প্রতিবন্ধী নারী অধিকার বিকাশ সংস্থা (রাজশাহী বিভাগ)

Protibondhi Nari Odikar Bikash Shangstha (PNOBS)

Protibondhi Nari Odikar Bikash Shangstha (PNOBS) is a women with disabilities–led organization based in Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh. As a proud member of the Bangladesh DPO Coalition, PNOBS is dedicated to advancing the rights, empowerment, and social inclusion of persons with disabilities—particularly women. Registered under the Department of Women’s Affairs, PNOBS is also known as the Organization of Women with Disabilities in Rajshahi.

 

Historical Background

PNOBS was founded in 1999, emerging from a grassroots protest following a brutal incident against a deaf and intellectually disabled woman. This tragic event galvanized women with disabilities in Rajshahi to unite and advocate for their rights. In partnership with ADD Bangladesh, the organization spearheaded a strong movement that amplified the voices of women with disabilities.

• 1999: Grassroots organizing began.
• 2005: PNOBS obtained official registration under the Department of Women’s Affairs.
• 2006: A nine-member working committee was elected, ensuring direct grassroots participation of women with disabilities.

Since then, PNOBS has consistently worked to defend rights, provide legal aid, and build alliances with broader women’s movements in Bangladesh.

 

Geographic Coverage

PNOBS operates across Rajshahi Division, implementing projects for empowerment, livelihood, and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

• Core operational district: Rajshahi
• Project coverage districts: Rajshahi, Naogaon, Natore, Joypurhat, Bogura, Sirajganj, Pabna

 

Areas of Work & Impact

PNOBS, in coordination with local DPOs (Disabled People’s Organizations) and OPDs (Organizations of Persons with Disabilities), has focused on:

• Rights Protection: Defending the human rights of women with disabilities.
• Social Inclusion: Promoting participation in education, healthcare, and community decision-making.
• Economic Empowerment: Facilitating livelihood opportunities and income-generating activities.
• Advocacy & Legal Aid: Supporting women facing violence, discrimination, or legal challenges.
• Capacity Building: Strengthening grassroots leadership of women with disabilities.

To date, PNOBS has directly supported 1,700 women with disabilities across 19 unions in Rajshahi district, in collaboration with ADD Bangladesh.

 

Organizational Capacity

PNOBS has a proven track record in implementing community-based disability inclusion programs. Past collaborations include projects with Handicap International – Humanity & Inclusion (HI) and ADD International.

Its team comprises experienced professionals with expertise in:

• Disability inclusion and advocacy
• Skills development and livelihood promotion
• Grassroots organizing and leadership training

PNOBS aligns its mission with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), ensuring dignity, equality, and full societal participation of persons with disabilities.

 

Vision

A society where women and men with disabilities live with dignity, enjoy equal rights, and actively participate in all aspects of social, economic, and political life.

Mission

To empower persons with disabilities—particularly women—through rights protection, capacity building, and inclusive development, enabling them to live dignified lives on an equal basis with others.

 

Contact Information

President
Protibondhi Nari Odikar Bikash Shangstha (PNOBS)
Chayanir Residential Area
Nowdapara, Shahmukdum, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
📞 01732 119987
✉️ Email: pnobs.raj@gmail.com