Event on the occasion of World Food Day

"Let's take an oath for a world free from hunger"

Inspired by this theme, Shakti Foundation organized a food distribution program for underprivileged children on the occasion of "World Food Day 2019". The event was organized in collaboration with “Ek takay ahar” of bidyanondo foundation.

Bhasantek, Rayerbazar, Arambag and Airport – team Shakti were present in these locations of Dhaka city and distributed food among approximately 600 participants.

The first ever “Branch Managers Convention” of Shakti Foundation took place on 24th August, 2019.

The first ever “Branch Managers Convention” of Shakti Foundation took place on 24th August, 2019. Total 408 branch managers from all over the country participated in this event. The Founder and Executive director Humaira Islam, Phd was present on this occasion to enlighten the team. The Deputy Executive Director and Head of Programs Mr. Imran Ahmed provided his insightful guidance for the team to work with dedication and discipline.

“Amra Shakti Dol, Amra Shakti Bol” – with this inspirational slogan, the target was set that “Shakti Foundation will reach among the top five microfinance institutes of Bangladesh within next three years.” Branch managers expressed their valuable opinions and feedbacks in the event on how to improve performance. The convention ended on a positive note that we will work with utmost Honesty and integrity to foster growth of Shakti Foundation.

Telenor Health A/S signed an agreement with Shakti Foundation for Disadvantaged Women

Telenor Health A/S signed an agreement with Shakti Foundation for Disadvantaged Women to form a strategic partnership whereby the Telenor Health A/S will provide Digital Health Care Solution(TONIC) along with OPD Coverage to the employees of Shakti Foundation.

From Telenor Health Sajid Rahman (CEO), Andrew Smith (CCO),Mohammad Mobydur Rahaman Head of B2B Loyalty & Partnership, Mahmud Afsar Lead Manager B2B Sales, M. Arifin Anik Key Account Manager B2B Sales. From Shakti Foundation Ms Humaira Islam Phd, Founder & Executive Director, Mahfuzur Rashid Deputy Executive Director, Ms Asma Begum Head of HR along with other Senior Management members were present at the signing program. "

14th Microentrepreneurship Awards Launching Program

As part of Citi’s ongoing commitment to the field of microfinance, Citi Bangladesh, with the support of the Citi Foundation, launched the 14th Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA) program. The CMA program is jointly being organized by Shakti Foundation AND Citibank, N.A., Bangladesh along with the strategic partnership of Credit and Development Forum (CDF). The launching ceremony, held at a renowned hotel in Dhaka on 24th of October was inaugurated by the high-level advisory and screening committee chaired by Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Former Governor, Bangladesh Bank. It was also attended by the National Advisory Council Members, Ms. Rokia A. Rahman, Former Adviser to the Caretaker Government, Mr. N. Rajashekaran, Managing Director and Citi Country Office, Citibank, N.A., Bangladesh and Dr. Humaira Islam, Founder Executive Director, Shakti Foundation for Disadvantaged Women.

Since 2005, CMA seeks to highlight the achievements of the most innovative microentrepreneurs in Bangladesh. The goal is to raise awareness of microfinance, particularly among microentrepreneurs who could benefit from it; to recognize and celebrate the contributions that microentrepreneurs bring to the world economy; and to highlight best practices in microentrepreneurship.

The 28th Annual General Meeting

The 28th Annual General Meeting of Shakti Foundation was held at the Shakti Bhaban on 27 September, 2018. The meeting was chaired by our Chairperson Mahbuba Akter Mahmud.

Dr. Nilufar Banu, Tahira Huque, Moammad, Khalid Shams, Professor Nazrul Islam, Khondokar Mozammel Huque, Justice Tofazzol Islam, Mahera Khatun, alauddin Abul Majid, Dr. Taufique Ali and Humaira Islam PhD were also present on the occasion.

JVA With iDE

iDE - Bangladesh and SHAKTI Foundation for Disadvantaged Women have signed a joint venture agreement to collaborate with the objective to establish financial mechanisms to support women entrepreneurs of Women’s Economic Empowerment through Strengthening Market System (WEESMS) Project.

This JVA between the two organizations is considered as an agreement regarding “how” the parties will collaborate to introduce the rural women entrepreneurs of WEESMS to Shakti, build their capacity on Financial Literacy, and use Shakti Foundation as an Access to Finance solution provider for the entrepreneurs through the partnership.

The objective of the JVA is to establish a road map for the aforementioned rural entrepreneurs using Shakti Foundation’s platform of microfinance.

Agent Banking

Bank Asia and Shakti Foundation recently signed an agreement aiming to promote digital financial inclusion among Shakti’s beneficiaries. Md Arfan Ali, President & Managing Director of Bank Asia and Humaira Islam PhD, Founder & Executive Director of Shakti Foundation inked the agreement.

This partnership agreement has been facilitated by the MetLife Foundation and MicroSave on behalf of Shakti Foundation for digitization of various micro-credit transactions, repayment and savings deposit of Shakti Foundation beneficiaries through the agent banking of Bank Asia.

The ceremony held January 18, 2018 at the Head Office of Shakti Foundation at Mirpur in Dhaka.

Mobile Banking

Shakti Foundation introduced mobile banking in December 2015 as part of a financial inclusion initiative to include all its members

The Mobile Banking facilities give clients more flexibility. Financial transactions are made through a mobile account instead of cash, thereby reducing the risk of carrying money. Members conduct business transactions through their mobile accounts using savings, deposit, payment and transfer services.

Youth Spark: Technology-based Skills Development

In 2017 Shakti Foundation in collaboration with Microsoft, initiated a new computer based training program for women’s skills development.

The program offers two workshops

Basic Digital Literacy: A 5-day workshop on how to use basic office software such as Microsoft Word and Excel, and to create CVs.

Systems Engineering: A 10-day workshop on hardware and software installations, available to clients who excelled in the Basic Digital Literacy workshop.

So far 50 women have started technology-based businesses
a) Computer training centers b) Online business/ Ecommerce
c) Sales centers d) Repairing and servicing centers

ENRICH Program

Shakti was selected to start a partnership with ENRICH, the Union Development Program created by PKSF, in February 2018

ENRICH is an integrative program that aims to reduce poverty through a multidimensional approach targeting health, education, skill training, youth and community development, in addition to income generating activities. The program assigns one Partner Organization in a union to effectively implement a range of activities to ensure total development of the area. Shakti will serve as the Partner Organization in the Majidpur union of Titas upazila in the District of Comilla.