Access Bangladesh Foundation successfully organized a four-day workshop on Strategic Planning, Leadership Development, Advocacy, and Fundraising Strategy for the Executive Committee members of the National Council of Disabled Women (NCDW), a national network of 111 grassroots organizations of women with disabilities across Bangladesh. The workshop was held in Dhaka from July 4 to 7, 2026 under the "Expanding Civic Space through Active CSO Participation and Strengthened Governance System in Bangladesh (ECSAP)" project, co-funded by the European Union and Christian Aid, with support from Manusher Jonno Foundation.
The workshop brought together 23 women with disabilities representing 8 districts across Bangladesh. The initiative aimed to strengthen their leadership capacity, enhance organizational governance, and equip participants with practical knowledge and tools to effectively advocate for the rights of women with disabilities while ensuring the long-term sustainability of their organization.
Over four days, participants engaged in interactive sessions to review and update NCDW's Strategic Plan, leadership and organizational development, communication and team building, advocacy and policy analysis, and resource mobilization and fundraising. The workshop concluded with the development of a fundraising action plan for NCDW and a roadmap for strengthening the organization's future priorities.
The inaugural session featured remarks from Albert Mollah, Executive Director of Access Bangladesh Foundation, Mosfequr Rahman, Project Manager, ECSAP Project, Christian Aid, Shaikh Giasuddin Ahmed, Senior Program Manager, Manusher Jonno Foundation, and Nasima Akter, President of the National Council of Disabled Women. The closing session was attended by Mohua Paul, Chairperson of Access Bangladesh Foundation, alongside representatives from the partner organizations.
The workshop featured interactive sessions facilitated by experts fromChristian Aid, Manusher Jonno Foundation and Access Bangladesh Foundation, including Mosfequr Rahman, Albert Mollah, Shaikh Giasuddin Ahmed, Taslim Zahan, and Md. Uzzol Hosen.
Speaking at the workshop, Albert Mollah, Executive Director of Access Bangladesh Foundation, said:
"Strong organizations are built through strong leadership. By investing in the leadership and organizational capacity of women with disabilities, we are creating greater opportunities for them to influence decisions, advocate for their rights, and lead sustainable change within their communities."
Nasima Akter, President of NCDW, expressed her appreciation for the initiative, stating:
"This workshop has strengthened our confidence and equipped us with practical strategies to guide our organization more effectively. We are committed to applying these lessons to advance the rights and leadership of women with disabilities across Bangladesh."
Through the ECSAP project, Access Bangladesh Foundation continues to strengthen Organizations of Persons with Disabilities by promoting inclusive leadership, good governance, and meaningful participation in democratic and civic processes. The initiative contributes to building a more inclusive, accountable, and resilient civil society in Bangladesh.
