By Maruf Hossain Milon and Protima Chakraborty, Shyamnagar
A handicraft Fair and women’s gathering were held recently at Gopalpur village in Shyamnagar, Satkhira, to mark International Rural Women’s Day.
The event was jointly organized by Green Coalition, Gopalpur Rishipara Organization, and Gopalpur Palli Samaj Youth Women’s Group, with support from BARCIK.
A total of 12 stalls showcased coastal women’s handmade crafts, including bamboo and cane products, jute handicrafts, eco-friendly bags, coconut-shell decorations, shell jewelry, clay utensils, local food items, and embroidery and quilt works.
The fair was inaugurated by senior community member Keshab Das. Earlier, a women’s gathering was presided over by Green Coalition vice-president and ward councilor Deloara Begum. Among the speakers included: Madhab Chandra Mondal, assistant teacher at Chingrakhali Secondary School, Karnofuli Rani Das, Basanti Rani, Putul Rani, Niranjan Das, and BARCIK staff members Protima Rani, Biswajit Mondal, and Maruf Hossain Milon.
At the event the speakers emphasized that rural women in coastal areas face daily challenges from climate change, salinity, and storms, yet continue to contribute economically and culturally to their families and communities. Their resilience, they noted, is an inspiration for sustainable development.
They also highlighted that such fairs encourage women’s entrepreneurship, expand market access for their handmade products, and strengthen women’s economic empowerment which is key to building resilient families and communities.
Local entrepreneur Putul Rani said, “Our handmade products are in demand. These fairs help us understand market prices, connect directly with buyers, and boost our confidence. However, due to increasing salinity, bamboo cultivation has declined, making raw materials more expensive.”
The day-long event included discussions, cultural performances, experience sharing, and product exhibitions. Around 150 local men and women participated in the colorful gathering, transforming the historic Gopalpur banyan courtyard into a vibrant celebration of rural women’s creativity and resilience.
