Supiya Khatun

Finance Manager

This past year has marked a period of foundation-building and strategic growth for Utthan. As a survivor-led organization committed to justice, dignity, and empowerment, we focused our efforts on strengthening internal systems, deepening survivor leadership, and preparing our communities for long-term advocacy and action. From sharpening our vision through the development of our 2025–2030 strategy to initiating groundwork in new geographies, the year has been crucial in aligning our mission with actionable, community-rooted goals. One of our proudest accomplishments was the deepening of survivor-led leadership across districts. Our team — composed entirely of survivors — took charge of leading community awareness sessions on gender-based violence and human trafficking, participated in district and state-level consultations, and used digital media to highlight the real, lived experiences of survivors. We also built strong networks with like-minded collectives, legal allies, and state actors to prepare for future advocacy around justice and rehabilitation policies. This journey has not been without its challenges. Navigating administrative formalities as a newly registered trust, limited financial and infrastructural resources, and the emotional labour involved in survivor-led work all presented hurdles. Additionally, language and digital barriers often limited our ability to fully access external platforms and funding opportunities. But despite these barriers, the team remained united and focused. As we look ahead, our vision is clear: to strengthen survivor leadership, create sustainable systems for justice and reintegration, and build a society where no one is left behind due to stigma or exploitation. In the coming year, we are committed to turning our strategy into action — building Self Help Groups, enrolling out-of-school children, strengthening legal access, and empowering more survivors to lead. We invite our partners, allies, and supporters to walk this path with us.