In 1972, the then General Secretary of Dhaka YWCA, Ms. Asrukana Das, came to Barishal and organized a meeting where several women from every church of Barishal city gathered. This meeting was presided over by Late Ms. Parimal Sarkar. In the meeting, General Secretary of Dhaka YWCA Ms. Asrukana Das gave a detailed presentation about World YWCA and YWCAs in Bangladesh, the birth history, foundation and goals of YWCA. Inspired by her presentation, members present in the meeting felt the need to start an organization in Barishal for the empowerment of the women and children in their locality. A committee was then formed to proceed with the goal with the following leading Christian women in Barishal;

1. Ms. Parimal Sarkar (President)
2. Ms. Tara Sarkar
3. Ms. Aruna Adhikari
4. Ms Maya Arinda
5. Ms Prakriti Nath
6. Ms. Sharoma Adhikari – General Secretary

However, the committee was not very active until 1975 and mostly limited to Bible reading and prayer, fund raising through membership subscription meena bazar, and sewing etc. In 1976 Father St, Pierre reorganized the group again a helped them to start a free school in a house of Oxford Mission. The first full-fledged Local Board for Barishal YWCA members is;

1. Ms. Aarti Saha (President)
2. Ms. Renu Adhikari (Treasurer)
3. Ms. Sarma Adhikari (Secretary)
4. Ms. Shobha Sarkar
5. Ms. Shobha Halder
6. Ms. Sushoma Marakar
7. Ms. Bindubasini Barai
8. Ms. Sushila Vaidya
9. Ms. Anita Sarkar
10. Ms. Smriti Barai

In 1979 Barishal YWCA started its office at “Shaistabad Lodge” and got affiliated with YWCA of Bangladesh as a branch. Sewing classes, Meena Bazaar, cultural programs, free school were the main activities. At that time there was no salaried employees in Barishal YWCA.

Later, in 1980, a house was taken on rent for the operation of Barishal YWCA at “Nivrit Niloy” at Jordan Roads. The nursery school started in 1981 with 15 students by Ms. Aruna Sen, Ms. Maria Halder and Ms. Roseline Monimala Guha as teachers. Later in 1983 Ms. Anna Sarkar joined as full time General Secretary. During this time sewing projects, sartorial schools, unpaid schools and health projects started. During this time the activities of Barishal YWCA extended beyond the city to Dhamshar village. Ms. Sushoma Malakar, who got trained from Madras, India and started a handicraft project in Dhamshar village with dried leaf. Later, as the activities grew, in 1983 a house was rented in front of the district school on Jordon Road. In 1985, Ms. Roseline Monimala Guha was appointed as the first salaries General Secretary and Ms. Judith Shomita Sarkar as Accountant in 1986. The health program started in 1988 and Ms. Binu Adhikari was recruited as the first health worker. Various areas of Barishal were affected by severe floods that year. At this time, Bangladesh YWCA extended its support, with their cooperation, relief and rehabilitation work was done in 10 villages of Agailjhara and Gutia Union. This was a turning point for Barishal YWCA to identify the need for expanding the social development activities and also made YWCA known to the community.

YWCA of Barishal stated savings and credit program in 1990. Adult Education Programmes and Adolescent Education Programs were started at the same time. Ms. Anna Roy looked after these programmes as an appointed staff. For 2 years from October 1992 to October 1994 World Vision Barishal had a partnership with Barishal YWCA for the development of the free school students and their families.

In 1996, 21 decimal land was purchased in Shaistabad Lodge next to Birishal Police Line and in 1998 with financial support from (name of the donor) and a two-storied building was constructed. The school was shifted to the new building. The quality of education offered by Barishal YWCA was able to gain confidence of the parents and from the starring of 15 students Barishal YWCA School was able to enroll to more than 500 students. The school gave a strong financial back up to the YWCA to look for new avenues to help the community and empower the women.

Ms. Angela Baroi succeeded Ms. Guha in 2010 as the General Secretary.

Milestone achievements of Barishal YWCA since formation;

Present Board of Management: (2018-25)