In 2013, the biggest industrial collapse of the country shakes the nation.
More than 1,000 poor workers had the last day of their job as well as their life when their workplace building named ‘Rana Plaza’ collapsed and ended into rubbles.
Like every cloud has a silver lining, this tragedy kindled the urge of some youths to stand beside women who were in vulnerable situations. They got their hands on the noble initiative in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
Thus, began the journey of Supporting People and Rebuilding Community (SPaRC), a social organization, founded in 2013 to transform the lives of the most vulnerable and voiceless.
SPaRC works for women, who have been victims of violence, and supports them to recover and rebuild their lives. The organization has become a trusted agency where many girls are now seeking help, particularly when they face violence and injustice. So far, a total of 75 women, mostly victims of gender violence, received medical, psychosocial and financial support as well as vocational training from SPaRC and have become self-dependent. Their community education programs are building social and political awareness, required to promote and uphold women’s rights. Most notable is the awareness program for school going children on sexual harassment and gender-based violence. The organization also facilitates workshop and training on human rights, women rights, laws and traditional judicial system, sexual orientation and gender identity, safety in social network, the CHT accord, and so on.
Currently, they have a big pool of volunteers who are always equipped to respond to any emergency calls. They have successfully mobilized volunteers and funds for relief and rehabilitation during and after the Thanchi food crisis, Longadu crisis and Rangamati landslides. They have reached more than 2,000 families and have been providing basic amenities for an extended period of time.
SPaRC has given that platform to the youth of CHT who want to bring about positive changes to the society. It has connected youths from all communities in the CHT and has significantly reduced the gap and misunderstandings. The organization won the Joy Bangla Youth Award 2017 for its bold stance against violence against women and initiatives for empowering women.
