YWCA champions social justice by working in strong alliances and national networks. From child rights and domestic violence prevention to health and women’s empowerment, these partnerships amplify voices and drive collective action for change.

YWCA of Bangladesh has been working with many service providers, collaborative partners, and networks for sharing knowledge, skills, and resources and mobilization for joint action for establishing rights of the vulnerable communities. Particularly in the crucial actions for prevention of gender-based violence, rescue and rehabilitation of the survivors, and providing legal support, the YWCA of Bangladesh needs allies beside it for initiating joint efforts. It believes that this kind of intervention needs to be continued and strengthened through the formal arrangement of partnerships, joining in networks, and alliances. It also believes that building partnerships with government and private sector service providers will also help to tap available support and resources for development purposes and build bridges between community people and service providers. Therefore, the issue has been endorsed in the process of strategic planning.

Objectives

• To expand networks for influencing and reinforcing policy towards achieving development targets.
• To create a visible impact on the programs through obtaining cooperation, support, and exchange of resources from external sources.

Outcomes

• YWCA Bangladesh has a visible and meaningful stake in the networks and alliances and maintains collaborative relationships with networks operating at the local, regional, national, and international levels.
• Established effective & strong linkage, networking, and advocacy for ensuring access to services and support for vulnerable communities.

Actions

• Engage in developing country-specific advocacy strategies and train people in evidence-building for influencing policies, adopting, and amending, and better implementing of relevant policies.
• Establish partnership arrangements with like-minded local, regional, national, and international organizations/groups for social action and resource mobilization.
• Extend partnership and networking with legal aid and counseling services providing organizations and experts to obtain support for the survivors.
• Initiate dialogue for partnership building and make formal arrangements through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
• Participate in joint action regularly (publication, rally, submit a memorandum, campaign, human chain, joint report writing, etc.)
• Enhance the Inclusion and participation of disadvantaged and vulnerable women, young women, and girls in social, political, service delivery, and administrative institutions.

Bangladesh YWCA: Visibility through Networks and Partnerships

Bangladesh YWCA maintains strong visibility and influence by actively participating in national, regional, and international networks, ensuring that its voice on women’s rights, child protection, gender equality, and social justice is widely recognized. These engagements enable YWCA to leverage partnerships, share expertise, and influence policy and practice.

YWCA participates in diverse national networks to raise awareness, advocate for policy change, and contribute to social reform:

• Citizens for Good Governance (SUJAN) – Active participation in human chains demanding democratic and secular reforms.
• Bangladesh Mahila Parishad – Engagement in roundtables, workshops, and policy discussions on women’s rights, family law, and constitutional amendments.
• National Girl Child Advocacy Forum – YWCA’s leadership ensures active input in executive and general meetings, advocacy programs, and planning workshops for child protection and National Girl Child Day celebrations.
• Bangladesh Nari Pragati Sangha (BNPS) & Women Network Peace Builders (WNPB) – Participation in workshops on Women-Peace-Security Agenda localization.
• Bangladesh Breast Cancer Awareness Forum – Collaborates on awareness campaigns, screening programs, and press conferences.
• UN Women and Educo Bangladesh Platforms – Online and hybrid sessions to discuss mental health, gender-based violence, and advocacy experiences.
• UKAID-supported Initiatives – Participation in workshops like the “Harmony Workshop” to promote freedom of religion, communal harmony, and civic leadership.
• Collaboration with international NGOs and human rights organizations (e.g., UN Women, Bahnisikha-Unlearned Gender) on workshops, policy dialogues, and position papers to advocate women’s development and political participation.

Through these platforms, YWCA reaches hundreds of organizations, civil society leaders, educators, government representatives, and youth, enhancing its credibility and ensuring that its initiatives and perspectives are integrated into national strategies and programs.

Through active networking and partnership-building, Bangladesh YWCA has:

• Strengthened its position as a key civil society actor in Bangladesh.
• Contributed inputs on policy, law, and governance reforms affecting women and children.
• Increased community and national awareness on women’s rights, gender-based violence, and child protection.
• Enhanced its collaborative influence by engaging multi-stakeholder platforms, including government, academia, UN agencies, and grassroots organizations.

Bangladesh YWCA’s visibility through networks and partnerships demonstrates its strategic role in advocacy, policy influence, and community engagement. By consistently participating in forums, workshops, and national campaigns, YWCA ensures that its mission of empowering women and girls and promoting social justice is amplified and sustained across multiple levels.