Our Team

Steering Committee

Committed to transparency and accountability, our steering committee actively engages in regular discussions and reviews, offering valuable insights and expertise to drive our initiatives forward.

Erad Kawsar

Executive Director, Build Bangladesh

Build Bangladesh

"Would love to see this steering committee over the time of next 6 years converge as a association or hub to change the current status quo of Bangladesh RMG industry and lead towards an inclusive Fashion Industry."

Rawnak Jahan

Acting Director, Women and Girls' Empowerment at Care Bangladesh

CARE Bangladesh

"I am excited being a part of this committee. Let's commit to create an environment together where women can choose the best career opportunities for them and lead a life with dignity."

Syed Zain Al-Mahmood

Executive Director, Center for Communication Action Bangladesh

Center for Communication Action Bangladesh (C-CAB)

"Through Oporajita, we have the opportunity to catalyse lasting change in the RMG sector, potentially improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of women workers and their families. It is an honour to be part of the steering committee of such a groundbreaking initiative."

Venkat Kotamaraju

Partner and Director, Circular Apparel Innovation Factory

Circular Apparel Innovation Factory (CAIF)

"The foundation we are building through "Oporajita" will be a crucial ingredient in Bangladesh achieving its smart vision 2041. Through building adaptive resilience amongst RMG's women workforce, I would like for us to be role models for other emerging sectors on how economic growth can be predicated on green circular and inclusive pathways."

Charlotte Brunnström

Strategy Lead

H&M Foundation

"I look forward to the establishment of the Steering Committee as this group will be instrumental to the strategic direction of Oporajita and champion its work. Further, I have high hopes it will prioritize and reprioritize project deliverables, come up with ideas for problem-solving, identify, monitor, and eliminate project risks as well as provide expert input on concerns related to the overall initiative. I truly value the diversity in people and ideas, and the ability to have an open mind about people and the world around you. This brings positive energy and creates an inclusive and welcoming workplace; and it allows for the sharing of different opinions and ideas. The committee must allow for open discussion so that each opinion can be heard and assessed. Thus, it's important that we build our Steering Committee on trust, respect, inclusiveness and integrity."

Saroja Thapa

Acting Country iDE Bangladesh, Director, Global Operations, Asia

iDE Bangladesh

"In my personal free time, I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes, and traveling. I went to Norway and Croatia this July and can't wait to explore more. I have enjoyed being part of the CI Initiative and look forward to successful collaboration in the coming years. I envision the Steering Committee as a dynamic platform that fosters open communication on project performance, addresses concerns and risks, and facilitates collaborative decision making for the success of the project."

Zahedul Amin

Co-Founder & Director, Finance, Strategy & Consulting at LightCastle Partners

LightCastle Partners

" I'm immensely honored and humbled to be a part of Oporajita's steering company and look forward to contributing meaningfully to the program's success."

Abdulla Al Mamun

Director- CP & CRG, Save the Children

Save the Children

"As a steering committee member, my vision is to drive the Oporajita towards boundless success. I will foster collaboration, ignite innovation, and navigate challenges with unwavering determination. Together, we will set sail on a journey of excellence, transforming obstacles into opportunities, and crafting a legacy that inspires generations to come."

Ishrat Fatema

Team Lead, PROGRESS at SwissContact

Swisscontact

"My ambition with this Steering Committee is to foster collaborative efforts and drive transformative change. Together, we have the opportunity to shape policies, drive innovation, and implement sustainable solutions that address the pressing challenges. By harnessing our collective expertise, passion, and diverse perspectives, we can create a lasting impact."

Ainee Islam

Program Director, The Asia Foundation

The Asia Foundation

Aligned with the values of collective impact, The Asia Foundation cultivates partnerships that resonate with this collaborative spirit. Together with our 11 partners, we sow the seeds of collective action, nurturing an ecosystem where collaboration flourishes, and the fruits of our labour benefit communities far and wide. It's a testament to the transformative power of unity, where our shared commitment to positive change blossoms into a tapestry of hope, opportunity, and progress.

Partha Hefaz Shaikh

Director, Programme and Policy Advocacy at WaterAid Bangladesh

WaterAid Bangladesh

"Using the network of Oporajita, we are providing access to clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene practices to female garment workers and their communities, which in turn empowers them for a healthier, and more productive future. Through these efforts, we are laying the foundation for a more equitable and sustainable future of work. I envision the steering committee to pave the way where our holistic approach and ‘collective impact’ strategy not only address immediate needs but also build lasting resilience within our communities."

Sakshi Chadha

Digital Expert and Country Lead, Inclusive Digital Economies, UNCDF Bangladesh

United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)

"UNCDF, by collaborating on the Collective Impact project, intends to work with like minded partners and take a wholistic approach work towards creating an improved enabling environment for women garment workers, effectively leveraging digitization, financial services and capability enhancement tools. This aligns with UNCDF's objective of leaving no one behind in the digital era, especially women."

Backbone Organization – The Asia Foundation

Comprising skilled professionals who excel in adaptive leadership, our backbone team plays a pivotal role in mediating conflicts, framing opportunities, and maintaining the focus needed to drive effective collaboration and meaningful change within our projects.

Ainee Islam

Program Director

Kashfia Kayes

Communications & Outreach Lead

Fahmida E Zannat

Knowledge Management & GESI Lead

Ahnaf Tahmid

Program Coordinator

Md. Mostafa Sorower

Thematic Working Group Lead