The inspiring women of Purba Sayera, a rural village in Bagerhat, Bangladesh, are showing us what resilience looks like in action.
With support and leadership training from The Hunger Project–Bangladesh, a small group of women came together to look closely at the challenges their village was facing. From that shared understanding, they planted the seeds of something powerful: a women-led community group focused on creating long-term solutions.
What began with just 10 women has grown into a team of 30 local leaders who are transforming life in their village—from how food is grown to how decisions are made.
They started a cooperative farm, growing vegetables and raising poultry using all-organic methods that protect the soil and environment. When they needed a better way to water their crops, they installed solar-powered irrigation—cutting down on fuel costs and keeping their farm running during power outages.
But their story doesn’t stop at food. These women have also taken control of their finances. They opened a group bank account—managed by three elected members—and make decisions together about how to invest in their farms, their homes, and small women-led businesses.
The biggest change, though, has been social. Many of these women were once expected to stay quiet and at home. Today, they lead community planning meetings, run businesses and one member even holds a local government position. The support of their husbands, once uncertain, has turned into full partnership.
And their results are real:
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Every child in their village is in school.
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No child marriages have taken place.
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There are no cases of gender-based violence.
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Every household has access to basic services.
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The women continue to plan, reflect, and improve. They’re learning about biogas energy and expanding their climate work. Their motto, “Equality is our religion,” guides everything they do—ensuring that everyone is included, no matter their gender, background or beliefs.
The women of Purba Sayera are farmers, yes—and they are builders of hope. They are proving that when women are empowered to lead, entire communities can rise.
This is what Sowing Resilience means: nurturing transformation from the ground up—with people, purpose and the unstoppable power of women.
Image credit (top to bottom): Bangladesh, 2025 © The Hunger Project