History of Savar YWCA:

The journey of Savar YWCA began in 2003.  Ms. Asrukana Das, the Founder and National  General Secretary of the National YWCA, encouraged Ms. Anna Bonik to initiate YWCA activities in Savar. In March 2004, a group of dedicated women—Ms. Anna Bonik, Ms. Shanti Baroi, Ms. Mridula Banerjee, and Ms. Aba Biswas—met her in Dhaka. She expressed her vision for a YWCA branch in Savar, promising full support and guidance. Inspired by her words, an informal meeting of seven members was held, marking the foundation of Savar YWCA.

Early Years (2004-2008)

The organization initially focused on mushroom cultivation, sewing projects, and women’s association formation. The founding members present in the first meeting were:

• Ms. Anna Bonik
• Ms. Shanti Barai
• Ms. Minti Bonik
• Ms. Ava Biswas
• Ms. Mana Hazra
• Ms. Janet Talukder
• Ms. Renuka Rangdi

In August 2004, Savar YWCA formally began its operations with 20 Christian women members engaging in social activities.

The first board members were:

• President: Ms. Anna Bonik
• General Secretary: Ms. Janet Talukder
• Vice-President: Ms. Mridula Banerjee
• Treasurer: Ms. Ava Biswas
• Board Member: Ms. Shanti Baroi

Since Savar YWCA did not have a permanent office, activities were conducted in different locations, including the premises of Glory Baptist Church.The organization focused on income-generating activities such as mushroom farming and handkerchief production.

By 2006, the office was relocated to the residence of General Secretary Ms. Anna Bonik. On November 15, 2008, the Savar YWCA Credit Program was launched, starting with 60 members in four groups and an initial capital of Tk 50,000. Ms. Mana Hazra played a key role in conducting health awareness programs, savings promotion, and membership expansion.

Growth and Expansion (2008-2014)

In 2008, Savar YWCA became an affiliated branch of YWCA Bangladesh. In 2009, Savar YWCA moved to Block-B, 40/1 in Anandpur (the house of Mr. Moazzem Khan, now Savar Laboratory School), marking the first time it operated from its own office. Programs expanded to include youth development, reproductive health, and nutrition.

That same year, Savar YWCA Nursery School was launched with 50 students.

In 2012, with the generous support of Ms. Turid Werrum from Norway, 10 decimals of the land for the current office in Ganda was purchased. Ms. Werrum, inspired by the youth activities and school initiatives, provided financial assistance for a permanent building. Ms. Angela Parma Sinthi, the former Youth Convener, played an important role in advancing youth activities.

The construction of the three-story building (with a six-story foundation) began in 2013 and was completed in 2014. On October 31, 2014, Ms. Turid Werrum and Ms. Helen Monisha Sarkar, the General Secretary of National YWCA, officially inaugurated the new building of Savar YWCA.

Recent Years and Present Activities (2014-Present)

Over the years, several leaders have served as President, including:

• Ms. Udith Sinha
• Ms. Shanti Barai
• Ms. Minu Karmokar
• Ms. Tuli Das

The current board of Management (as of 2024) are:

• President: Ms. Minu Karmokar
• Vice-President: Ms. Chibia Toju Ananya
• Treasurer: Ms. Stella Happy Mondal
• Board Members: Ms. Martha Baroi, Ms. Tuli Das, Ms. Margaret Halder
• Youth Convener: Ms. Tabitha Mithali Madhu
• Youth Members: Ms. Stella Drishti Goswami, Ms. Catherine Adhikari Elora
• General Secretary: Ms. Angela Sweety Mondal

Ms. Angela Sweety Mondal assumed charge as General Secretary of Savar YWCA in August 2021. As of 2024, the organization serves a target population of 3,988 across Savar Municipality, including Hemayetpur, Sadhapur, Rajasan, and Deogaon.

Savar YWCA operates through eleven key focus areas:

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

1. Prevention and Protection Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
2. Climate Justice
3. Organizational Capacity, Intelligence, and Good Governance
4. Institutional Sustainability
5. Advocacy Through Partnerships, Networking, and Alliances
6. Peace and Justice
7. Youth and Women Empowerment
8. Transformational and Generational Leadership Development
9. Quality Education and Child Development
10. Women’s Right to Health and Economic Justice

Current Operations and Impact

• Staff Strength: 20 regular employees
• Education Programs: 125 students in paid schools and 60 in non-paid schools
• Microcredit Program: Capital amount of TK 1,04,52,285/-
• Membership: 1,008

Collaborations and Partnerships

Savar YWCA works closely with various government agencies, including:

• Savar Upazila Office and Savar Municipality
• Departments of Social Welfare, Women and Child Affairs, Youth Development, Education, and Environment & Forests

The organization is also actively engaged with multiple networks, NGOs, and forums such as:

• NGO Coordination Council, EDAB, Sanak, Mahila Parishad, Nari Paksha, TIB, BLAST, Surjer Hasi, RH STEP, WORK, SAS, BYFC, and local churches and community forums.

Commitment to Social Development

Savar YWCA actively participates in government-led developmental initiatives, including observing national days and advocating for women’s rights and social justice. Over time, its motto of “Serving One Another with Love” has evolved into a strong commitment to community transformation.

Recognized as a leading non-profit, membership-based women and child development organization, Savar YWCA continues to play a crucial role in advancing gender equality, education, economic empowerment, and social justice in the Savar region.