About Us — Unnayan Bhabna

Introduction

Who We Are

Unnayan Bhabna is a non-government, non-political and non-profit feminist organization established in 2006, formerly known as Aruni Samaj Kallayan Sangstha (ASKS). The organization officially adopted the name Unnayan Bhabna on 22 September 2025.

Dedicated to advancing gender equality, social justice, and women's empowerment in Bangladesh, Unnayan Bhabna works to ensure that women and girls can exercise their rights, lead change, and participate equally in all spheres of life.

Over the years, Unnayan Bhabna has grown into a trusted community-based organization, partnering with national and international agencies to implement impactful programs in women's leadership, livelihoods, climate resilience, and protection.

Feminist Organization Est. 2006 Nationwide Operations

Voices of Women

Power of Change

Legal Status

Registration Details

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Department of Social Welfare

Registration Number: Jashore/1229/06
Date: 28 December 2006

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NGO Bureau

Registration Number: 3060
Date: 14 December 2016
Valid Until: 13 December 2031

Our Journey

History of Name Change

In 2025, the organization changed its name from Aruni Samaj Kallayan Sangstha (ASKS) to Unnayan Bhabna. The decision was made to strengthen the organization's identity and improve its visibility.

The previous name did not reflect its growing focus on development perspectives and feminist issues. The leadership also found that digital tools such as domain registration, official email setup, and social media handles were not possible under the old name.

The new name, Unnayan Bhabna, expresses a clear commitment to progressive thought, collective development, and feminist action. It symbolizes a shift from traditional charity-based approaches to a rights-based model that promotes equality, dignity, and leadership for women and girls.

Our Purpose

Vision, Mission & Philosophy

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Vision

A just and equal society where women and girls live with dignity, freedom, and opportunity as leaders and agents of change in Bangladesh and worldwide.

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Mission

To empower women and girls by advancing rights, leadership, equality, and feminist-led social transformation in Bangladesh.

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Philosophy

Grounded in feminist values that place women at the center of social change. Empowerment is viewed as a rights-based process — not charity — that builds awareness, confidence, and access to rights and resources through collective action.

What Guides Us

Core Values

Feminist values that shape our actions, partnerships, and accountability to communities.

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Equality

Upholding equal rights, opportunities, and respect for all, regardless of gender, class, or identity.

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Dignity

Ensuring the dignity, safety, and agency of women and marginalized groups in all actions.

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Participation

Promoting meaningful participation and leadership of women in decision-making processes.

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Accountability

Practicing transparency, ethical governance, and responsible use of resources.

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Solidarity

Standing in alliance with oppressed and excluded groups to build collective power and shared action.

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Non-Discrimination

Actively challenging all forms of social, cultural, and economic exclusion.

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Sustainability

Advancing socially inclusive and environmentally responsible development for present and future generations.

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Feminist Action

Centering feminist principles in all programs, partnerships, and organizational culture.

Our Focus Areas

Strategic Priorities

Our strategic priorities reflect our commitment to advancing women's rights and building inclusive, resilient communities.

Promoting Women's Leadership and Governance

Increasing women's participation in local governance, community institutions, and decision-making spaces. Strengthening leadership skills among women and young girls so they can influence policies and practices that affect their lives.

Advancing Gender Equality and Social Justice

Promoting gender justice through awareness, advocacy, and community mobilization. Challenging harmful norms, supporting survivors of violence, and creating safe spaces for dialogue and collective action.

Economic Empowerment of Women

Helping women gain financial independence through skills training, entrepreneurship, and market access. Supporting women-led businesses and fair participation in value chains, especially in agro-processing and local enterprises.

Climate Resilience and Environmental Justice

Engaging women in climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and natural resource management. Women are key actors in building climate-resilient livelihoods and protecting the environment.

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

Promoting women's health rights through awareness, education, and access to safe and quality SRHR services. Working with youth, families, and communities to ensure informed choices and reproductive autonomy.

Digital Inclusion and Youth Empowerment

Empowering young women with ICT skills, online safety knowledge, and leadership opportunities in the digital economy, bridging the growing digital divide.

About Unnayan Bhabna