About Us
Shakti Foundation is a non-government organization committed to the economic and social empowerment of disadvantaged women across Bangladesh. It believes in realizing the potential of women to become strong, independent members of their communities. Shakti began its mission with urban microfinance programs and strategically expanded its service network to reach remote rural areas. Over the years, it has widened its range of development services to include basic health care and education, agro-business growth, solar power, skills training and advocacy. Shakti was founded in April 1992 and now serves almost 500,000 households within 54 districts of Bangladesh.
Learn moreOur Vision
We believe women are entrepreneurs, change makers and leaders.
Our Mission
Shakti Foundation for Disadvantaged Women is dedicated to the empowerment of poor women by creating strong economic and social resource bases.
Our Values
Years
30
Districts Covered
54
Members
500,000
Branches
465
#30years
Our Journey
Shakti Foundation was established by Humaira Islam, PhD and a group of social innovators committed to the socio-economic empowerment of disadvantaged women through their social and financial inclusion. Founded in 1992 as a non-governmental organization, our mission is to eradicate poverty and stabilize social s ecurity for underprivileged women across the country.
Shakti initially established a pilot microfinance program to provide small loans for income generation to women living in Dhaka slums. The program’s success led to similar microfinance programs in other slums of other cities, the program subsequently expanded to the rural areas.
Shakti Foundation strongly believes in women’s potential to become decision makers, leaders, and agents of change in their communities. It continues to strive for our women’s socio-economic upliftment through poverty reduction and gender equality. Shakti covers both rural and urban areas through its programs in Microfinance, Agro, Health, and Shouro Alo, with branches all across Bangladesh in 54 districts providing services to 468,394 members.
Shakti Foundation is registered with the NGO Affairs Bureau Bangladesh under The Foreign Donations Regulations rules 1978 and the Register of Joint Stock Company Ltd. under the Society Act 1860. Shakti Foundation has also received certifications through the Microcredit Regulatory Authority Act in 2007 to run their microcredit programs.