Mission

In April 1998, the FAO-NGO a Programme and the Institute of Development Policy Analysis and Advocacy, Bangladesh, organized a workshop of gender trainers in Koitta, Bangladesh. It drew an overwhelming response from women and men from various countries. Over the course of the workshop, participants discussed and deliberated various issues, shared their respective experiences and opinions, and came to a unanimous conclusion—the space for transformatory gender work was declining steadily. That the need to create a network gender activists and trainers was both urgent and critical was strongly felt and articulated by the group. Sangat was born out of this realization. In a way, it is the continuation of the FAO-NGO Programme which worked for 25 years and was coordinated by Kamla Bhasin during its entire lifetime.

Vision

The word "Sangat", in some languages, means a gathering/community of like-minded people for a good and just cause. Sangat was created in April 1998 at a workshop of gender trainers, held in Bangladesh and organized by the FAO-NGO Programme. In a way, it is the continuation of the FAO-NGO Programme which worked for 25 years and was coordinated by Kamla Bhasin. Sangat was created in realization of the fact that the space for transformatory gender work was steadily declining. The need to create a network of gender activists and trainers was urgent, critical, and strongly felt and articulated. The belief that understanding, peace and co-operation are essential for meaningful progress also prompted the formation of this regional alliance. Genuine development, democracy and peace are only possible in the region if we develop a identity and perspectives. Sangat's mandate has therefore been focused on developing and strengthening regional/cross border perspectives, programmes and cooperation through its activities and programmes.