Moni Code
Moni Code was my Senior Thesis and Passion Project during my time at Pratt Institute. This initiative stemmed from extensive research I conducted to deepen my understanding of Bengali culture and examine the effects of patriarchy on women. My findings uncovered horrifying truths about issues such as child sex trafficking, the malnourishment of women, domestic abuse, and rape. At the same time, I discovered just how essential women are to Bangladesh's economy.
This realization led me to focus on the garment industry in Bangladesh, where women make up the majority of the workforce. Despite their critical role, they face numerous challenges, including withheld wages, extremely low pay, workplace abuse, unsafe working conditions, and even life-threatening hazards.
In an effort to support these women, I created Moni Code. In Bengali, "Moni" is a term of endearment for women—my grandmother and I, for instance, call each other "Nanu Moni," meaning "grandma" and "granddaughter." The word also sounds like "money" in English, making it a fitting name for this initiative, which seeks to raise funds for women in Bangladesh.
How It Works
The concept is simple yet impactful. Tags featuring Moni Code would be distributed in the U.S. and attached to clothing made in Bangladesh. When consumers purchase these garments, they’ll notice the tag. To learn more, they can scan the QR code on the tag, which directs them to a webpage where they can sign up to participate in the initiative.
By donating as little as 25 or 50 cents—an amount that seems small to us but is significant in Bangladesh, where garment workers earn around $3 a day—consumers can make a real difference.
Design and Future Vision
Every element of Moni Code, from the tags to the webpage, was designed by me. While it currently exists as a prototype, my hope is that Moni Code will one day grow into a fully realized initiative that bridges the gap between consumers and the women who make their clothes.
Through Moni Code, I aim to raise awareness about the hidden costs of fast fashion and empower the women whose labor sustains it.
