History of Jashore YWCA:

Ms. Ruth Jyotikana Dewri  started the YWCA journey with leading Christian women from Jashore  on January 3, 1995. In the first  committee, Ms. Mary Dias served as president, Ms. Minashree Sarkar as vice president, Ms. Pranati Biswas as treasurer and members were Ms. Kalpana Gomez, Ms. Helen Biswas, Ms. Neelima Mondal, Ms. Shova Baroi, Ms. Ruth Jotikana Dewri served as General Secretary. Later, from 1997 Ms. Rebecca Coraiya, Ms. Pinku Rita Biswas, Ms. Puspo Halder, Ms. Ila Sardar, Ms. Latika Biswas, Ms. Sapna Roy, Ms. Loreti Paroi, Ms. Shefali Biswas Khushi, Ms. Ila Biswas. Since 1999 many more new members have joined Ms. Seema Biswas, Ms. Shikha Biswas, Ms. Dulali Biswas, Ms. Shishilia Biswas, Ms. Lipika Biswas, Ms. Tarulata Biswas, Ms. Hamida Khatun. Ms. Ruth Jotikana Dewri take all the responsibilities from the beginning. Jashore YWCA was born as a result of her singular efforts, hard work with dedication.

On 18/8/1995, Ms. Ruth Jyotikana Dewri contacted the then General Secretary of Bangladesh YWCA Ms. Asrukana Das. As a result of contact, Bangladesh YWCA officials gave advice on how to work in Jashore. Bangladesh YWCA has contributed a very small amount of money in 1996 to speed up operations in Jashore. The first two people from Jashore participated in the board meeting of Bangladesh YWCA held in 1997. Later, National General Secretary Ms. Asrakana Das came to Jashore and observed the activities and gave directions and later increased regular communication. Under the supervision of Bangladesh YWCA, activities in Jashore gradually increased. In the board meeting of Bangladesh YWCA held in 2000, Jashore YWCA was unanimously recognized and given affiliation by Bangladesh YWCA.

Since 1995, the work has been carried out under the leadership of team members, through the sharing of their knowledge, through the close assistance of adult education to the schools and schools of Ms. Veronica Das, through voluntary service. The committee charged a membership fee of fifty taka per year, slowly increased the membership, collected some money from other organizations, and continued to run the organization by collecting membership fees and voluntary donations. In 1996, two associations were formed, and in 1998, the association’s work included nursery school activities and the sale of handmade goods.

Activities started in Jashore Sadar, especially in the Christian areas. 30 members joined the association in Kharkipara and Kholadanga areas and a free school was started with 5 students. These activities were carried out in rented houses in various places in Jashore.

After getting the affiliation of Bangladesh YWCA in 2000, Jashore YWCA rented building at 45, Mujib Road, Jashore and managed all the activities of the branch. 10 savings groups were run in Kaliganj area and a nursery school was newly started at 45 Mujib Road. In 2012, the General Secretary of the branch, Ms. Shikha Biswas, contacted Ms. Sushant Biswas, a local doctor living in Jashore’s Mission neighborhood and giving an idea about the activities of the branch, Dr. Karupavati Biswas, wife of Dr. Sushant Biswas, was happy to see the activities of the Jashore branch, especially the school and women’s health activities, and expressed interest in donating some land in Sujalpur to the Jashore YWCA. On June 6, 2012, Dr. Sushant Biswas, donated 16.50 acres of land in the name of YWCA with the approval and support of Bangladesh YWCA.

Later, on 12th June 2014, along with the donated land, Bangladesh YWCA purchased another 12.75 decimal of land with its own funds and on 29th May 2017, Honorable National General Secretary of Bangladesh YWCA Ms. Helen Monisha Sarkar, National Asst. General Secretary Ms. Juliet Diba Das, Head of Finance, Mr. Titus Sajal Biswas, Micro Finance Senior Coordinator, Mr. James Pradeep Biswas, Jashore YWCA President Ms. Sishilia Biswas, General Secretary Ms. Shikha Biswas and other respected board members and Rev. Binimoy Karmoker laid the foundation stone of the six-stores building. Later, Mr. Werner Stahl, Ms. Andrea Ruegg from Horizon Switzerland along with the National General Secretary, Ms. Helen Monisha Sarker, Manager of Human Resource Development, Ms. Susmita Baul,  Internal Auditor Ms. Anthony Mondol, Liaison Officer Mr. Asim Ritchil and Engineers and members of the Board of Management of the Jashore YWCA are distinguished persons of the society and the new building of Jashore YWCA was inaugurated on 9th July 2018 in the presence of all the staff with the prayer of Rev. Binimay Karmkar and Deacon Uttam Biswas and unveiling of the plaque by Mr. Warner. From 20th December 2018, leaving the rented building located in the city, all activities of the branch are being conducted in a three-stores building at Sujalpur, Jamtolar Moor, Jashore.

In 2001, Savings and Credit program were gradually formed in Jashore Sadar and Kaliganj areas and health services were conducted among the members of the group and Nursery School was run from Nursery Class to 2nd class at 45 Mujib Road. In the year 2004, savings teams were gradually formed in Rajghat area and health services were conducted among team members and practical education classes were conducted among team members.

Currently ongoing activities: 1, 4, 5, 6 Wards of Jashore Sadar Municipality and Arabpur 9 no union under 20 villages in total 850 families of the area through the implementation of 11 programs – 1675 women, Men 1443 and children (0-10) – 278, teenagers (11-18) – 341 – a total of 3737 person, the Jashore branch is working for everyone regardless of caste, creed, caste, religion, etc.

At present, under the direct supervision of Bangladesh YWC, distribution of Mental Health and Dignity Kit box is ongoing among 200 girls and youth members from July 2024.

Income Generating Program: There are training rooms and guest houses in a beautiful quiet picturesque environment surrounded by green nature.

Present Board of Management 2018-25: 

1. Sisilia Biswas                    – President
2. Ripa Mondol                     – Vice-President
3. Silvia Halder                     – Treasurer
4. Provati Mridha                    – Board Member
5. Chaya Biswas                    – Board Member
6. Sumona Biswas                 – Board Member
7. Shefali Biswas Khushi        – Board Member
8. Dorin Mondol                     – Youth Convener
9. Sinthia Biswas                    – Youth Member
10. Snigdha Biswas                – Board Member
11. Shikha Biswas                 – General Secretary