Shanti Sadan
Shanti Sadan translates to mean "Peaceful Home"
Founded in 2009
Supported Over 100 Women and Children
Photo by Mohammad Rakibul Hasan
Who We Are
Photo by Mohammad Rakibul Hasan
OUR MISSION
Shanti Sadan is a sanctuary in the region of Khulna, Bangladesh committed to changing and reshaping the lives of afflicted women and their children in a positive new direction. Our non-profit organization is aimed at providing a holistic approach to supporting those most in need. We ensure that the people within our community are provided a safe shelter and a peaceful environment and are empowered to pursue new opportunities in their lives moving forwards. It is our goal to expand to other neighboring districts based on assessed needs.
Shanti Sadan's provides:
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shelter, food, clothing, and other necessary aspects for living a healthy life
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a safe and secure refuge for the neglected, homeless, and persecuted
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special care for seniors and the disabled
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basic medical treatments and supplies
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medical attention within a safe and comfortable environment for those with highly progressed diseases or those facing terminal illness
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legal support for victims of torture, rape, assault, and persecution
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mental health services
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educational services such as vocational training for tailoring and craft-making
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gatherings and events focused on female activism
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a supportive community
Shanti Sadan Featured on Jamuna TV News, May 2020
Founder Rashida Akhtar Featured on Maasranga TV, July 2019
OUR STORY
In 1995, our founder, Mrs. Rashida Akhtar (Rashu) was a young social worker and female activist. At that time, she joined Bangladesh Mohila Parishad in the Khulna district, the largest women’s social services organization in Bangladesh. While working with this organization for 14 years, Rashu witnessed the needs and limited capacity of just one group to help so many in need, and began to invite some of the hungry, homeless, persecuted, and aged into her own home. In Bangladesh, women and children who have been victimized by the cruel treatment of their families and communities, often endure separation, rejection, and negligence and have nowhere to turn. Recognizing the urgency to provide a form of shelter dedicated to providing security, food, clothing, health, medical, and legal support for the hundreds of homeless women in need, Shanti Sadan was formed in 2009.
In September 2009, with the financial aid and legal support of Mr. Ziaul Alam, the district commissioner of Khulna, Rashu leased and redeveloped an abandoned and dilapidated house, which was previously a government-owned property but without a potable water supply or electricity, and with sewage occasionally overflowing onto the property. There was, in fact, no entry road to the home other than a narrow bamboo path and the property had been illegally inhabited by squatters. Within 7 weeks, the home had been stabilized with new structural walls, primary living quarters, and updated infrastructure. On November 20, 2009, Shanti Sadan opened its doors with Mayor Mr. Talukdar Abdul Khaleq attending the opening ceremony. In 2010, Shanti Sada received a license from The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and was certified as a tax-exempt organization.
Today, Shanti Sadan provides shelter to women and their children of all ages based on three levels of need: short-term, long-term, and a capacity to stay for their lifetime. Shanti Sadan is a non-denominational organization and is open to women and their children of any religion and ethnicity.
Homeless Outreach
With our organization’s mission always in mind, we strive to find new strategies for dealing with this challenge. Homeless Outreach is something that we take very seriously, and our team is working each and every day to make a positive impact. Contact us to learn more about our commitment to this cause.
Photo by Mohammad Rakibul Hasan
“Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.”
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
THE NEED
Shanti Sandan currently relies on the support of volunteers and on financial donations from a small group of friends and funding from donors. For the most part, our organization is forced to be self-reliant and faces financial hardships, lacking the sufficient funds and people to support so many vulnerable people in need. We are initiating this online platform to spread our message and expand our level of support.
