On 9 March 2026, the Women-Led Community Centre – WLCC in Chanandi had the honor of welcoming Z. M. Mijanur Rahman Khan, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Welfare, Noakhali District.
The visit coincided with the ongoing celebrations of International Women’s Day, creating a meaningful opportunity to engage with the women participating in the centre’s activities. During the visit, Mr. Khan conducted an interactive session highlighting the services available through the Department of Social Welfare. He encouraged the women present to empower themselves with knowledge and practical skills so they can better protect themselves from all forms of violence and build safer, more independent lives.
During his visit, he shared the following remarks in the WLCC Chanandi visitor’s book: “Today, on 9 March 2026, I visited the Women-Led Community Centre in Chanandi. During the visit, I observed that the centre is providing various services for women, including healthcare support, sewing and tailoring training, psychosocial support services, and case management activities.
The participation of women at the centre is highly satisfactory. I also found that all staff members of PRAAN involved with the centre are carrying out their responsibilities with great sincerity. I wish the institution continued success in its overall efforts.”
Abdur Rahaman, Assistant Director of the Department of Social Welfare, the Subarnachar Upazila Social Welfare Officer, Mr. Samsad Khan, GBV in Emergency Officer at UNFPA, and Dr. Sadia Samrin Hridi, Field Monitoring Officer was also in the visit team.
The visiting team also traveled to Noler Chor to meet Ms. Nasima, a graduate of the WLCC training program. With the skills training and start-up kit she received from the centre, Nasima has successfully started working independently, an inspiring example of how the program is transforming lives and empowering women in the community.
Participatory Research & Action Network – PRAAN continues to operate two Women-Led Community Centres in two unions- Chanandi and Horoni in Hatiya Upazila, Noakhali, providing integrated GBV response, skills development, and midwifery services with the support of ActionAid Bangladesh and UNFPA Bangladesh.
