Growing up in her rural village in Rangpur, Momena did not go to school, and her father's income was barely enough to provide for the family. When she was widowed later in life, Momena and her four children found themselves caught in this cycle of entrenched poverty.
In 2003, Momena was identified for assistance through BRAC's Challenging the Frontiers of Poverty Reduction program, which targets the extreme poor. The program offers assistance for a range of enterprises, including productive assets such as livestock. Momena received a daily allowance, two cows and was trained in caring for her cattle. When Momena fell ill, the program helped to safeguard her income gains by providing medical care and financial support.
With the money she earned from the sale of milk from her cows, Momena was able to buy some chickens and began to sell eggs. Sales of produce from her animals brought in a small, but regular, flow of income.
When Momena graduated from the Challenging the Frontiers of Poverty Reduction program, she was able to access the BRAC Village Organisation where she could save money and access loans. As she achieved her goals and repaid each loan, Momena's confidence grew. Momena now has her own parcel of land and has built a house for herself with a well for safe drinking water and a sanitary latrine. She has also helped her son establish a rickshaw business which is bringing in extra income.
Eight years ago Momena was begging for money to feed her children. Today, Momena holds a position of respect in her village and is seen as an example for other woman to move out of extreme poverty with confidence and hard work. Access to support when she was at her most vulnerable has changed Momena's life so that she now has food security and a sustainable source of income.
AusAID has supported BRAC's poverty reduction programs since 2002. In 2012, AusAID entered into a Strategic Partnership Arrangement with BRAC and the UK Government which includes support to the Challenging the Frontiers of Poverty Reduction program.