YWCA of Dinajpur

Establishment

Dinajpur YWCA was founded through the vision and efforts of Ms. Monika Das and Ms. Cathren Mitra, who shared a strong connection with Ms. Asrukana Das and Ms. Rina Das, the General Secretary and President of Bangladesh YWCA. With a dream to establish a local branch, they began organizing efforts from a rented mud house, which served as their small office. The office setup was minimal, with just two chairs and a table.

Several dedicated women played a crucial role in the foundation of Dinajpur YWCA, including:

  1. Catherine Mitra
  2. Monika Das
  3. Nashan Marandi
  4. Dorothy Jharna Das
  5. Aarti Saha
  6. Bharti Das
  7. Krishna Lovely Das
  8. Tereja Das
  9. Rekha Rani Das
  10. Yuthika Majumdar
  11. Seema Deuri

A formal committee was later formed, with Ms. Catherine Mitra serving as the Secretary and Ms. Monika Das as the President

Official Affiliation with Bangladesh YWCA

In 1995, three representatives from Dinajpur YWCA— Ms. Nashan Marandi, Ms. Monika Das, and Ms. Christina Lovely Das—attended the Bangladesh YWCA board meeting. During this meeting, Dinajpur YWCA received official affiliation with Bangladesh YWCA, marking a significant milestone.

Initial Activities and Challenges

Dinajpur YWCA began small-scale operations in 1994, initially focusing on door-to-door outreach. Activities included:

  • Raising awareness about women’s empowerment, rights, and gender-based violence.
  • Resolving household disputes, particularly between spouses.
  • Distributing winter clothes to underprivileged children.
  • Conducting nutrition awareness programs.

Most of these initiatives were carried out by unpaid volunteers, with Ms. Nashan Marandi serving as President and Ms. Monika Das as General Secretary.

 Women’s Financial Empowerment and Savings Program

Recognizing the economic hardships faced by many women in Dinajpur, YWCA initiated a savings program. The working areas included:

  • Chatrapara
  • Baptist Mission
  • Mahut Para
  • Mission Road
  • Shantipara Kasba

Ms. Bharti Das was given the responsibility of managing the savings program, receiving a modest allowance of Tk. 300 per month. Women were encouraged to save small amounts of  10 (ten) taka per month, leading to the registration of 153 members in a single ledger. Ms. Bharti Das managed this program with exceptional dedication.

Educational Initiatives

In 1994, Dinajpur YWCA launched an informal school, initially held in an abandoned cowshed in the yard of Ms. Monika Das and Ms. Tereza Das. Ms. Jharna Das assisted in running the school. As the program grew, the school moved to different locations, including Nimtala Sweeper Colony and Mina Villa, to accommodate more students. By the time the school was at Mina Villa, it had 53 students. The first teachers included Ms. Maria Kisku, Ms. Anna Maria Mardi, and Ms. Aarti Saha.

Additionally, an adult education program was launched under the leadership of Ms. Dorothy Jharna Das, who also conducted health awareness activities within the community.

Growth of Savings Program and Microfinance (1997-1999)

In 1997, Dinajpur YWCA expanded its savings program by forming small groups of 7-10 members each in various neighborhoods. The maximum savings contribution was set at Tk. 20 per member. Bangladesh YWCA provided guidance and training to strengthen the initiative.

As of today, there are 42 active groups, with a total of 638 members participating in the savings and microfinance program.

Expansion of Educational Programs

In 1999, Dinajpur YWCA formally launched free school for underprivileged children. Initially, classes were conducted outdoors under a tree due to the lack of proper infrastructure. Over time, the program secured a more stable location in Sakridanga village, Palash bari Union, Birol police station. Currently, the free school serves 64 students.

Current Impact and Reach

Today, Dinajpur YWCA operates across 10 wards, 3 unions, and 46 villages within Dinajpur Sadar Upazila. It has implemented 11 programs, benefiting:

  • Women: 1,366
  • Men: 1,025
  • Children & Adolescents: 1,091
  • Total Beneficiaries: 3,482

Ongoing Projects

  1. Rise Up Project

This initiative supports 75 young women by providing:

  • Education on menstrual health management and reproductive health.
  • Monthly sanitary napkins.
  • Hygiene essentials such as Dettol antiseptic liquid, soap, and informational stickers on menstrual health.
  1. Dignity Kit Support Program

This program benefits 200 adolescent girls and young women, offering:

  • Comprehensive education on menstrual and reproductive health.
  • Monthly distribution of sanitary napkins, Dettol antiseptic liquid, soap, and informational materials.

Present Board Of Management (2024-2025)

  1. Shipra Vallabh – President
  2. Madhuri Mandal – Vice President
  3. Priyanka Tapan – Treasurer
  4. Yachinta Beli Das – Member
  5. Ella Faithful – Member
  6. Anna Madhuri Tigya – Youth Convener
  7. Rachel Rains Minz – Youth Member
  8. Immaculata Kuheli Hembram– Youth Member
  9. Popy Florence Lakra – General Secretary

Conclusion

Over the years, Dinajpur YWCA has evolved into a vital institution dedicated to empowering women and marginalized communities through education, financial inclusion, and health awareness programs. Despite initial hardships, the organization has grown significantly and continues to expand its impact, touching the lives of thousands in the Dinajpur region.