Biography

Mrs. Rashida Akhtar (Rashu) founded Shanti Sadan in 2009. Rashu's devotion to caring for women and children arises from having seen and learned, first-hand, of the suffering of so many needy and helpless women while working with the Mohila Parishad, the leading feminist organization in Bangladesh, beginning in 1996.

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Prior to her role as a women's advocate, Rashu's life has been dedicated to the arts, teaching, writing, and activism. She was born and raised in Khulna, Bangladesh, and in her teenage years, she was involved with music and dance. Between 1980-1983, while living in West Germany, she incorporated poetry and acting into her artistic pursuits, and upon returning to Khulna in 1983, she joined Udichi Shipi Gosthi (the largest cultural organization in Bangladesh) and performed as an actor for many stage plays. In 1986, Rashu began working as a voice artist with Radio Khulna, later she has performed some key roles such as program director, presenter, poet, and lyricist. In 1989, she became involved with Khulna Unnoyan o Songram Somonnay Committee. Since 2000, while developing her career as a performing artist, she also began her life-long work as an activist and teacher and began donating her earnings as a lyricist to help local artists battling financial hardships. In 1993, she opened a school for poor children out of her own home, providing all of the supplies for free. In 1996, she started teaching at Orotirtho Biddyapith (a creative kindergarten) and later at Sohoj Path Sisu Kanon. Rashu also tries to implement an artistic and creative approach to teaching, and even wrote some children's books which are read in kindergarten schools today.  

Rashu got involved with a women's organization called Mukto Nari in 1992, and in 1995 with the Mohila Parishad, the leading feminist organization in Bangladesh. At this time, she began devoting her life to women's rights. Between 1996-2017, she served as Secretary to the Khulna district of Mohila Parishad. During this period, she also initiated the first events for the March 8th Women's Day and the November 25th Women's Protest Day. She also serves as a member of the Victim Support Center in Khulna.

Today, her progressive writings and music compositions are acclaimed by art industry professionals while her activism supports many women people and children in need.