Our History

Jagonari is moving forward with the dream of establishing a society based on equality without discrimination for women

‘Jago nari jago bahni sikha! Jago janani, bhagini, badhu! Jago kannya, kumari, bidhu! Jago priẏa, jago janani-sneha!’- Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam has asked women to be inspired in Bengali in the language of poetry.

‘JAGO NARI’- A powerful slogan made up of two words. It is a powerful message for women from backward societies. It is an oath. It awakens women’s dreams, makes them energetic, inspires them to be committed, and encourages them to build a beautiful and equal society. It is a Bengali expression that calls on women to wake up, become aware of their rights, and take an active role in society. This word stands against discriminatory behavior towards women and calls for breaking down all barriers. This word awakens the motivation for women’s empowerment or women’s advancement, and highlights women’s rights in a patriarchal society. This word, which is closely related to women’s rights, also makes men aware of the implementation of women’s rights.

Advancing a backward society

In light of those thoughts, from today, August 2, 1998, the slogan ’JAGO NARI’ was very relevant for the coastal district of Barguna in the south of Bangladesh. Most women were imprisoned within four walls, women had very few opportunities to work outside, most men were not allowed to go out and work. Child marriage and polygamy were prevalent in villages. The dream of a society based on equality between women and men was far away. Awareness-raising activities were few in the Barguna region to build an equal society. Women’s empowerment or self-reliance initiatives were also very limited. In that context, an organization was born in Barguna in 1998, which could reflect on the overall development of backward women - named ’JAGO NARI’. Based on this name, an organizational foundation was established and in August of that year, ’JAGO NARI’ started working with marginalized women after registering with the Department of Women’s Affairs of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. However, the full official name of the organization is ‘Barguna Nari Jagran Karmachuchi’.

From birth to now, the tree named ’JAGO NARI’ has passed through childhood and adolescence and has now entered full adulthood. In the words of poet Sukanta Bhattacharya’s poem ‘Eighteen Years of Age’, ’JAGO NARI’ has long passed the age of accumulating strength and awakening. It has come a long way step by step. Based on its work, ’JAGO NARI’ has become known in the local, national and international circles. ’JAGO NARI’ works as a local partner of international development partners. Sometimes it serves as a lead partner. Its activities have spread beyond the boundaries of Barguna district to other districts of the country. In terms of activities, ’JAGO NARI’ has kept in mind the context of birth and time. Efforts are ongoing to bring women imprisoned within the four walls to the light. Various initiatives have been taken to prevent child marriage and polygamy. Their positive results are now visible.

Women’s Leadership

From the embryo to now, Hosne Ara Hasi has been leading ’JAGO NARI’. She runs from village to village for the welfare of marginalized women, men, and children, including people of various professions. In her thoughts, imagination, and brain, she always works for the welfare of people. She especially dreams of an equality-based social institution for women. But for this, there was no proper women’s organization in Barguna at that time to implement the program. There was no women-led NGO. NGOs run by women can do more for the welfare of women. Hosne Ara Hasi led the first women-led NGO in Barguna. The context of Barguna twenty-six years ago and the context of today are not the same. Due to various reasons such as social hostility, negative attitudes, multifaceted prejudices, lack of communication, etc., it was difficult for ’JAGO NARI’ to move forward successfully over the years. However, the greatest help in overcoming these obstacles was the love of the people. Under the leadership of Hosne Ara Hasi, it has been possible to break down the walls of all obstacles. She has taken an active part in the development of society and awakening women from their backwardness and inertia. She has moved forward with the dream of establishing a beautiful society for women in coordination with everyone including the local people, administration, and public representatives. She protests against the prevailing ideas and discriminatory behavior of society towards women and works for their empowerment. She continues to fight for equal opportunities for women in education, employment, politics, and other social fields.

Thematic Focus

With women’s empowerment and child rights as its main focus, ’JAGO NARI’ reaches out to people with five themes. It advocates for the protection of child rights and women’s empowerment through various initiatives. The first of these five themes is Health and Nutrition. Under this, emphasis is placed on improving reproductive health services and nutritional support for the well-being of mothers and children. The second is Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation. Under this, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation are foreseen for sustainable resilience, including emergency response and recovery. The third is Education. Under this program, access to quality education such as ECD and lifelong learning opportunities is increased. The fourth is Food Security and Livelihoods. Under this, sustainable food supply and income-generating activities are ensured for vulnerable populations. The fifth is Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. Under this, access to clean water, sanitation facilities and hygiene practices are promoted.

Women and children are at greater risk due to climate crises in coastal districts. Frequent cyclones endanger the lives of women and children in this region. Climate issues are closely linked to the themes of ’JAGO NARI’s’ work. Along with this, social inequality further exacerbates the crisis of women. Trying to find solutions in all crises. ’JAGO NARI’ is moving forward with a firm conviction with the dream of establishing a society based on equality without discrimination for women.