Biography of Farhana Rashid: Founder and CEO of Bhumijo- Entrepreneur
Farhana Rashid: Transforming Public Sanitation in Bangladesh
A Vision Rooted in Personal Experience
Growing up in Bangladesh, Farhana Rashid witnessed firsthand
the struggles many women, including her family members, faced due to the lack
of safe and hygienic public toilets. Women often avoided drinking water or cut
their activities short just to avoid the ordeal of using poorly maintained
facilities. These experiences left an indelible impression on Rashid, driving
her to envision a future where such indignities would no longer be part of
everyday life.
Academic Foundations in Sustainable Urban Planning
Rashid’s academic journey began at the Bangladesh University
of Engineering and Technology (BUET), where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in
Architecture. Her passion for urban development and social equity later led her
to pursue a Master’s in Sustainable Urban Planning and Design at KTH Royal
Institute of Technology in Sweden. Her master’s thesis focused on the
resilience of Dhaka’s agricultural systems, equipping her with a deep
understanding of urban dynamics and sustainability challenges
Founding Bhumijo: A Bold Solution
In 2016, Rashid founded Bhumijo, a social enterprise
dedicated to addressing the dire state of public sanitation in Bangladesh.
Starting with the country’s first women-only toilet at Gausia Market in Dhaka,
Bhumijo redefined what public sanitation could look like. The organization
focused on creating clean, safe, and accessible facilities, particularly for
women, children, and people with disabilities, setting a benchmark for
inclusive urban design.
Scaling Impact Through Innovation
What began as a pilot project grew into a network of 43
facilities across Bangladesh. Bhumijo now serves over 6,000 users daily through
its centers located in markets, hospitals, and tourist spots. By incorporating
technology-enabled smart management and sustainability-focused business models,
Bhumijo ensures uninterrupted access to hygienic sanitation services for urban
communities, particularly the poor.
Biography of Farhana Rashid: Founder and CEO of Bhumijo- Entrepreneur/public sanitation solutions/age/net worth/startup/Bhumijo story
Tackling a National Crisis
Bangladesh has made strides in improving water and
sanitation access, but urban areas like Dhaka still face critical shortages.
With a population exceeding 20 million, the city had only 49 public toilets
when Bhumijo began its work. Most of these were in disrepair, leaving citizens
with few options. Rashid’s leadership brought attention to this crisis,
sparking a movement to reimagine public sanitation.
Empowering Women Through Design
Central to Bhumijo’s mission is the empowerment of women. By
designing facilities that prioritize safety and hygiene, Rashid addressed a
deeply ingrained social inequity. Women no longer had to compromise their
health or dignity due to inadequate sanitation infrastructure. This approach
not only improved daily lives but also created opportunities for women to
engage more fully in education, work, and community activities.
Collaborative Partnerships for Change
Bhumijo’s success lies in its collaborative approach. The
organization works closely with government agencies to utilize public land and
partners with private businesses to ensure operational sustainability. By
fostering these relationships, Rashid has built a model that is both scalable
and impactful, paving the way for long-term solutions to Bangladesh’s
sanitation challenges.
Recognizing Achievements
In 2024, Farhana Rashid received the prestigious Waislitz
Global Citizen Award, recognizing her groundbreaking efforts to solve
Bangladesh’s public toilet crisis. This accolade highlighted the transformative
impact of Bhumijo’s work and brought global attention to the need for equitable
sanitation solutions.
Beyond Sanitation: A Holistic Approach
Bhumijo’s mission goes beyond providing access to toilets.
By improving sanitation, the organization addresses broader issues such as
public health, gender equality, and urban livability. Clean and accessible
toilets reduce health risks, foster dignity, and contribute to a more inclusive
urban environment for all.
Inspiring a New Generation
Farhana Rashid’s journey is a testament to the power of
thoughtful design and social entrepreneurship. Her work at Bhumijo has inspired
a new generation of changemakers to tackle urban challenges with innovation and
compassion. Through her unwavering commitment, Rashid has shown that even the
most overlooked issues, like public toilets, can be transformed into pathways
for social progress.
Timeline of Farhana Rashid's Journey
Early Life: Witnessed the challenges of inadequate public
sanitation for women in Bangladesh.
2010s: Earned a Bachelor’s in Architecture from BUET.
2015: Completed a Master’s in Sustainable Urban Planning and
Design at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden.
2016: Founded Bhumijo, focusing on inclusive public
sanitation solutions.
2016: Opened Bangladesh's first women-only public toilet in
Dhaka's Gausia Market.
2020s: Expanded Bhumijo to manage 43 facilities, serving
6,000+ users daily.
2024: Received the Waislitz Global Citizen Award for
transformative contributions to public sanitation.
Present: Continues scaling Bhumijo’s impact and inspiring
urban innovations.
