Our Founder
Ms. Rahima Hossain
Founder & VisionaryA Lifetime of Service
Ms. Rahima Hossain, a social innovator and a tireless advocate for the underprivileged, dedicated her life to building a more equitable Bangladesh.
Born in a small village in the Manikganj District, Ms. Hossain witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by rural communities. This early exposure ignited a lifelong passion for social justice and empowerment. After completing her Masters in Social Welfare from the University of Dhaka, she worked for over two decades in the international development sector, gaining invaluable experience and a deep understanding of the root causes of poverty.
Driven by a desire to create a more agile and community-focused organization, she took the bold step of establishing Shelter for Social Development (SSD) in 2015.
The Spark of an Idea
The inspiration for SSD came not from a boardroom, but from a conversation with a mother in a flood-prone char region. The woman spoke of her children's interrupted education and the constant struggle to access basic healthcare. She didn't ask for a handout, but for a "shelter" for her family's dreams.
This simple, powerful plea became the cornerstone of SSD's philosophy: to provide a foundation—a shelter—where communities can build their own futures. Ms. Hossain envisioned an organization that listened first, and acted second, ensuring that all programs were designed in direct response to the expressed needs of the people they serve.
True development is not something we give; it is something we nurture. It is the process of helping people realize the immense power that lies within them.