AGRAJATTRA

AGRAJATTRA, a women-led organization, was founded in 1998 with a vision to empower women in Bangladesh and address the challenges faced by the predominantly female workforce, especially in the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector. In its early years, AGRAJATTRA diligently worked towards garnering recognition and support, obtaining official registration from the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2004, laying the formal foundation for its operations. AGRAJATTRA empowers the underprivileged, with a focus on women, through skill development. It trains individuals in various trades, creating skilled home-based workers. With around 25,000 participants in Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar, it fosters socio-economic empowerment and contributes to the nation’s economy. By 2005, AGRAJATTRA strategically focused its efforts on the RMG sector, recognizing that women constituted over 80% of the workforce. Initiatives were launched to address the fundamental rights and workplace conditions of women in this sector, establishing collaborations with influential entities such as Oxfam GB, GFATM, GIZ, UNIDO, Maxwell Stamp UK / Action AID Bangladesh, CARE Bangladesh, Action Aid UK, and the European Union, thereby creating a robust network of support. In 2006, AGRAJATTRA received NGOAB certification, affirming its commitment to its mission for the next five years. AGRAJATTRA’s efforts were recognized in 2007 with the Commonwealth Youth Silver Award, and partnerships with organizations like GIZ and Action AID were initiated. The organization received the Best Entrepreneurs award in 2008, further solidifying its position as a key player in the socioeconomic development landscape. Over the years, AGRAJATTRA diversified its projects, venturing into Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) initiatives in 2009 and establishing the AGRAJATTRA Humanitarian Village concept in 2011. These expansions showcased the organization’s adaptability and commitment to addressing a broader spectrum of societal challenges. The years 2012-2013 marked a geographical expansion with a new office in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar, facilitating Humanitarian response and DRR projects. AGRAJATTRA’s commitment to serving vulnerable populations was acknowledged with the Joyita National Award in 2014. In the following years, the organization continued to grow and adapt to emerging needs. New partnerships, such as the collaboration with CARE in 2015 and the recognition through awards like the Best Organizer award in 2016, further strengthened AGRAJATTRA’s position as a formidable force in women empowerment and humanitarian efforts. The influx of Rohingya refugees in 2017 prompted AGRAJATTRA to engage in multi-sectoral activities, demonstrating its responsiveness to evolving humanitarian crises. The organization expanded its network by collaborating with various local and international entities. As of 2022 and 2023, AGRAJATTRA has secured partnerships with the BRAC Pooled fund, IRC and UN Women signaling continued growth and relevance on WASH, Last Mile Education and Women Empowerment. Through strategic partnerships, innovative projects, and a focus on evolving challenges, AGRAJATTRA has evolved as a beacon of positive change, driving toward a fair society marked by peace, social equity, and gender equity.