The Zonta Club of Dhaka III, Bangladesh, has launched a new project to empower Garo women in Modhupur, about 100 miles from the capital, through sustainable craft training.

In the Garo community, women often shoulder full responsibility for their families. To help improve their livelihoods, the club is providing skills training for 20 women every four months to create bamboo items such as trays, lampshades and coasters. Once trained, the women can sell their products, gaining financial independence and stability.

The club president, past governor and members of the club attended the opening ceremony of the project, which aims to ensure better access to food, housing, healthcare and education for participants and their families. The initiative also promotes respect, empowerment and freedom from violence through economic independence.