History of Pabna YWCA :

Pabna YWCA was established in 1977 by a group of women in Pabna city who were inspired by the programs of Dhaka YWCA. The organization started with 30 members and initially operated on a small scale, focusing on handicrafts and other activities. In 1979, its scope expanded, and by 1980, it received official recognition from Bangladesh YWCA, becoming an active branch. To facilitate its operations, the ground floor of a missionary residence in the Pabna Mission Compound was rented as the organization’s office.

Ms. Asrukana Das, the founding National General Secretary of Bangladesh YWCA, played a pivotal role in establishing the Pabna branch. The first General Secretary was Ms. Manjula Chowdhury, supported by dedicated members including the Ms. Prabhas Nelini De Costa, the Ms. Shobha Roy, the Ms. Angurlata Burman, the Ms. Renuka Biswas, the Ms. Usha Rani Saran, the Ms. Muku Das, the Ms. Anjali Chatterjee, along with Ms. Ruth Das, Ms. Snigdha Sarkar, Ms. Veena Vaidya, Ms. Martha Das, Ms. Laksmi Samaddar, Ms. Lina Halder, and many others.

Growth and Expansion

The first major initiative of Pabna YWCA was the establishment of a nursery school in 1979, starting with two teachers and 48 students. That same year, a sewing program was launched with 13 women. In 1980, a sericulture project was introduced to support the socio-economic development of women. A year later, in 1981, the Savings and Credit Program was initiated in Dakshin Ramchandrapur (Harijan Karoni) with 15 members.

In 1984, a health project began in a colony area, reaching 30 families. The following year, a free school was established at Dakshin Raghabpur (Mission House) with 22 students, and by then, the total number of beneficiaries had grown to 128. Over time, as the organization expanded, semi-permanent office and classroom structures were built on trustee land with funding from Bangladesh YWCA. The lease agreement for this land remains in place today.

Current Programs and Impact

Pabna YWCA has grown significantly since its inception. From the initial 30 members, it now comprises 44 voting members and 30 associate members, totaling 74 members. Over the years, it has expanded its programs to reach thousands of people across multiple areas of Pabna district.

• Education
  • The nursery school, which began in 1979 with 48 students, has grown into a full-fledged institution offering education from playgroup to Class 3. It now serves 482 students with a faculty of 12 teachers.
  • A free school for underprivileged children operated from 1985 until its closure in December 2013.
  • An adult education program ran from 1985 until July 2013.
  • Kishori (adolescent girls’) classes were held from 1999 until June 2011.
  • Art classes, introduced in 2001, continue to this day.
• Women’s Empowerment & Livelihoods
  • The sewing and selling program, launched in 1979 with 13 women, is still active today.
  • The sericulture project, started in 1980, aimed at promoting economic self-sufficiency among women.
  • The weaving project was introduced in 1983 in Chatmohar and remained operational until 1996.
• Savings & Credit Program
  • Initiated in 1981 with 15 members, the program has expanded to 1332 members across 114 groups, providing financial support and fostering economic empowerment.
• Youth & Community Development
  • The youth program, launched in 1984 with 13 members, now includes 14 youth and 12 teenage members engaged in various awareness initiatives.
  • The health project, which began in 1984 serving 30 families, now reaches 1,378 families with a total population of 4,073 people.
  • The YCare project ran from 2016 until its conclusion in December 2018.

Geographical Reach

Pabna YWCA operates across 33 areas in four upazilas and one thana of Pabna district. These include Dakshin Ramchandrapur, Bangla Bazar, Dwipchar, Dakshin Baghabpur, Dilalpur, Ghoshpara, Kalachand Para, Malanchi, Beltala, Sadhupara, Shivrampur, Jora Bangla, Mandalpara, Himayetpur, Shalgariya, Masum Bazar, Kacharipara, Laiberi Bazar, Balrampur, Hazirhat, Krinchpur, Gobinda, Pailanpur, Parhouse, Talbagan, Hauzpara, Sardar Para, Gopalpur, Dapunia, Harijana Colony, Yarifpur, and Bhavanipur. The organization currently serves 1,378 families across 14 wards, with a total population of 4,073 people (2,039 females and 2,034 males).

Current Leadership

The present Board of Management:

• Ms. Nayan Samaddar – Chairperson
• Ms. Salvia Das – Vice President
• Ms. Nellie De Costa – Treasurer
• Ms. Sudipta Chowdhury – Board Member
• Ms. Tandra Biswas – Board Member
• Ms. Priyanka Biswas – Board Member
• Ms. Lovely Rosario – Board Member
• Ms. Leanne Sutpa Chatterjee – Youth Convener
• Ms. Hena Goswami – General Secretary

Conclusion

Since its founding in 1977, Pabna YWCA has remained committed to empowering women, educating children, and improving community well-being. From its humble beginnings, it has grown into a dynamic organization impacting thousands of lives through education, financial inclusion, skill development, and healthcare initiatives. With a strong foundation and dedicated leadership, Pabna YWCA continues to serve as a beacon of hope and empowerment in the region.