Minu Begum, Biborton (Bangladesh)

Biborton paper produces hand made paper using jute, water hyacinths and hemp. They have a number of buyers, all are fair trade buyers, and last year sold over two hundred and fifty thousand dollars worth of product. Biborton was formed in 1993 with 3 producers, now 15 years later they employ 79 full time workers and 40 part-time, all are women. Biborton is located near Agailjhara, a six hour drive from Dhaka. It is an impressive operation with what looked to be pleasant working conditions. The women are paid by the piece, some are employed making paper while others put together paper products ie journals. There is a minimum amount of product that must be produced daily, however, I was told that the minimum requirement is reasonable. The employees work an eight hour day with one hour off for lunch and last year, in addition to their pay, received a bonus of $400.00.

The existence of Biborton has brought direct growth to the village in the form of a grocery store and two small restaurants.

Minu Begum (picture not yet available) was one of the three original producers at Biborton and lives within walking distance of the organization. Her demeanor is one of quiet confidence. She told me that when she started at Biborton they had only a small space with a dirt floor and that she had to learn everything from scratch. Minu said it took her a long time before she felt she had mastered the skills needed. She now works as a product maker and is one of the top earners at Biborton. Minu didn’t elaborate on her life before starting at Biborton but told me that she had been very poor and often worried about having enough to eat.

Minu is married and has two teenaged daughters. Her husband works as a mechanic fixing the engines on small boats. Both her daughters have completed high school, level 10. Her youngest daughter, who is 17, was married last year. Her older daughter, who is 19, plans to attend university and says that she’ll never marry. Minu believes that she will change her mind about marrying. Minu believes that both her daughters are quite creative and will probably end up working as artisans, possibly at Biborton. The family all live together in a house that they inherited from Minu’s in laws. They have a small vegetable garden.

I asked Minu if she likes her work at Biborton, she replied that although she didn’t always like the work she feels a strong commitment to Biborton. She wants very much to help other women settle into Biborton and enjoys training new employees.

Interview by Petrea.

Some images from Biborton:

Welcoming committee at Biborton

Making paper from silk

Paper drying in the sun