Mina Khatun has been working with the leather workers at MKS in Kolkata for just a few months, but for that short time has brought new meaning to her young life. At just 18, Mina is the sole provider for her family. Her father died a year ago. Her mother used to sell embroidery but stopped when she discovered that she was being cheated by a middleman who was not paying fairly. About that time Mina’s neighbour, who is a group leader at MKS, suggested that she try to find work with that fair trade organization.
Now, five days a week, Mina takes a train from her home village about one hour and ten minutes away and then walks from the central train station to the MKS workshop where she spends her day training in the craft of leatherwork. At the end of the day she takes the train back to her village home where her mother and three younger brothers are waiting for her.
Mina’s income from MKS not only provides food for the family but it also allows her two school-age brothers to attend classes. This role of financial provider has also put Mina in the role of head of the household, a role which this beautiful, shy girl with a heartwarming smile takes very seriously.
Interview by Sonia
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