Ashaa: A bridge between women artisans and climate-conscious customers

Zaheen Tasfia Zuhair is on a mission to empower underprivileged women artisans while promoting sustainability in Bangladesh's social enterprise sector.

A third-semester student in the Department of Business Administration at Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), Zaheen founded Ashaa — a platform that bridges the gap between women artisans and climate-conscious customers worldwide. Her initiative demonstrates how local ingenuity can address global challenges.

The inspiration for Ashaa largely came from the gender inequality so rampant in Bangladesh and  Zaheen's own observations of economic disparity and the untapped potential of rural women artisans. 

"It struck me that while many women contribute significantly to the economy, they lack the financial independence to improve their lives. I wanted to bridge this gap while addressing sustainability," she explained.

Her project highlights a stark reality: Although 50% of rural women in Bangladesh are engaged in economic activities, only 27% achieve financial independence. Ashaa seeks to change this by leveraging technology to enhance financial inclusion and support economic independence through sustainable handicrafts.

"Ashaa is more than business — it's about creating opportunities for women to thrive. By connecting artisans with global markets and supporting them through training, supply chain management, and outreach, we aim to empower women economically and promote sustainable craftsmanship," Zaheen shared.

The platform aligns with four key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10). 

It also supports the 'Smart Society' pillar of Smart Bangladesh by providing artisans with fair wages, flexible schedules, and diverse growth opportunities.

Ashaa's mission could not be timelier. With rising awareness of environmental and social issues, ethical consumerism is gaining momentum. "The demand for socially responsible products has created a niche market that Ashaa is well-positioned to serve, both locally and globally," Zaheen said. Her platform already targets over 300,000 potential customers in the local market, with plans for international expansion.

Reflecting on her experience, Zaheen said, "Participating in this competition was an incredible journey. It gave me the opportunity to present my ideas and reinforced my belief in the importance of merging business with sustainability."

As one of the nine finalists, Zaheen received Tk1 lakh to develop Ashaa further. She plans to use the prize money to enhance the platform's online presence and expand its outreach. "The funds will help us create a more accessible and user-friendly platform, enabling us to connect with a broader audience and amplify our impact," she noted.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Zaheen offers a simple yet powerful message, "Pursue what you truly believe in. In business, many focus solely on profit, but that's not the end of the story. The key is to follow your passion. That's what truly matters."

Zaheen's innovative approach earned her a finalist spot in the Business Administration category of The Business Standard's Graduate Scholar Hunt 2024. Organised in collaboration with TBS Graduates, the competition debuted this year, encouraging students to develop creative solutions with tangible, real-world impact.