YWCA of Birisiri

Birisiri YWCA: 40 Years of Empowerment and Community Development Founding and Early Years (1984-1989)

Birisiri YWCA was established on January 7, 1984, in Ghorait Mauza, Durgapur, Netrokona, with the inspiration and support of Ms. Asrukana Das, National General Secretary of YWCA Bangladesh, and Ms. V. J. Beverley, an Australian missionary. Initially formed with 15 volunteer women and youth members, the organization set out to empower women and girls spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically. Meetings were first held in Birisiri Mission Girls’ High School, and later, in 1984, a mud and straw office was built on the Birisiri YMCA campus with permission and support from the National YWCA.

    Protima Marak

    Founder General Secretary, YWCA of Birisiri

    Birisiri YWCA was established in 1984 with the aim of developing local women. The first board committee members are-

    1. Ms. V. J. Beverly President
    2. Ms. Sulekha Sangma Vice President
    3. Ms. Binodini Rema Member
    4. Ms. Suprabha Baul Member
    5. Ms. Anjali Rangsa Member
    6. Ms. Neelima Sangma Member
    7. Ms. Sushma Sangma Member
    8. Pratima Marak General Secretary

    Growth and Expansion (1986-1998)

    • 1986: Officially affiliated with YWCA National and acquired 64 decimals of land in Ghorait Mauza.
    • 1987: Relocated the office from YMCA campus to its own land.
    • 1989: Constructed a tin-roofed office, with full support from the National YWCA.
    • 1998: Expanded further by acquiring another 64 decimals of land, bringing total ownership to 128 decimals.

    Educational Initiatives (1990-2016)

    Recognizing the need for education among rural women and girls, Birisiri YWCA introduced literacy and adolescent education programs:

    • Adult Literacy Program (1990-2016): Provided literacy training to 1,040 women across 52 groups.
    • Adolescent Education Program (1997-2016): Focused on child marriage prevention, health awareness, and formal education, reaching 760 girls in 38 batches. Many participants pursued further education in schools and colleges.
    • Nursery School (1998-Present): Began with 10 students and has grown to 108 students, offering quality education up to Class II.

    Community Development and Livelihood Programs

    To promote self-reliance and economic empowerment, Birisiri YWCA launched various skills training and income-generating initiatives, including:

    • Health Awareness & Education
    • Food Preparation & Sales
    • Savings and Loan Groups
    • Poultry & Agriculture Training
    • Sewing and Handicrafts

    Infrastructure Development & Financial Sustainability

    • 2008: Established a Training and Resource Center, a two-story facility designed to generate income through training programs and hospitality services.
    • The center now serves government and NGO training programs, tourists, students, and professionals, ensuring financial sustainability while promoting the cultural heritage of indigenous communities.

    Recent Programs and Impact (2014-Present)

    Birisiri YWCA continues to expand its reach with targeted programs addressing social issues:

    • Y-Global Program (2014-2019): Focused on environmental justice, democracy, and governance.
    • Power to Change (2016-2017): Advocated for Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and prevention of gender-based violence.
    • Health & Community Development (2019-2020): Addressed gender equality, economic justice, and environmental sustainability.
    • Malala Foundation Workshop: Inspired young women to pursue education and overcome barriers through creative engagement.
    • RiseUp Program (2022-2025): Strengthens young women’s leadership through advocacy, safe spaces, and peer support networks.
    • COVID-19 & Flood Relief: Provided emergency aid and awareness campaigns to support affected communities.

    Present and Future Vision

    Today, Birisiri YWCA runs 11 programs with a dedicated team of 15 staff members. The organization directly impacts 5,407 individuals across 37 villages, including 1,879 women, 1,881 men, and 1,647 children.

    With a strong foundation in education, leadership development, and economic empowerment, Birisiri YWCA remains committed to expanding its programs and achieving financial sustainability while continuing to uplift marginalized communities.

    Guided by the principle: “Serve one another in love,” Birisiri YWCA continues to inspire and create lasting change.

    Present Board of Management- (2024-2025)

    1. Nistha Jamble           President
    2. Shanta Hawee           Vice-President
    3. Amita Sangma           Treasure
    4. Gracy Rema                Youth Coordinator
    5. Jyoti Chiran                 Member
    6. Suvasini Rongdi         Member
    7. Manosi Sangma         Member
    8. Hoshanna Rangsa     Member
    9. Jeny Sibia Dio              Youth member
    10. Doly Chambugong     Youth member