Photo : BSS

SHARIATPUR, June 20, 2026 (BSS) - Saima Akhter, a woman from the economically disadvantaged village of Ganganagar in Sadar upazila, has emerged as a 
successful entrepreneur through her determination, hard work, and commitment to self-reliance.

Born into an ordinary family, Saima was married at the age of 14 due to her father's financial hardships. Despite the challenges of managing her 
household after marriage, she continued her education and successfully completed her graduation through perseverance and dedication.

After completing her studies, Saima spent a long time searching for employment but was unable to secure a suitable job. Determined to fulfill her 
lifelong dream, she enrolled in beautification and beauty-care training under the Raise Project of the voluntary development organization SDS.

Following the training, she worked at a beauty parlor for a modest salary. However, the income was insufficient to support her family. At the same time, 
her husband, Delwar Shah, who had been well-established in the dealership business, suffered a major financial setback when his business collapsed, 
leaving the family burdened with debts amounting to Taka 20 lakh.

Faced with these challenges, Saima decided to start her own business. Using her personal savings, she launched a beauty salon named "Sajghar Makeover" in 
Ganganagar Bazar near her home. Later, she expanded the business with a loan of Taka 60,000 from the SDS Raise Project.

The journey was not easy. Saima encountered numerous obstacles and social challenges in the early stages of her business. However, her determination, 
patience, and strong work ethic enabled her to overcome every hurdle.

Today, Saima is recognized as a successful entrepreneur in the beautification sector. Her salon employs five people on a regular basis, and after meeting 
all operational expenses, including employee salaries and rent, she earns more than Taka 40,000 per month.

Her success has also helped her husband regain financial stability. With Saima's support, Delwar Shah now owns four mango orchards containing Langra, 
Bari-4, and Haribhanga varieties. The family reportedly earns around Taka 40 lakh annually from the orchards.

Speaking to BSS, Saima said her educational journey after marriage played a crucial role in her success.

"If I had not continued my studies after marriage, I would not have come this far. I want my two sons to receive the highest level of education," she said.

Beyond her personal achievements, Saima has become a source of inspiration for women in her community. Understanding the challenges faced by unemployed 
rural women, she provides training opportunities at her salon. Two women are currently receiving skill-development training, while several former trainees 
have already secured jobs and become self-reliant.

One of her trainees, Swarna Akhter, said, "I was unemployed before receiving training from Saima Apa. My family struggled financially. Now I have become 
self-reliant and can support my family."

Local residents have praised Saima's achievements and social contributions.

Anwar Hossain, a homeopathic doctor from Jajira Bazar, said, "Many people run beauty parlors, but very few have achieved the level of success that Saima 
has. Her honesty, dedication, and hard work have made her a role model for others."

Abubakar Siddique, a grocery trader in Ganganagar Bazar, described Saima as an inspiration for rural women.

"She rose from a very poor background through efficiency and determination. She not only works herself but also teaches others and creates opportunities 
for unemployed women," he said.

Saima has also invested in agriculture and purchased 40 decimals of farmland in her locality through her business earnings. Looking ahead, she plans to 
expand her entrepreneurial activities by opening a food hotel, where she hopes to create employment opportunities for more women.

"I never felt helpless despite facing many hardships. My confidence brought me to this stage. I want to expand the beautification business among women 
and help them become self-reliant," She told BSS.

Abu Aslam, coordinator of the SDS Raise Project, said the organisation provided technical support, training, and an initial loan of Taka 60,000 to 
Saima.

"She successfully repaid the loan through her business and has become self-reliant. We are proud of her achievements," he added.

Saima Akhter's story stands as a remarkable example of women's empowerment and entrepreneurship, demonstrating how training, confidence, and 
perseverance can transform lives and create opportunities for others.