Nari
O Manabadhikar Foundation (NAMAF)
Introduction
Nari O Manabadhikar Foundation (NAMAF) is
a non-political, non-profit voluntary human rights and welfare
organization. By nature, NAMAF is a human rights and civil
society network designed to encourage women and men to work
shoulder to shoulder for the common good of the human society.
NAMAF is a collective effort towards promotion and protection
of women and human rights in Bangladesh. The network was
primarily formed in 1995 as regional network based in Jhenidah
district. Initially its name was Coordinating Council for
Women’s Rights (CCWR). It was renamed as Jatyo nari
O Manabadhikar forum (JANAMAF) in 1999 in the context of
a new vision, new mission and new mandate. The network was
renamed once again as Nari O Manabadhikar Foundation (NAMAF)
in the process of registration.
Legal Status
NAMAF is registered under the Societies Act 21
of 1860 of the Government of Bangladesh (Registration No.
S-4765(886)/05.
Vision
NAMAF's vision is to establish a Bangladeshi Society
that is gender sensitive, discrimination and exploitation
free, welfare oriented, environment and eco-friendly, just
and democratic that ensures full rights and livelihood security
of women and children in Particular, and all citizens in
general.
Mission
NAMAF's mission is to strengthen women’s
and human rights in Bangladesh by building capacity of organizations
that are working for women’s and human rights. NAMAF
intends to provide the capacity building support by way
of network, advocacy, awareness raising, training, research,
information-sharing and technical assistance in the fields
of women, child and human rights. NAMAF is particularly
committed to end human trafficking, prostitution, acid throwing,
pornography, physical abuse and violation of legal and democratic
rights. As a matter of strategy, NAMAF specially focuses
on women’s leadership and network building as well
as basic institution building.
Membership and Participation
NAMAF has 102 national members that include human
rights, NGO and civil society organizations as well as individuals.
In addition NAMAF has 364 district level regional members.
Structure
Day to day affairs of NAMAF is run by a seven (7)
member Executive Committee headed by the Chairperson while
the Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the supreme forum for
all important decision making.
In addition NAMAF has district level committees in 15 districts. The district committees operate as autonomous bodies being empowered by the constitution and the Bye-laws.
Activities of NAMAF
NAMAF activities include:
Rights Promotion
Rights Education
Policy Advocacy
Arms and Violence Control
Trafficking Prevention
Fact Finding
Sending Urgent Appeals
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Legal Support
Funding
So far, NAMAF has been operational based on the
subscriptions and contributions made by its members. On
a few occasions, NAMAF has received mall support from a
project of the Bangladesh Development Partnership Centre
(BDPC) financed by MISEREOR Germany.
Contact address:
Chairperson
Nari O Manabadhikar Foundation (NAMAF)
138Ka, Pisciculture
Shyamoli, Dhaka 1207
Bangladesh.
Phone: 880-2-8110542
Email: janamaf@agni.com / namaf@agnionline.com
