Project timeline: 2024-2026 
Focus area: Bangladesh

Phulki is a non-profit organisation working with women and families in Bangladesh to improve everyday conditions and opportunities. Through community-based programmes, the organisation creates access to knowledge, safer spaces, and practical tools for daily life.

Since early 2025, BESTSELLER Foundation has backed female workers and their children through a women’s café, established in partnership with Phulki. The café creates a safe space where women receive counselling, develop life skills, and gain the knowledge needed to navigate labour rights and stand up to gender-based violence and harassment.

Women from underprivileged urban communities in Bangladesh face significant barriers to entering and remaining in the workforce, limiting their economic independence and increasing their vulnerability to poverty. Many lack access to market-relevant skills,

financial literacy, and health information, while gender discrimination, workplace harassment, unequal opportunities, and unpaid caregiving responsibilities further restrict their participation in decent employment.

This initiative brings women together to build confidence and a sense of community. Access to childcare makes it possible for women to take part, while shared activities and training give them space to reflect, learn, and support each other. 

Learn more about Phulki here.