access skills training through government departments. Her consistent efforts and leadership have made her a role model for rural women’s empowerment.