Mohima Begum breaks barriers

In the coastal district of Bhola, where concerns over cyberbullying, online blackmail and digital privacy are steadily increasing, a young woman is transforming the lives of local women through an unconventional profession. Mohima Begum, a trained smartphone technician, is not only repairing mobile phones but also helping create a safer digital space for women by protecting their personal information and restoring their confidence in technology.

For many women, handing over a mobile phone to a repair shop can be a stressful experience. Personal photos, private messages and sensitive data are often exposed to strangers, leaving them vulnerable to privacy breaches and cybercrime. Since most mobile servicing centres are dominated by male technicians, many women hesitate to seek professional assistance when their devices malfunction.

Recognising this gap, Mohima has become a trusted name in Bhola by providing a secure and reliable smartphone repair service for women. Her work ensures that customers can have their devices repaired without compromising their privacy, making her shop a safe destination for women who value digital security.

Born into a middle-class family, Mohima dreamed of becoming financially independent. However, an unexpected family crisis forced her to discontinue her education after completing higher secondary school. Despite social barriers and financial hardship, she refused to give up on her aspirations.

A turning point came when she learned about the Recovery and Advancement of Informal Sector Employment (RAISE) project, jointly funded by the World Bank and the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and implemented by the Grameen Jano Unnayan Sangstha. Through the programme, Mohima received six months of free technical training in mobile phone servicing along with life-skills development that strengthened her confidence and prepared her for the workplace.

Her dedication and technical ability impressed her instructors, who helped her secure a position at Akter Telecom, one of Bhola's well-known mobile servicing centres. Today, she works as a professional technician, earning an average monthly income of around Tk 17,000. More importantly, she has become the primary financial support for her family while inspiring other women to pursue careers in technology.


Looking ahead, Mohima dreams of establishing her own mobile phone servicing centre where she can train and employ disadvantaged women, enabling them to become skilled technicians and entrepreneurs. She hopes her journey will encourage more women to enter technology-based professions and contribute to building a safer digital environment.

Her story demonstrates that digital security is not achieved through legislation alone. Empowering women with technical skills, employment opportunities and trusted community services can play an equally important role in reducing cyber risks while promoting economic independence. Mohima Begum's journey is a powerful example of how one determined woman can drive meaningful change, proving that technology can become a tool for both empowerment and protection.