We are incredibly excited and proud to share the inspiring story of Ms. Shirajum Munira, founder and CEO of the eco-friendly jute handicraft enterprise, Sutar Kabbo. Shirajum Munira has been recognized with the prestigious "Outstanding Women in Business" award at the DHL-The Daily Star Bangladesh Business Awards, a testament to her profound impact on rural women's empowerment and sustainable entrepreneurship.
Born in Thakurgaon in 1980, Munira's journey is one of dedication and resilience. She holds higher secondary education from Begum Badrunnesa College and earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Linguistics from Dhaka University. Her professional background includes research roles at ICDDR,B, and currently, she serves as a Research Investigator at Lutheran Aid to Medicine in Bangladesh Hospital, Parbatipur.
Sutar Kabbo: Weaving Dreams with Jute
In 2017, with a modest capital of 10,000 Taka, Munira founded Sutar Kabbo. Her vision was clear: to create beautiful, sustainable, and eco-friendly jute handicrafts while simultaneously uplifting financially disadvantaged women in rural areas. Sutar Kabbo produces a range of exquisite products including bags, mats, baskets, and shatranji (rugs), which are sold in both local and international markets.
Overcoming Challenges to Empower
Munira's path, however, was not without significant hurdles. A major challenge was recruiting female artisans, as many of their families initially resisted the idea of them working outside the home. Undeterred, Munira patiently educated families about the benefits of her initiative and provided crucial facilities at her workshops, such as bathrooms, kitchens, childcare, and prayer rooms, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Her core objective was to utilize women's talents and create opportunities for them to achieve success.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Even amidst personal and professional challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and her daughter's battle with blood cancer, Munira remained steadfast in her commitment to Sutar Kabbo. Her unwavering resolve is truly inspiring.
By 2022, her dedication bore fruit, with Sutar Kabbo achieving a turnover of 1.85 crore Taka, a healthy profit margin of 12%, and an impressive growth rate of 20%. Today, Sutar Kabbo boasts two factory units, a training center, a showroom, and a network of 700 rural artisans.
Sutar Kabbo is a proud member of several organizations, including the SME Foundation, and has actively participated in various fairs both at home and abroad. Notably, the company received the Best Jute Product Stall Award at the 9th SME Fair, further solidifying its reputation for excellence.
Shirajum Munira's story is a powerful reminder that with vision, perseverance, and a deep commitment to community, one can achieve remarkable success while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Her award is well-deserved, celebrating not just her business acumen but her profound humanitarian impact.