A Vision Rooted in Dignity and Independence

Established in memory of the late Ayesha Abed, the Foundation embodies her enduring vision, one where rural women’s artistry becomes a pathway to economic independence, cultural dignity, and sustainable livelihoods. She understood that behind every woven thread, embroidered motif, and printed surface lived more than technique; there was resilience, imagination, and generations of inherited knowledge.

Late Ayesha Abed

Ayesha Abed Foundation, Jamalpur

Specialized Hands, Shared Excellence

From hand embroidery and block printing to screen printing and natural dyeing, artisans work across specialized sections, refining their mastery to create a diverse and sophisticated range of products.

Artisans (from the left to right: Rojoni, Afsana, Bithi, Sumaiya, Khadija) from Ayesha Abed Foundation and Sub-centres, Magura

 

Stories Stitched, Printed, and Dyed

Nakshi Kantha, stitched entirely by hand, unfolds layered narratives; screen printing merges precision with contemporary expression; naturally dyed fabrics echo generations of skill, perseverance, and cultural memory. Each creation reflects not only technical excellence, but also the quiet pride of a woman whose creativity sustains her family and uplifts her community.

Crafts across Bangladesh

Artisan working in hand embroidery section

Vibrant frames of Screen printing

Beyond the Loom: Empowerment in Practice

Beyond craftsmanship, the Foundation represents a broader commitment to empowerment and lasting change. Artisans are supported far beyond the production floor, through access to BRAC schools for their children, essential healthcare services and regular check-ups, and microfinance opportunities that help families navigate crises or invest in their future. Together, these measures strengthen households, transforming skill into security and expanding the ripple effects of empowerment throughout entire communities.

Glimpse of indigo dying preparation

 

Sustainability Grounded in Tradition

Sustainability is woven deeply into this philosophy. Natural dyes derived from turmeric, indigo, and flower petals ground each creation in the wisdom of the earth, uniting ancestral practices with contemporary responsibility. Here, tradition and innovation coexist, safeguarding not only the craft itself but also the land that sustains it.

                        Artisans (from the left to right: Afsana, Beauty and Nihari) from three generations working on the Nakshi Kantha

Passing the Thread Forward

Across generations, the story continues. Experienced hands guide younger ones through the delicate rhythms of handmade creation, ensuring that heritage remains alive, not preserved in stillness, but renewed through every stitch. This is the enduring spirit of the Ayesha Abed Foundation: resilience refined, artistry honored, and hope shaped into something tangible.

To know more: https://www.brac.net/stay-informed/the-good-feed/ayesha-abed-the-soul-of-brac/