About UMUS

History of Establishment

In Bangladesh, there are 85 Indigenous groups spread across different regions. Among them, the Dalit community remains one of the most marginalized. Over time, systemic discrimination, social exclusion, and induced superstitions have undermined their cultural values, traditions, and collective strength. As a result, Dalits are pushed to the margins of mainstream society, often living in sub-human conditions. They are known by different names – Dalit, Scheduled Caste, forest people – but share common struggles rooted in illiteracy, dire poverty, malnutrition, and social neglect. These vulnerabilities, in turn, give rise to further problems such as alcoholism and early marriage.
Uddipto was established in 2003 with the specific mission of addressing these challenges and bringing Dalit communities into the fold of the mainstream. Founded by young Dalit men and women, Uddipto envisions a just and equal society where Dalits are recognized, respected, and valued in their cultural diversity, and are able to live as worthy and active citizens of Bangladesh. Uddipto strongly believes that freedom from exploitation can only be achieved when Dalit communities themselves are organized in a spirit of solidarity. The organization thus represents not only a movement for social justice but also the beginning of a Dalit renaissance – a pathway to reclaiming dignity and living a full human lif

Mission of the Organization

Our mission is to empower marginalized communities, especially Dalit women, by creating and strengthening community-based organizations where they can voice their concerns and claim their rights and entitlements; building the capacity of local governments for responsible and pro-poor governance; advancing human rights and social justice; preventing violence against women and children; ensuring access to information; responding to disaster management and climate change adaptation; and ensuring decent toilets, good hygiene, and improved water for all through social movement building and community engagement.


Areas of Work

1. Strengthened community-based organizations that enable marginalized groups, especially Dalit women, to raise their voices and claim their rights and entitlements.
2. Enhanced the capacity of local governments for accountable, inclusive, and pro-poor governance.
3. Promoted human rights and social justice through social movements and community mobilization.
4. Prevented violence against women and children by addressing root causes and strengthening protective mechanisms.
5. Ensured equitable access to information and services provided by public and private institutions for disadvantaged populations.
6. Enhanced community resilience through disaster management and climate change adaptation initiatives.
7. Improved public health by ensuring access to decent sanitation, good hygiene practices, and safe water for all.