YWCA sustains its mission through model schools, guest rooms, hostels, and daycare centers that serve communities while generating income. Small-scale craft enterprises empower local producers, blending economic opportunity with cultural heritage.

YWCA Bangladesh has given priority to becoming a self-reliant development organization. Initially, membership contributions were the key source of financing the organization. In the growing stage, YWCA Global and some other donors have come up to provide financial support for the community-based development initiatives. Simultaneously, YWCA of Bangladesh successfully branded its formal schools as model academic institutions and established hostels for youth women and daycare facilities for the children of working parents. These establishments are generating revenue for the organization. In the process of livelihood development of the targeted communities, it has efficiently promoted small enterprises of craft production by developing local and indigenous producers. However, members, management staff, and stakeholders of YWCA felt the need to strengthen organization enterprises by providing more input for improving product quality, marketing, and management efficiency. Therefore, this strategic issue emerged and was endorsed in the SP process.

Objectives

• To pursue a sustainable enterprise strategy and adopt sustainable approaches to programs and activities.
• To enhance efficiency and product quality of the organizational enterprises for more revenue generation.

Outcomes

• YWCA in Bangladesh has become self-supported and expanded its programmatic areas.
• Productivity and quality of the goods and services of the enterprises are enhanced.
• The income of the enterprises is increased through product and service promotion.
• Links with appropriate value chains are established for market sustainability.

Actions

• Develop a fundraising strategy including community fundraising, build a fundraising team to continue and strengthen relationships with existing donors and look for other opportunities.
• Strength YWCAs Income Generating Activities (IGA) through Improvement/ modernization of the sales centers, women’s hostels, day care centers, etc. for organization sustainability.
• Provide technical and creative input to develop product quality through a design development initiative and services.
• Build the capacity of the enterprise management staff.
• Conduct a feasibility study for further growth of the enterprises and explore new funding sources.

Achievements

To promote sustainability and remain dynamic, the Bangladesh YWCA emphasizes various income-generating activities, with widespread involvement across its branches. The organization also runs a variety of programs such as craft and sales centers, home-based craft production, training courses, and essential care services—including Agrajnibas, day-care centers, a beauty parlor, and accommodation for students and working women. While initiatives like the Manjima sales program have seen encouraging results, maintaining a balance between income and expenses remains a continuous effort. Together, these multifaceted activities help strengthen community outreach and support the YWCA’s mission of long-term viability.

In the past year, Bangladesh YWCA has continued to expand its income-generating initiatives and community services, offering a range of facilities and programs to support financial sustainability and social impact. 

• National Conference Hall & Guest Rooms

The National YWCA’s conference halls and guest rooms in Dhaka are used to host nearly 2000 guests annually, including domestic and international visitors. Throughout the year, on an average 350-400 sessions organized by external groups. The location is preferred by different organizations for its peaceful environment, quality services, and welcoming atmosphere.

• Guest House & Training Center

The Birisiri YWCA Training & Resource Center, active since 2008, is maintained as an important contributor to YWCA’s income-generating efforts. servering approximately over 2000 guests per year.

• Craft, Embroidery & Sewing Initiatives

Craft and embroidery centers, along with sewing projects, are operated by several branches, including those in Dhaka, Comilla, Birisiri, Barisal, Chandpur, Pabna, and Gopalganj. Traditional skills are preserved and income-generating opportunities are provided for women in the community.

• Home Craft

The Home Craft Center in Dhaka is kept active in producing and selling hygienic, nutritious food items, primarily to school children. External orders are also catered to, and healthy eating habits are promoted while modest revenue is generated.

• Sales Centers

Sales centers located in Dhaka, Chandpur, Cumilla, Chittagong, Khagrachari, Khulna, Barisal, Pabna, and Birisiri are operated to offer locally made products and food items. These centers are used as platforms for women to market their skills and earn livelihoods.

• Manjima Sales Center

The Manjima sales outlet is maintained as a vital part of YWCA’s economic activities, generating a modest revenue over the year, though the period is closed with a slight operational deficit.

• Short-Term Training Courses

Various short-term training programs for women and children are organized by branches across the country. Courses include English language instruction, sewing, handwriting, painting, music, and dance, with the aim of developing skills that can lead to supplementary income.

• Agrajnibas – Residence for Elderly Women

The aging residence (Agrajnibas) in Dhaka is sustained to provide shelter and care for elderly women, currently hosting six boarders. Special events, including memorial services and observances of International Day of Older Persons, are organized to create a sense of community and dignity for the residents.

• Day Care Services

A well-maintained day-care center is operated by YWCA Dhaka for working mothers, providing a nurturing environment for approximately 120 children throughout the year.

• Beauty Parlor

The Dhaka YWCA Beauty Parlor is used by over 3500 clients each year. In addition to functioning as a service point, it is utilized to empower women through vocational training and employment.

• Women’s Hostel

The women’s hostel in Dhaka is maintained with a total capacity of 120, accommodating about 100 students and female workers, in addition to staff. It is regarded as a vital support facility for young women seeking safe and affordable housing in the city.