Sussex development student wins global entrepreneurship award
A postgraduate student from the University of Sussex has won a global entrepreneurship award for her work helping fabric weavers in a rural village in India.
Bano Fatima, who is currently completing an MA in Development Studies at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) on campus, received the HP LIFE (Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs) Entrepreneurship Award at the Global Citizen Festival in New York on Saturday 28 September.
The award, run by HP LIFE in partnership with the Global Poverty Project – an international education and advocacy organisation – rewards the most inspiring entrepreneur whose initiative or small-scale social enterprise empowers people or communities living in the developing world, and helps solve some of the world's toughest social challenges.
Bano and her cousin Nabila Kidwai established Weaver’s Hut, a small-scale business that aims to strike at the root of social discrimination and economic exploitation commonly experienced by fabric weavers, known as ‘Julahas’, in the village of Baragaon Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh, northern India.
The organisation teaches fabric weavers to overcome societal obstacles and achieve financial success by providing them with life skills and a forum to sell their products, including in major commercial centres in Delhi.
Bano, who founded Weaver’s Hut in 2011, was nominated for the entrepreneurship award after completing the HP LIFE training programme, which provided her with the necessary technical and communication skills to make the business a success.
Through the training programme, Bano learned how to use information technology, such as Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint, set up and manage financial accounts, track expenses, and produce impactful marketing presentations that would give her social enterprise a competitive edge.
Bano said: "It was a big step for me when I decided to start Weaver's Hut. However, witnessing the little changes and happiness that it brings to the weaver community makes the decision worth every bit.
"I am glad that HP LIFE recognised this effort and has been so encouraging of the work that I am doing. I also hope that it encourages many more young people to take this route."
Bano was one of five global entrepreneurs, who took part in the HP LIFE training programme to be nominated for the award.
She was awarded the prize, which included $5,000 and a trip to New York, after winning the most votes online.