YWCA of Dhaka

History of Dhaka YWCA

It was in 1960 that the East Pakistan Christian Council and Bible Society contacted the National Young Women’s Christian Association in West Pakistan about the possibility of starting a branch in Dhaka. In 1961 under the leadership of Ms. Beard, wife of the General Manager of Grindlays Bank at that time, who had experience of the YWCA in other places, regular monthly meetings of interested women began to be held in St. Thomes Church. At the end of 1961 this group was formally constituted and the first constitution was adopted in 1962, Thus the Dhaka Young Women’s Christian Association was established as a branch of the National YWCA of Pakistan. The following formed the nucleus of The Association:

The first constitution was drawn up in 1962 and the National YWCA was affiliated. The board at that time consisted of the following members:

  1. Ms. Beard – President
  2. Ms. B. Haque – Co-President
  3. Ms. A. Sheve – Treasurer
  4. Ms. S. M. Loken – Program Secretary
  5. Ms. Bina Biswas – General Secretary
  6. Ms. Amita Baroi – Board Member
  7. Ms. West – Board Member
  8. Ms. Brebner – Board Member
  9. Ms. P. Baroi – Board Member
  10. Ms. Ravenscroft – Board Member
  11. Ms. Peters – Board Member

From 1962 to 1969 there were no major programmes or projects started by the YWCA. Regular monthly meetings were held during these years in which attendance was very small. There were 22 members in 1961, 27 in 1966 and as few as 12 in 1968 and 22 in 1969.

As the YWCA did not have any office either rented or owned, the monthly meetings were held at different places. From 1961 to 1962 meetings were held at St. Thomas church Hall by kind permission of the Rt. Rev. J.D. Blair, Bishop of Dhaka. From January 1963 to June 1965 meetings were held at British Council Library in Fuller Road and thereafter at the Assemblies of God Church, New Eskaton Road. From 1970 till YWCA acquired its own premises meetings were held on the premises of National Council of Churches.

Apart from the monthly meetings on a few occasions relief, in the form of clothing, was distributed among the people affected by natural disasters. In addition, children’s classes were held from 1966, for a period of two years. Conversational English classes were held for members taken by Ms. Wenger. Annual Christmas parties were held and funds were raised through jumble sales and menabazars. In July 1969, a variety show was held at the British Council Auditorium for the purpose of raising funds.

In 1962 The National Council meeting was held in Lahore and Ms. Bina Biswas, now Ms. Bina Shaw, the first Honorary General Secretary was sent as a delegate from the East Wing. At the national Council Meeting of 1966, held in Karachi, Ms. Shefali Biswas one of the founder members was our delegates and she was elected as a member of the National Board. Ms. Bina Shaw was again our delegate to the National Council held I in Karachi in the year of 1970. The first Annual Business meeting was held on 12th March 1963 and 16 members were present. The Accounts of the YWCA were audited for the first time by Andrew Gomes & Comp. on voluntary basis.

In 1964, Ms. Menzies, a member of the National Executive, came to Dhaka and met YWCA leaders. In August 1965 Ms. Najimuddin a member of Lahore YWCA visited Dhaka and met the President and Treasurer of the YWCA. In October 1969, Ms. Clary Elfving from Sweden and Ms. Jane Suba khan, General Secretary Lahore YWCA visited Dhaka YWCA. In February 1971, Ms. Khanna, the President of the National YWCA, also visited Dhaka YWCA.

In 1967 as steel trunk was brought by the YWCA of Dhaka to keep its files and books and this were the only assets till 1967.

After the inception of the YWCA of Dhaka, YWCA leaders were trying hard to create the interest of members in understanding the purpose of the YWCA and continued trying to increase membership. At the same time, they looked for somebody who could be trained and work as General Secretary of the YWCA. For this purpose, Ms. Namita Baroi and then Ms. Snigdha Baroi followed by Ms. Abira Halder were selected as General Secretary of the Association on a voluntary basis. Ms. Namita Baroi was the General Secretary of the Association from October 1966 to February 1967, Ms. Snigdh Baroi from March 1967 to August 1968 and Ms. Abira Halder from August, 1968 to February 1969. Ms Asrukana Das (Baroi) was then chosen as General Secretary cum Treasurer of the Association in march 1969 at the Annual Business meeting and continued working on voluntary basis till July 1972.

It was in August 1970, the YWCA of Dhaka started a small hostel for young working girls at 354 Dilu Road, a long felt need and dream of the YWCA. Initially the hostel was started with 12 beds but there were only three residents and one room was let out to a family in order to help with the rent. The formal opening of the hostel was held on 5th September, 1970 and Dr. Nilima Ibrahim was the chief Guest. The hostel was started with no funds but from the beginning of 1971, the National YWCA sanctioned Tk. 1000/- per year of the hostel project. From February 1971 the hostel was moved to 42, green Road, Dhaka, sharing a flat with Ms. R.M. Gooden. This helped the YWCA to lessen the burden of monthly rent. In September, 1972 the building adjacent to the hostel was rented and the number of beds increased to 19.

In September 1973, the YWCA rented a building at 6, Naoratan Colony to accommodate the hostel as well as a proposed craft centre project. When the hostel moved to 211, outer Circular Road in July 1976 and continued there until the hostel is moved to its own premises at 10. Green Square, Green Road in March 1979. From 1970-1974, Ms. Asrukana Baroi the General Secretary was responsible for looking after the hostel in addition to her administration job. From June to September, 1974, Ms. Mukutee was employed as house mother and then from October 1974 to 1986 Ms. Rita Kusum Gomes held this position. From this inception of the hostel to date a total number 350 young working girls have been provided with safe and secure accommodation. For young working girls in Dhaka city the YWCA hostel is “home away from home”

Independence Came to Bangladesh in December 1971 and in 1972 in response to the many needs in the country, the YWCA began to grow and expand its programmes. I March 1972 Ms. Ruud Van Hoogevest, Secretary for refugee and rehabilitation, World YWCA, visited Bangladesh and offered their assistance in response to the devastation that occurred during the Liberation war of 1971. As a result of rehabilitation project for young girls started in June 1972 and continued for a period of three years. The young girls received Aide Nursing and Junior Midwife training at Holy Family Hospital through the help of Ms. Bina Shaw, Superintendent of the Nursing School and President of the YWCA at the time, Ms. C. Bijoli Mondol was the sister tutor appointed by the YWCA to teach the trainees in the school of Nursing in addition to nursing training, the girls of the Rehabilitation project were also taught sewing and other handicraft. Ms. Golapi Halder was the sewing teacher. To provide a hostel for the girls of the rehabilitation project and office accommodation, a house was rented in Mogbazer. Ms. Sumoti Das was appointed as house mother of the hostel, during this three-year period over 80 girls were trained. BERRS helped a lot in initiating and continuing this project and we are especially grateful to Ms. Colleen Dubois of BERRS, a voluntary organization.

To help with the development of the YWCA and its programmes, the World YWCA deputed Ms. Inga Olofson, Ms. Marianne Achilling and Ms. Priscilla Padolina to work at the Dhaka YWCA. Ms. Inga Olofson was with the YWCA from August 1972 to April 1973 as an Advisor. Ms. Marianne Schilling worked at programme consultant from May, 1973 to November 1974. Ms. Priscilla Padolina then came to help us as programme Consultant in February 1975 and worked with us till October, 1977. In addition, Mr. Edmond Johnson was sent by the World YWCA in September, 1975 and helped to set up the craft center in business-like way. He left in October, 1977. The YWCA is grateful to the Consultants for their advice in developing the programmes and the activities of the YWCA.

In July 1972, Ms. Asrukana Das was appointed the first full time paid General Secretary of the Association. She continued with Dhaka YWCA till 1980. During this time Ms. Asrukana Das not only took care of the administration of the YWCA but she also fulfilled the responsibility of National General Secretary and helped to form local YWCAs and kept close contact with the world YWCA as well YWCAs around the world. In April 1980, when Ms. Asrukana Das was promoted to the position of National General Secretary, Ms. Usha Raquib was appointed as General Secretary of Dhaka YWCA. Ms. Raquib continued with the YWCA from January to September 1980. In June 1982, Ms. Sabita D’Costa was appointed as General Secretary. Mrs. D Costa continued as the General Secretary until 2015. The outstanding leadership of Mrs Sabita D.Costa lead YWCA of Dhaka t the next level. During her tenure Dhaka YWCA established a new building and shifted the school and graduated the school for primary to Higher Secondary level reaching a student of 4000 per year. The school earned the recognition of the community, and the quality of teaching became phynomenal. Dhak YWCA also initiate various projects like; handicraft, backing, beauty parlour, day care for the children, Sr, Citizen’s home etc.

    Sabita D’Costa

    Former General Secretary, YWCA of Dhaka

    From 1962 to 2015

    Writing of the history of the YWCA of Dhaka is not completed in names of some of the personalities are not mentioned here, Ms. Beard was the pioneer in forming the YWCA group in Dhaka. Ms. Bina Biswas (Now Ms. Bina Shaw) was the first General Secretary and then Ms. Pankajini Biswas, who continued as honorary General Secretary from 1963 to 1966. The dedication and services of both of them throughout the years cannot be ignored. Ms. S.M. LeQuesne is another personality whose untiring efforts, especially with finance, helped the YWCA of Dhaka to get ahead. The other founding members of YWCA were Ms. Bandana Huq and Ms. Shefali Biswas who continued with the YWCA of Dhaka for a long time and held various positions.

    Some of the outstanding volunteers with the YWCA included Ms. Rina Das, who joined YWCA in 1970 and has been very actively involved with the YWCA till 2010. She has held various positions in the YWCA during her long involvement. Her Leadership in YWCA has been phenomenal.  Dr. (Ms.) Mina Malakar joined YWCA in 1974 and was the President of Dhaka YWCA from 1978 to 1980 and then again in 1982. Ms. Maya Hilton was the President of the YWCA from 1981 to 1983. Ms. Usha Raquib held the position of the General Secretary of the YWCA in 1980 and then became involved with the YWCA as an active volunteer. Other volunteers were Ms. S. Debnath, Ms.  Lila Rozario, Ms. Charmaine Roanova, Ms. Joysree Baroi, Ms. Monisha Sangma, Ms. R.M Gooden, Ms. Nandita Chowdhury, Ms. Clara Rozario.

    Affiliation by Bangladesh YWCA and Bangladesh YWCA’s role in establishing branches:

    Since 1972, Dhaka YWCA has been successfully moving forward in independent Bangladesh by undertaking timely development programs for the welfare of women, youth, and children of this country. Before the formation of the National YWCA, the Dhaka YWCA had to perform the duties of the National YWCA. At that time, the Barisal and Chittagong YWCAs were established under the leadership of the Honorable Asrukuna Das, General Secretary of Dhaka YWCA was responsible for maintaining communication with the World YWCA and other YWCAs. In 1979 Bangladesh YWCA was formed by merging Barisal, Chittagong and Dhaka YWCAs, and this year Dhaka YWCA accepted its affiliation. 1979 Bangladesh YWCA was granted affiliation to the World YWCA at the World Council meeting held in Athens, Greece.

    Information on the number of beneficiaries and work area at that time:

    This program was first conducted with members of low-income families in the Mirpur area and later in the Bhatara area of ​​Baridhara. After working in the Bhatara area for 16 years and considering the financial hardship of the families of the students of Green Road Free School, in December 2005, the members of the Baridhara Savings & Credit Groups were transferred to an established Savings & Credit Groups and the said activities were started in the Green Road area in 2006. At that time, the program was run through 96 Savings & Credit Groups in Mirpur and Green Road areas with 1,710 members.

    The members of the Savings & Credit Groups are mothers of students from Mirpur and Green Road Free Schools and members of low-income families in the area. The members also repay savings and loan installments on a fortnightly basis. The members then had savings of 1,12,48,290 taka and a loan balance of 1,60,72,889 taka. The members took loans and did various income-generating activities, making their families prosperous and paying the loan installments regularly.

    Information regarding permanent land purchase and building:

    In 1977, with the financial assistance of EZE, YWCA of USA and World YWCA, Dhaka YWCA was able to purchase two side-by-side buildings at 10-11, Green Square, Green Road. The building at 10, Green Square was first acquired in January 1977, and the 2nd floor of 11, Green Square was acquired by the YWCA in January 1978. In January 1979, the YWCA acquired both buildings.

    Construction of 2nd Administration Building for Office: Dhaka YWCA took up the construction of a new administration building towards the end of 2002. Therefore, after the completion of this building, the office was shifted to the new building on July 3, 2003. This building was inaugurated by Honorable Ms. Rina Das, President Dhaka YWCA.

    Integrated Rural Project-Savar: This rural project was started by Dhaka YWCA in Dharenda village of Savarupazila, 25 kilometers from Dhaka. March 1, 2008 this senior citizen residence was inaugurated. The journey of this residence began with 5 senior citizens. Later, the production center was started to make the products of the craft center. On November 12, 2008, the activities of the Savar center began.

    From which year did various projects, microfinance and other programs start:

    1. The year 1961 was a memorable year for the YWCA. The Program Department of Dhaka YWCA started its journey with the tireless efforts of a few dedicated people. The next 6-7 years were very difficult. At that time, the members were-
      – In 1961, the number of members was 22
      – in 1966, the number was 27,
      – in 1968, the number of members was 12, and
      – in 1969, it increased again to 22.
    2. With the aim of socio-economic development of women, a working women’s hostel was started on Dilu Road in 1970 with only 3 boarders. From 1970 to 1974, General Secretary Ms. Asrukana Baroi managed the hostel along with her administrative duties. Although it was initially for working people, female students were allowed to stay in the hostel from 1974. Currently, 120 boarders are staying in the hostel, and the boarders have participated in all the programs and awareness meetings organized by the organization.
    3. Craft Center was started in September 1973 at No. 6, Nauratan Colony. Currently, about 63 producers are working in the centers in Dhaka, Savar, and Kaliganj (Tumulia). Aarong, showroom, school uniforms, textbook sales, school bag production, participating in various fairs, and creating products of various contemporary designs and selling them locally.
    4. In 1973, shorthand, sewing and cutting, cooking classes, spoken English and Bengali language classes for foreigners were started. With the increasing use of technology, shorthand courses have been discontinued and other courses are also running at a slower pace. Moreover, new courses have been included to meet the needs of the times.
    5. The nursery school was started in January 1976 with 16 students (play group). Later, the program was continued under the name YWCA Higher Secondary Girls’ School.
    6. A 9-bed guest house was opened in 1977 and later handed over to the National YWCA in 1983.
    7. Youth involvement in various activities of the YWCA began in 1980. In 2024, there were 162 youth members, 31 girls, and 6 youth representatives on the board (33%). The youth are participating in the organization’s activities, youth programs, and youth programs of the Bangladesh YWCA. In addition, the youth are participating in networking activities.
    8. Secretarial Science course was started in 1981. This course is currently closed due to lack of need. However, currently 2379 people are receiving services from the beauty parlor in the Green Road work area. In addition, there are 132 students in short courses (sewing and cutting, English language courses, beautiful handwriting and karate) and 521 students in long-term courses (dance, singing and drawing).
    9. The Home Craft Project started its activities in 1981. A total of 9 workers, including 7 workers, 1 technical person and 1 sales assistant, are working round the clock with dedication in this project. They are producing food according to demand and supplying it to various projects of the organization and as per orders from various churches/organizations.
    10. In 1984, a free school was started in Mirpur with 50 students. Through this school, a technical education training course was started with 10 boys and 10 girls. After completing the carpentry course for boys and sewing course for girls, tool boxes were provided to boys and sewing machines to girls. Later, the school was expanded to grade 5. In 1996, the second free school was started at Green Road. In 2024, there are 389 students and 13 teachers working in two free schools in Mirpur and Green Road.
    11. Practical literacy program was started with illiterate mothers from 1982-1984. From 1984-2011, Dhaka YWCA was able to make 1450 women/girls’ literate. This program continued till 2012 when it was shifted from Nurerchala, Bhatara to Green Road Health Project in 2005.
    12. From July 1989, the health project was started with 200 family members after surveying the NoorerChala and Bhatara areas. 2024 Health activities are conducted in Mirpur and Green Road work areas. Total number of families – 1854, Total population – 7116, Total number of women – 3518, Total number of men – 3598 and number of children 0-18 years – 761.
    13. In 1996 the nursery school was shifted to its own newly constructed building on Green Road under the name YWCA Higher Secondary Girls’ School. Since then, the school has been divided into 2 shifts – morning and day. In 2024, There are 34 branches up to Grade 2. The total number of teachers is 50 and the number of students is 2177 and there are 35 batches from 3rd to 12th grade. The total number of teachers is 61 and the number of students is 2030.
    14. The activities of this project were started in 1996 by preparing a manual for the savings and loan program. In 2024, this project is being run in Mirpur and Green Road area with a total membership of 1,998 members, of which 383 are male members and 1,615 are female members. There is a total of 204 Shomity (Group).
    15. To ensure the safety of children, a day care center was started in Dhaka YWCA in 2004 with 7 children. At present, there are 60 children in the center, including 38 full-day and 22 half-day children. Children from 3 to 12 years of age (boys up to 7 years of age) are admitted.
    16. In March 01, 2008 Integrated Rural Project-Savar Senior Citizens’ Home started its activities with 5 boarders. Currently, there are 6 boarders in the Senior Citizens’ Home. From 2023, the Senior Citizens’ Home is being used as a training venue.
    17. Through gender equality and social inclusion activities, work is being done to inform adolescent girls, young women and beneficiary members about gender awareness, women’s rights and human rights, protest against violence, violence against women, the rights of the girl child, and protection.
    18. Through sexual and gender-based violence prevention and protection activities, adolescent girls, students should be educated on gender-based violence, sexual harassment and sexual violence, community adolescent girls, free school students and young women should be educated on child marriage and domestic violence and to raise awareness about the requirements and rules of marriage registration and to help teenage girls inform their families about the ill effects of child marriage and express their own opinions in the family and discussions and meetings are being held with them at various times so that they can protest against violence.
    19. Through climate justice, make beneficiary members and adolescent girls of the community aware of climate change, disaster response, climate adaptation, pre-disaster and post-disaster measures families are being encouraged to use dustbins, drink safe water, be careful about preserving the environment, educate people about the benefits of trees, and encourage them to plant trees and keep their areas clean.
    20. Teachers should be trained to increase organizational capacity and acquire skills in teaching and learning through good governance, make teaching and learning activities attractive to students, and conduct inclusive programs in the context of gender equality, women’s empowerment and gender diversity, knowledge and skills are being increased through the development of relationships and mental health with students, parents, and colleagues, and through training of staff.
    21. Through advocacy through partnerships, networking, and alliances, the organization is being closely involved in social development activities with other same minded organizations. It is playing a role in social security, protection of human rights and building a society free from discrimination through the implementation of various awareness programs. Efforts are underway to bring positive changes in society through human chains, rallies and protest rallies.
    22. Establishing peace with justice Through this program, teenage girls and beneficiaries of various parties will learn about their role in protecting women, maintaining peace in the family and in the area, teenage girls, young women of the association, and the fundamental human rights, It continues to work to inform about good governance and social safety net activities, provide assistance with government medical allowances, and provide counseling support.

    In which areas are the activities being conducted and who are the population groups or beneficiaries (village, upazila, district, number of different beneficiary population groups): Activities are being conducted in Mirpur, Green Road, Savar, Kaliganj, Kafrul and Nakhalpara areas. Population groups or beneficiaries of health projects, free schools and savings and credit projects.

     Special Programs:

    1. Inauguration of the Golden Jubilee Festival:Starting from 196, Dhaka YWCA has been working very successfully and has reached its 50th year of operation in 2011. The Golden Jubilee Festival was inaugurated on April 8, 2011, and various programs were held throughout the year, culminating in a grand closing ceremony on December 1, 2011. The collective efforts of all have achieved the breadth of work, experience, and joy and success of working alongside disadvantaged people.
    2. Sr. Citizen’s Home (Agraj Nibash):This home’s journey began on March 1, 2008 with 5 elders. Later, a Craft Production Center was started to manufacture the products of the Craft Center, along with a day-care center for the children of the production workers. The day care center is currently closed. There are currently 6 boarders at the senior citizen home. Pre-Christmas celebrations, remembrance meetings, Senior Citizens Day and special prayer meetings have been held for the senior citizens at various times. The pastor and local priests regularly visit the senior citizens’ home. The medical officer of the institution checks the blood pressure and diabetes of the boarders. Necessary medicines etc. are provided by the center.
    3. Training Venue:Agraj Nibashis being used as a training venue from 2023. It is to be noted that Agraj Nibashis being used as a training room and dormitory for issue-based programs with YWCA youth members and an NGO called Grace Foundation.

     Brief information about Income Generating Programs (Guest House, Cottage Industry, Catering and others): Dhaka YWCA income generating programs include craft centers, home crafts, hostels, parlors, day care, short- and long-term courses. Information about these projects has been provided earlier.

    Notable achievements –

    1. Establishment of nursery school in 1976 and gradually getting recognition from Dhaka Board and establishment of college
    2. Obtaining its own school building and office building.
    3. A list of countless beneficiaries through the implementation of various projects of Dhaka YWCA.
    4. Through the education project, students have achieved good results and have also participated in various competitions in co-curricular subjects at home and abroad and won awards.

    The following are the members of the Dhaka YWCA Board of Management (2024-2025):

    1. Bertha Geeti Baroi                           – President
    2. Rachel Baroi Nebula                        – Co-President
    3. Helen Manisha Sarkar                     – Advisor
    4. Dr. Nelly Saha                                    – Member
    5. Margaret Kali Malakar                     – Member
    6. Pleasance Dipendi Biswas             – Member
    7. Ed. Rebecca Singh                           – Member
    8. Jessie Halder Mou                            – Member
    9. Ms Sutapa Singh Tama                   – Member
    10. Catherine Moutushi Gyne              – Member
    11. Helen Karmakar                                – Member
    12. Mridula A. De Silva                            – Member (Youth)
    13. Joyce Nath                                          – Member (Youth)
    14. Catharin Stuti Biswas                       – Member (Youth)
    15. Neha Collins Karmakar                    – Member (Youth)
    16. Tabitha Mayusmita Sarkar              – Member (Youth)
    17. Ruth R. M. Talukder                           – Asst. General Secretary
    18. Sylvia Shantasree Mujmder            – General Secretary