The New American Women’s Forum of New York is an association of women living in Jamaica, New York, founded in 2014 by Morshed Alam. Primarily led by Bangladeshi-American women, the organization strives to empower and uplift all immigrant women, focusing on their rights and well-being. New American Women’s Forum of New York encourages women, especially Bangladeshi women, to be active in local politics by participating in voting, attending public meetings, presenting women’s issues to elected officials, etc. At present, the group is active in Jamaica, where a significant number of Bangladeshis reside.
Mission:
- To create a supportive and inclusive community for immigrant women in Jamaica, New York.
- To advocate for the rights and interests of immigrant women at all levels of government.
- To empower women to participate actively in their communities and the political process.
Key Activities:
- Political Engagement:
- Encouraging women to vote and participate in the electoral process.
- Organizing meetings with elected officials to address Bangladeshi women’s issues.
- Collaborating with political candidates to promote the interests of immigrant women.
- Assisting with voter registration, phone banking, campaign activities, etc.
- Community Building:
- Maintaining liaisons with elected public officials and community leaders.
- Organizing meetings with local community activists and organizations.
- Collaborating with other ethnic community organizations to address shared concerns.
- Celebrating Bangladeshi national and cultural events to foster a sense of community.
- Self Improvement:
- Personal Growth: Develop leadership skills, enhance confidence, and expand professional networks.
- Skill Enhancement: Through education, workshops, and training programs, gain valuable skills.
- Support & Advocacy: Provide a confidential and supportive environment for women facing challenges, including addressing cases of harassment and discrimination.
Focus on Bangladeshi Women:
The New American Women’s Forum of New York focuses explicitly on empowering Bangladeshi women to participate actively in the mainstream American community. This includes the following activities:
- Vote: Participate in local, state, and federal elections.
- Attend Public Meetings: Voice their concerns and advocate for their rights at public meetings and town halls.
- Engage with Elected Officials: Present women’s issues directly to elected officials at all levels of government.
The forum is closely associated with the New American Democratic Club and New American Youth Forum.
Team:
President: Rubaiya Rahman
Executive Vice President: Shireen Kamal
Executive Director: Romana Jasmine
Vice President: Saleha Alam
Vice President: Selina Khanom
Vice President: Lily Akhter
Vice President Cultural: Dalia Chowdhury
Treasurer: Salma Ferdous
Community Affairs Director: Zakia Fahim
Executive Secretary: Rupa Abdullah
Media & Communication Secretary: Rowshon Ara Nipa
Executive Board Member: Adan Islam
Executive Board Member: Jeba Hossain
Executive Board Member: Dima Nafartity