Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Jan 11, 2025 (BSS) – The women of South Pachoun village of Srimangal upazila in Moulvibazar district become self-reliance by making toys even earn foreign currency as it is being reached children at home and abroad. 

While visiting the village, some women are seen working sitting in a round shape. They all were busy in making toys. Someone is seen weaving yarn, someone was giving last finishing to the toys, checking whether the weaving was proper or not. They all were also discussing that whose toy was looking good.

The toys are special kind of doll and it is not harmful if the children take it in their mouths. The toys have huge demand in international markets. Centering the demand, South Pachoun of Srimangal becomes a popular name. 

Several women including Jobeda, Jashoda, Rahela, Rita and Shima are seen working relentlessly in making dolls.

Climate Resilient Ecosystems and Livelihood (CREL) is providing training for two months to the local women including school and college going students on making dolls. After receiving training, women start earning from their homes by making dolls.

CREL communication officer Ilias Mahmud Polash said the local women have received two-month long training from the organization on making dolls. "They are now earning money from their homes", he said.

Rita Rani, one of the doll makers, said, "I make dolls during my leisure time. I try to work for three to four hours in the afternoon. I really enjoy the works. I also earn money through the works which helps my family."

Mohua, a college student, said, "I work here for three hours after my college. I always try to make different types of toys for the children. Many college girls like me are also working here."

Jobeda said it is not so easy to make toys. "We are making different types of toys including octopus, caterpillar, giraffe and owl. We learnt making about 200 items during our training."

CREL official Md Maniruzzaman said, "We divided the women of the village in two groups. We provided them trainings in two separate groups."

He said the programme is being run for developing the livelihood of the local women. Every woman would get Taka 30 for making an octopus-shaped doll as the all accessories including yarn is provided free of cost, he said. 

"If they can continue making dolls, they can earn Taka 20,000 to 30,000 every month", he added. 

Maniruzzaman said specially-made toys are being exported to about 37 countries across the globe. 

"About 80 percent products are being exported to the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia", he added.