Founded in 1984 by Bangladeshi women in the Washington D.C. area, Samhati (সংহতি) (Bangla for “solidarity”) is a pioneering non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged women and children in Bangladesh. Samhati, a beacon of hope for rural communities, has emerged as a force for positive change through its mission rooted in education, health, and environmental sustainability. By implementing small-scale, impactful projects, Samhati drives lasting transformations that benefit the communities it serves.
History and Mission
Samhati emerged as the first Bangladeshi women-led nonprofit in the U.S., driven by a vision of collective empowerment. Its early work included establishing Rokeya Shadan, Bangladesh’s first women’s shelter in Dhaka, funded with over $160,000 in contributions. Over four decades, the organization has expanded its focus to holistic village transformation, prioritizing eco-empowerment, adult literacy, vocational training, and healthcare access.
Key Projects
Samhati’s grassroots initiatives focus on sustainable development, women’s empowerment, and climate resilience in rural Bangladesh. Flagship programs include:
- Katakhali Eco-Empowerment Project: Launched in 2000, this initiative provides adult literacy classes, vocational training (e.g., eco-farming, sewing), and a health clinic serving 27,000 residents on Barobaishdia Island. The clinic offers prenatal care, vaccinations, and cyclone relief, having saved lives during disasters like Cyclone Sidr. New telemedicine program connects villagers to Dhaka-based doctors.
- Education and Scholarships: Over 170 children have received scholarships to stay in school, with 55 graduating from high school. A digital literacy program trains women in mobile banking and e-commerce, linking artisans to global markets via platforms like Etsy.
- Bicycle for Education Program: This initiative aims to overcome barriers to girls’ education in remote villages by providing free bicycles to adolescent girls. By reducing travel time to schools, bicycle distribution encourages increased female enrollment in targeted areas. The program also includes safety workshops and maintenance training, empowering girls to commute safely and ensuring long-term educational retention.
- Climate Resilience: Training in sustainable farming and fish cultivation equips communities with the knowledge and skills to adapt to soil salinization and climate challenges. Samhati’s Emergency Response Network empowers local volunteers through disaster preparedness training, equipping them with essential supplies like food, hygiene items, and solar lamps. Additionally, they provide home reconstruction services using flood-resistant materials.
- Women’s Leadership: Programs foster local leadership, enabling women to advocate for rights and manage cooperatives, boosting economic independence. Samhati supports over 50 women-led cooperatives that offer microloans, averaging $150, for small businesses like poultry farming and handicrafts. These cooperatives have a 90% loan repayment rate and a 65% increase in household income for participants. Legal aid clinics and mobile courts help resolve gender-based violence and land dispute cases.
Funding and Impact
As an all-volunteer organization, Samhati directly directs around 90% of donations to projects, with minimal overhead. It relies solely on private contributions, avoiding government or religious funding. Annual benefit dinners raise critical funds. Donations support diverse needs. For example, $500 funds a health clinic for a month, while $1,000 aids 80 families with cash grants. Supporters and partners can donate to the organization’s website.
▪ A $75 donation ensures a middle or high school child stays in school for a year, avoiding work.
▪ A $100 donation provides adult literacy or vocational classes for a village woman.
▪ A $125 donation provides a bicycle and helmet for a girl to help her get to school.
▪ A $250 donation provides three months of college costs for a low-income young woman.
▪ A $500 donation can fund a village health clinic for one month, benefiting around 27,000 people.
▪ A $1000 donation supports a female college student for a year.
Community Engagement
Beyond grassroots work, Samhati fosters global solidarity through events like virtual fundraisers and collaborations with various cultural groups. Its focus on inclusivity ensures programs serve all faiths, aligning with its non-political, non-religious ethos.
Team:
Founder/President: Noorjahan Bose
Vice President: Selima Faruqee
Secretary: Monica Jahan Bose
Asst Secretary: Sajeda Solaiman
Treasurer: Jhinuk Hasan Fulton
Chairperson: Cima Ali
Board Member: Ismat Ahmed
Board Member: Shamarukh Nimah Billah
Board Member: Roquia Haider
Board Member: Jahanara Hasan
Board Member: Rumana Kazmi
Board Member: Shaan Noman
Board Member: Alema Siddiky
[Spelling variations: Sanghati, Sanghoti, Songhoti]