Nine young women who once dedicated their days to quality control, sewing operations, and production lines are now walking through university corridors with textbooks in hand instead of fabric. What once seemed like an unattainable dream has now become reality, thanks to a pioneering collaboration between Team Group and global apparel brand Inditex.
Among the beneficiaries are Nishat Anjum Nizhum (Junior Quality Inspector), Sumaiya Akter (Junior Quality Inspector), Sumaiya Misu (Junior Operator), Mousume Akter (Junior Operator), Nipa Moni Akter (Junior Sewing Issue Girl), and Mumtarin Ferdous, who worked as an office assistant at Four A Yarn Dyeing Ltd., a concern of Team Group. Additionally, Trisha Moni (Junior Quality Inspector), Tania Akter (Junior Quality Inspector), and Sumaiya Khatun (Operator at Gramtech Knit Dyeing Finishing and Garments Industries Ltd., another Team Group enterprise) have also embarked on this transformative journey.
All nine women are now pursuing higher education at the Asian University for Women (AUW) in Chattogram. Each of them had completed their Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), but financial responsibilities compelled them to enter the workforce before they could pursue further studies. A university degree had long been their aspiration—one they once believed would remain out of reach.
That aspiration has been made possible through the Inditex Scholarship, announced by Team Group to support its employees in accessing higher education. The scholarship program not only facilitated their admission examinations but also provided essential guidance throughout the evaluation process.
The women have already commenced their classes at AUW, enrolling in a five-year program consisting of a two-year foundation course followed by a three-year undergraduate degree. Inditex will cover their full tuition, accommodation, meals, and also provide a monthly stipend to support their families during the course of study.
Abdullah Hil Nakib, Deputy Managing Director of Team Group, expressed his optimism about the initiative, stating:
“I hope to see these young women achieve great success in the years ahead. They are not just students; they are stars in the limitless sky of Team Group.”
He further added:
“When they complete their degrees and return to Team Group, they will not resume the roles they left behind. Instead, they will step into new positions as officers, managers, and leaders. This initiative represents a shining example of women’s empowerment in Bangladesh’s garment industry.”
