Nine young women who once stitched garments and inspected production lines in factories are now walking the halls of the Asian University for Women (AUW) in Chattogram, thanks to a scholarship initiative jointly undertaken by Team Group and Spanish fashion giant Inditex.
The women, who previously worked in various junior-level positions at Team Group concerns – 4A Yarn Dyeing Ltd and Gramtech Knit Dyeing Finishing & Garments Industries Ltd – had completed their Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) but had to abandon studies due to family responsibilities.
University education remained an unfulfilled dream until the scholarship opened new opportunities.
Under the programme, the nine workers were selected through an exam facilitated by Team Group.
They have already begun a five-year academic journey at AUW, which includes a two-year foundation course followed by a three-year undergraduate programme.
Inditex will cover all tuition fees, accommodation, meals, and provide a monthly stipend for the students’ families throughout the duration of their studies.
The beneficiaries include former quality inspectors Nishat Anjum Nijhum, Sumaiya Akter, and Trisha Moni; operators Sumaiya Misu and Sumaiya Khatun; junior operators Mousume Akter and Tania Akther; needle issue worker Nipa Moni Akter; and Mumtarin Ferdous, who worked as a peon.
Deputy Managing Director of Team Group Abdullah Hil Nakib expressed optimism about their future:
“I really hope to see them successful in the coming years. And also like to see all of them as stars in the unlimited sky of Team Group.”
He added that the women will not return to their previous roles after graduation:
“When these individuals complete their degrees and return to Team Group, they won’t be walking back to the same positions they left. Rather they’ll return as officers, managers, and leaders.
This is what empowerment looks like when it moves beyond words into transformative action.”
