ROLE OF NGOs IN WOMEN EMPOWERMENT: A STUDY ON GANGACHARA UPAZILLA OF RANGPUR DISTRICT IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

The present study was conducted at some of the villages in Gangachara upazilla of Rangpur district during June, 2021 to July, 2021 to study role of NGOs in women empowerment. The study was set up taking 8 groups of variables. The variables are: (1) Demography of the respondents, (2) Socio- economic condition of the respondents, (3) Empowerment perception, (4) Involvement of the respondents to economic and social development activities, Involvement of the respondents in ASA‘s education programs, (6) Involvement of the respondents in ASA‘s supportive activities, (7) Involvement with other NGOs apart from ASA and (8) Recommendations from respondents regarding NGOs‘ support services. Data on different variables were recorded and analyzed statistically. The study revealed that the majority of the respondents were between 31 and 35 years old, married, Muslim, studied in secondary school and had a large family (6 to 7 members). More than half of the respondents were housewives and their average monthly income increased from 6500 to 9500 taka after being involved with NGOs. Greater part of the respondents (84%) opined in favor of poverty alleviation by the NGOs. General empowerment of the participants like successful utilization of loan, increased freedom of participation in social organizations (village and union assembly, youth club and citizen‘ committee), education programs directed by ASA, training programs, increased access to services other than credit, easily reachable safety net support from UP, increased awareness about laws and human rights and very high (95%) rate of participation in decision making process of the respondents etc were possible due to effective intervention of the ASA and other NGOs in the study area. General empowerment along with economic empowerment (increased income and savings) has turned the women of the study area into valuable human resource.