The Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) is an umbrella organization for all Bangladeshi non-profit associations around the United States. Established in 1987, FOBANA®, is a non-profit, non-political and non-discriminatory organization. Under this umbrella, Bangladeshi Americans gather to celebrate their success and introduce their vibrant culture to this multicultural country. Since its inception in 1987, FOBANA® has been working to keep Bangladeshi indigenous culture alive to for next generation growing in the United States and Canada.
This year FOBANA celebrated its 30th anniversary in Washington DC on September 3rd 2016. The event was attended by thousands of Bangladeshi people from around the United States and Canada. Celebrity singers, dancers, authors and many others were flown in from Bangladesh. The entire event was abuzz with excitement.
As part of that celebration, in spring 2016, the organization created the ‘Women’s Empowerment Committee’ (WEC). Under the leadership of Maya Nehal, a renowned Bangladeshi businesswoman and social worker; and co-leader Anna Ali, both residents in Dallas, TX, the WEC kicked off to a great start. Maya Nehal is the perfect person to lead the group. Her extensive knowledge and wisdom gained over the last 30 years of social and community work is an invaluable asset in her leadership. Both Nehal and Ali brought together various professional Bangladeshi women from around the US to serve on the committee, including myself.
WEC is active and operating. Its first mission was to create a 24-hour helpline for women who are victims of abuse. The number is in effect and has started to provide invaluable service to those in need.
On Saturday Sept. 3rd at the 30th anniversary, WEC presented its first seminar in Washington DC at the FOBANA 30th annual convention. At the seminar, there were 3 speakers including myself. Tania Hossain, a local Virginian-Bangladeshi, described her journey in helping women and how her recent efforts had turned around the life of a suicidal woman to running her own successful business. Nazneen Ferdousi, the next speaker flew to DC all the way from Bangladesh to share stories of her work which included helping women and children who were victims of acid attacks and much more. When it came to my turn, I spoke about immigration options for women who are victims of domestic violence in the US.
Some of the other members of WEC were in attendance including Ayesha Papiya Ahsan, Selima Tasneem Chhonda and Sauda Kanta.
The seminar was well attended and well received. Audience members included Washida Rashid, co-chair of Bangladeshi Women’s Empowerment Network of California (BWEN) and leaders of FOBANA itself.
There was great synergy in the room and it was evident that the new WEC was a timely creation that was going to meet a void for the organization. I was grateful to be present and to be part of the FOBANA WEC team. It was much fun to be part of this new committee but in the process I met some amazing women and made lots of new friends. Thank you FOBANA and Maya Nehal for including me so I can further use my immigration knowledge to help women.