Setubondhon Gori Network (SBGN)
The SBGN Project is dedicated to improving the quality of life of acid attack survivors in Satkhira District by promoting social inclusion, economic empowerment, and leadership development. Implemented by SODESH the project focused on organizing acid survivors under the Setubondhon Gori Network (SBGN) to ensure dignity, rights, livelihood opportunities, and access to services.
Through continuous field visits and Income Generating Activity (IGA) monitoring, the project supported survivors living in seven upazilas—Satkhira Sadar, Tala, Kalaroa, Assasuni, Kaliganj, Debhata, and Shyamnagar by implementing partner SODESH. Psychosocial counseling, leadership refresher trainings, and skill based training enabled survivors to regain confidence and resilience. As a result, 70% of participants initiated self-reliant activities, and 20 survivors emerged as successful entrepreneurs.
The project strengthens coordination with District Acid Control Committees, doctors, nurses, and civil administration, ensuring regular monitoring, legal support, and medical follow up. Survivors received vocational training such as tailoring, beauty care, livestock rearing, vegetable cultivation, and fish farming, which enhanced income earning capacity. Despite challenges such as aging, chronic illness, limited literacy, climate hazards, and limited access to affordable finance, the project demonstrated that structured networking, psychosocial support, and practical skills training can significantly improve survivors’ reintegration into mainstream society.
Overall, the project contributed to restoring dignity, promoting economic independence, and strengthening collective advocacy against acid violence, while building a sustainable survivor led support network.
Project Key Outputs
- 80 acid survivors regularly monitored (59 Women and, 21 Male)
- 20 successful entrepreneurs identified (25% of members)
- 12 months of IGA field monitoring completed
- 4 quarterly executive committee meetings held
- 2 Acid Control Committee meetings conducted
- 2 monitoring meetings with doctors & nurses
- 2 leadership development trainings completed
- 1 annual survivor reunion event organized
- 70% of survivors initiated self-reliant livelihood activities
Project Outcome :
- Participation of SWADESH in District Acid Control Committee meetings throughout 2025 strengthened institutional coordination.
- Annual Reunion Event highlighted survivor achievements and increased media attention on acid violence prevention.
- Leadership trainings empowered survivors to engage with local administration and service providers.
