About Noboprobhaat Foundation
History of Noboprobhaat Foundation
Noboprobhaat Foundation was established on June 20, 2018, as a youth-led organization with the aim of addressing the social discrimination, exclusion, and economic hardships faced by marginalized rural vulnerable gender and sexual diverse youth communities in Bangladesh. Youth activist Md. Yasin Ali, having closely observed the deep-rooted societal discrimination and hostility towards Indigenous, Horizon, Gender and Sexual diverse Youth, Rural widows, and economically disadvantaged youth, was particularly affected by the negative attitudes and exclusion these communities faced. His personal experiences with social injustice and inequality motivated him to take action.
With the support of a group of like-minded youth, Noboprobhaat Foundation was formed to advocate for the rights and empowerment of marginalized communities, particularly the rural gender and sexual diverse youth, indigenous and rural women community. The foundation initially faced numerous challenges, including social resistance, resource limitations, and lack of institutional support. However, through perseverance and community engagement, it has successfully established itself as a leading rural diversified youth-led organization promoting social justice, democracy, and human rights in rural Bangladesh.
Currently, Noboprobhaat Foundation implements various projects focusing on economic empowerment, youth leadership, policy advocacy, health protection, HIV awareness, human rights and access to justice. The organization has built strong networks with local and international stakeholders and continues to work towards creating an inclusive, democratic and equitable society, where no one will be discriminated against on the basis of their beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, or any other identity.
Introduction
Noboprobhaat Foundation is a registered non-profit, rural marginalized diversified youth-led organization dedicated to the overall development and empowerment of marginalized communities in Bangladesh. Established in 2018, the foundation works to promote human rights, democracy, civic space, freedom of expression, gender equality, youth empowerment, and economic sustainability while advocating for the rights of indigenous communities, marginalized women, and vulnerable rural gender and sexual diverse youth.
The organization prioritizes access to education and healthcare, economic equity, gender justice, prevention of gender-based violence, protection of indigenous culture, employment creation, capacity building, and policy advocacy. Additionally, Noboprobhaat Foundation actively engages in climate resilience, sustainable development, and public health initiatives.
Headquartered in Rangpur, Bangladesh, Noboprobhaat Foundation continues to foster inclusive growth, social justice, and community resilience through its diverse programs and advocacy efforts.
Vision
To create an inclusive and democratic society where all marginalized communities, particularly women, gender and sexual diverse youth, and indigenous community, can live with dignity, equality, and access to opportunities without facing discrimination or exclusion.
Mission
To empower rural marginalized vulnerable youth by providing education, skills development, policy advocacy, knowledge generation, awareness building, and leadership development while promoting human rights, democracy, gender equality, health care and social justice. The foundation aims to strengthen the voices of marginalized gender and sexual diverse youth groups through community engagement, public awareness, policy advocacy, and economic empowerment programs.
Objectives
- Youth Empowerment: Promote youth leadership, Involved in decision-making process, and self-reliance among marginalized youth.
- Economic Inclusion: Provide vocational training, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurial support for rural gender and sexual diverse youth, women and indigenous communities.
- Human Rights and Advocacy: Work towards policy reforms, legal support, and awareness programs to promote equality, justice, and protection for vulnerable populations.
- Democracy and Governance: Enhance civic participation and engagement in decision-making processes among youth and marginalized groups.
- Social Inclusion and Awareness: Combat stigma, discrimination, and violence through educational programs, campaigns, and community dialogues.
- Health and Well-being: Improve access to mental health support, sexual and reproductive health education, and HIV/AIDS awareness programs.
- Networking and Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships with local, national, and international organizations to expand support and advocacy efforts.
Our Values
- Equality and Non-Discrimination: We believe in equal rights and opportunities for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, belief, economic background, or identity.
- Human Rights and Social Justice: We are committed to protecting and promoting human rights, ensuring dignity, fairness, and justice for marginalized and vulnerable communities.
- Youth Leadership and Participation: As a youth-led organization, we encourage and empower young people to take leadership roles in decision-making and social change.
- Community-Driven Development: Our work is centered on the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve, ensuring that they actively participate in shaping solutions.
- Empowerment and Capacity Building: We focus on enhancing the skills, knowledge, and economic independence of marginalized groups to help them build a sustainable future.
- Integrity and Accountability: We maintain transparency, ethical practices, and accountability in all our operations, ensuring responsible use of resources.
- Collaboration and Solidarity: We believe in collective action and work in partnership with local, national, and international organizations to maximize impact.
- Innovation and Adaptability: We embrace innovative approaches to problem-solving and continuously adapt to evolving social challenges to create effective solutions.
- Climate and Environmental Sustainability: We recognize the impact of climate change on marginalized communities and integrate sustainability into our programs and initiatives.
- Feminist and Rights-Based Approach: We uphold feminist principles and a rights-based approach, ensuring that gender equality, social justice, and the empowerment of women and marginalized communities remain at the core of our work.
- No Harm Approach: We follow a Do No Harm approach, ensuring that our interventions do not unintentionally cause harm to individuals or communities. We take a conflict-sensitive approach, promoting peace, inclusion, and safety in all our programs.
Geographical scope
Noboprobhaat Foundation operates primarily in the rural and marginalized areas of Bangladesh, with a special focus on the Rangpur division. The foundation strategically works in regions where social discrimination, economic disparities, and lack of access to essential services have left communities vulnerable. These areas are characterized by high poverty rates, limited educational opportunities, restricted access to healthcare, and social stigma against marginalized groups such as gender-diverse youth, indigenous populations, and economically disadvantaged individuals.
The foundation’s scope of work extends across advocacy, empowerment, education, economic inclusion, and human rights protection. It implements programs that address youth leadership development, democratic participation, legal empowerment, gender equality, and prevention of gender-based violence. Through community engagement, capacity-building training, and networking with local and international organizations, Noboprobhaat Foundation works to create long-term social impact.
Despite its commitment, the organization faces significant challenges, including social stigma, legal restrictions, funding limitations, and security concerns for activists. Operating in rural and conservative areas means that advocating for human rights and gender diversity is met with resistance from certain sections of society, making the work both sensitive and complex.
Despite these challenges, Noboprobhaat Foundation continues to expand its reach and impact through strong partnerships, innovative advocacy strategies, and grassroots mobilization. By focusing on inclusive development and rights-based approaches, it strives to foster a more equitable and just society for all.
Our Commitment to Project Participants
- Respect and Dignity: We treat every project participant with respect, dignity, and empathy, valuing their lived experiences, voices, and contributions.
- Inclusivity and Non-Discrimination: We ensure equal access and participation for all, regardless of gender, identity, ethnicity, disability, or socio-economic background. We create safe spaces where diverse perspectives are welcomed and honored.
- Participation and Leadership: We believe in community-led solutions and encourage project participants to take an active role in decision-making, leadership, and advocacy for their rights.
- Transparency and Accountability: We are committed to openness, honesty, and clear communication with our project participants. We ensure they are informed about project goals, activities, and outcomes. We also welcome feedback and hold ourselves accountable to those we serve.
- Capacity Building and Empowerment: Our initiatives aim to equip project participants with skills, knowledge, and resources to help them build sustainable, independent futures and become agents of change in their communities.
- Safety, Protection, and Well-being: We adhere to a Do No Harm approach, ensuring that all interventions prioritize physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. We maintain a strong commitment to safeguarding, preventing any form of abuse or exploitation.
- Sustainability and Long-Term Impact: We are committed to ensuring that our programs create lasting, meaningful change for project participants. We work towards long-term solutions that continue benefiting individuals and communities beyond project timelines.
- Feedback and Continuous Improvement: We listen to and value the opinions, needs, and feedback of project participants to improve our programs, policies, and services continuously. We encourage open dialogue and ensure that participant’s feel heard and valued.
Our Commitment to Donors and Collaborators
- We uphold the highest standards of financial and operational transparency in all our projects.
- We ensure responsible and ethical use of funds, providing detailed and timely financial reports to our donors and partners.
- We adhere to internationally recognized financial management and compliance standards.
- We are committed to delivering measurable, high-impact results that align with our donors’ and partners’ priorities.
- We set clear goals, objectives, and outcome indicators to track progress effectively.
- We conduct monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) processes to assess and improve our initiatives.
- We maintain open, honest, and regular communication with our donors and collaborators.
- We provide comprehensive updates, progress reports, and success stories to demonstrate the real-world impact of our projects.
- We actively seek and value feedback to enhance our programs and ensure alignment with shared goals.
- We build partnerships based on mutual respect, shared values, and long-term sustainability.
- We ensure that our collaborations reflect ethical, human rights-based, and community-driven approaches.
- We promote inclusive and participatory decision-making in all partnerships.
- We understand that global and local contexts evolve, and we remain adaptable in our approaches to respond to emerging challenges.
- We work closely with our donors and collaborators to adjust strategies when necessary to maximize impact.
- We are dedicated to developing innovative solutions that address the needs of marginalized communities.
- We continuously improve our programs by learning from best practices, research, and community insights.
- We share our knowledge and findings with donors and collaborators to contribute to collective learning and global progress.
- We ensure that our projects align with the strategic priorities of our donors and partners.
- We work together to advance social justice, human rights, democracy, gender equity, and economic empowerment.
- We uphold a Do No Harm approach, ensuring that all interventions respect human dignity, cultural sensitivity, and community priorities.
- We work towards gender equality, social inclusion, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Our Commitment to Employees
1. Fair Employment Practices:
- We ensure equal employment opportunities regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, disability, or socioeconomic background.
- We uphold a merit-based hiring and promotion system, valuing talent, experience, and commitment to social change.
- We comply with local labor laws and international human rights standards to ensure fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.
- We celebrate and embrace workplace diversity, ensuring that employees from gender-diverse, indigenous, and marginalized backgrounds feel included and respected.
- We foster a non-discriminatory work environment where everyone’s contributions are valued.
- We actively promote women’s leadership, indigenous participation, and youth leadership within our organization.
- We enforce zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, or violence in the workplace.
- We have established clear grievance mechanisms and reporting channels to address employee concerns confidentially and effectively.
- We provide mental health and well-being support, ensuring a workplace that prioritizes employee wellness.
- We offer regular training, workshops, and learning opportunities to enhance employees’ skills in human rights, advocacy, project management, and leadership.
- We support mentorship and career development initiatives to help employees grow within the organization.
- We encourage employees to pursue external learning opportunities that align with their career and personal development goals.
- We promote a healthy work-life balance through flexible work policies and support for employees’ personal and family needs.
- We encourage paid leave, parental leave, and mental health breaks to ensure the well-being of our team.
- We value employee feedback and continuously seek ways to improve the work environment.
- We maintain transparency in all employment policies, including performance evaluations, promotions, and salary structures.
- We uphold a code of conduct that reflects our commitment to ethical work practices, accountability, and integrity.
- We ensure that all employees are aware of and adhere to organizational policies, including gender, financial, safeguarding, and anti-corruption policies.
- We acknowledge and celebrate employees’ contributions through performance incentives, recognition programs, and appreciation events.
- We encourage a culture of mutual respect and teamwork, where employees feel valued and motivated.
- We provide opportunities for leadership roles and greater responsibilities based on performance and commitment.
- We take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our employees, particularly those working in challenging environments.
- We provide security protocols, digital safety training, and crisis response mechanisms for employees facing risks due to advocacy work.
- We maintain a strict ‘Do No Harm’ approach to protect employees and project participants from harm.
Our Commitment to Government
- We ensure that our activities align with the Bangladesh government’s national development agenda, including Vision 2041 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- We actively contribute to policy discussions and implementation efforts in areas such as human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment, and climate resilience.
- We support the government’s efforts to promote diversity, inclusion, and social justice through our advocacy and programmatic initiatives.
- We maintain positive relationships with government departments, including the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Youth Development Department, and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.
- We seek collaboration with law enforcement agencies and human rights commissions to ensure the protection and empowerment of marginalized communities.
- We work closely with local government bodies, including the DC, UNO, and municipal offices, to implement community-driven initiatives.
- We strictly adhere to the laws and regulations governing non-profit organizations in Bangladesh.
- We ensure full transparency in financial management and reporting, including compliance with taxation laws and funding regulations.
- We are committed to obtaining the necessary government registrations and approvals, such as NGO Bureau registration for receiving foreign funding.
- We offer technical expertise, research, and grassroots insights to support government programs focused on youth leadership, gender equality, and human rights.
- We contribute to government policy dialogues by sharing data, reports, and best practices from our fieldwork.
- We conduct joint training programs with government institutions to enhance the skills of civil servants, social workers, and law enforcement officers in handling gender-diverse and marginalized populations.
- We work with government agencies to promote youth employment, entrepreneurship, and vocational training.
- We support education, healthcare, and skill-building programs for underprivileged communities in collaboration with relevant ministries.
- We partner with government bodies to implement community awareness campaigns on issues such as human rights, democracy, and gender-based violence prevention.
- We coordinate with the government to assist in humanitarian efforts during natural disasters, health crises, and other emergencies.
- We provide emergency relief support in rural and marginalized communities in collaboration with government agencies.
- We engage in constructive advocacy to promote inclusive policies that protect the rights of gender-diverse communities, indigenous groups, and marginalized youth.
- We support evidence-based policy-making by providing data and research to inform government decisions.
- We participate in multi-stakeholder dialogues to advance governance, democracy, and human rights.
- We ensure regular communication with government agencies to keep them informed about our work and impact.
- We submit annual reports and project evaluations to relevant government offices to ensure accountability.
- We support anti-corruption and good governance initiatives to promote integrity and ethical leadership in civil society.
Why Noboprobhaat Foundation is Special
1. Youth-Led & Community-Driven Approach: Noboprobhaat Foundation is led by youth, for youth. Our leadership and decision-making structures prioritize the voices and participation of marginalized and vulnerable youth, including gender-diverse individuals, indigenous communities, and rural youth.
2. Inclusive Representation: We are committed to ensuring diverse representation within our organization. Our board, employees, and volunteers include people from various marginalized backgrounds—ensuring that the voices of those we serve are at the heart of our initiatives.
3. Working in Hard-to-Reach Areas: Unlike many organizations that focus on urban centers, Noboprobhaat Foundation works in remote and rural areas where marginalized communities face extreme discrimination, lack of opportunities, and systemic exclusion. We bring essential services, advocacy, and leadership-building programs to these neglected populations.
4. A Holistic and Rights-Based Approach: We integrate human rights, democracy, gender equality, economic empowerment, and climate justice in our work. Our holistic approach ensures that the communities we support receive comprehensive solutions to their challenges, rather than isolated interventions.
5. Advocacy and Policy Influence: Noboprobhaat Foundation actively engages with local, national, and international stakeholders to influence policies that impact marginalized youth. We bridge the gap between community voices and decision-makers, ensuring that policy frameworks reflect the realities of those we serve.
6. Capacity-Building and Sustainable Development: We focus not only on immediate relief and advocacy but also on long-term capacity-building. Our training programs equip marginalized youth with skills in leadership, governance, entrepreneurship, and legal rights, empowering them to sustain change within their own communities.
7. Strategic Partnerships & Global Networks: We collaborate with renowned international organizations, funding bodies, and advocacy networks such as USAID, COC Nederland, Outright International, Youth Voices Count, CREA, Free Press Unlimited, The Commonwealth Equality Network, Kaleidoscope Trust, Article 19 South Asia, and The Asia Foundation. These partnerships amplify our impact and allow us to bring global best practices to local communities.
8. Commitment to a Feminist & No Harm Approach: Our work is deeply rooted in feminist values, intersectionality, and the “Do No Harm” principle. We prioritize safety, dignity, and non-discrimination, ensuring that our interventions do not expose vulnerable communities to additional harm.
9. Use of Media & Technology for Advocacy: Noboprobhaat Foundation effectively uses social media, digital platforms, storytelling, and traditional media to advocate for human rights, counter misinformation, and amplify marginalized voices on national and international stages.
10. Recognized & Award-Winning Organization: Our work has been recognized nationally and internationally, including receiving the APCOM Hero Award 2024 in the Community Organization category.