Tawhida Shiropa’s journey from being a journalist at the renowned Prothom Alo to founding Moner Bondhu, a social enterprise dedicated to mental healthcare, began with a personal experience that changed her life. Watching her mother battle acute depression in 2015, she realised the pressing need for accessible mental health support and resources, not just for those struggling, but also for their caregivers. This realisation marked the birth of Moner Bondhu the following year, a passion project that made a tangible impact on people’s lives.
Moner Bondhu provides professional support and care to patients with mental distress via a dedicated helpline number. Its app allows users to access a team of professionals to seek counselling anytime and anywhere. Therapy sessions, available both in-person and via video call, are personalised to meet the unique needs of each client. Moner Bondhu prioritises genuine connections with clients, going beyond just delivering a service. It measures its impact through the stories and feedback of those it has helped. Surveys and conversations reveal the positive changes clients experience, from feeling lighter and improving relationships to overcoming crises. For Tawhida, the most rewarding aspect is hearing that her organisation’s work has saved lives, reinforcing the importance of its mission.
Moner Bondhu is the first organisation of its kind to reach out to the workers of the RMG sector of Bangladesh. By partnering with BGMEA, it provided counselling to more than 37,000 workers across 75 factories.
As a mental health advocate, Tawhida sees her role as more than just a job; it’s her life’s purpose. She is vocal about her belief that good mental health is a fundamental human right and works towards a society that prioritises mental well-being. Amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life, it is easy to focus solely on Dhaka, but Bangladesh’s story extends far beyond its capital. Our nation is vast and diverse, and many are unaware of the bigger picture. Tawhida is dedicated to changing that perspective. “Our goal is to reach every corner of Bangladesh, ensuring mental health support is accessible to all. This is not just a mission for us; it is a promise to the people we serve,” she says.
Moner Bondhu provides professional support and care to patients with mental distress via a dedicated helpline number. Its app allows users to access a team of professionals to seek counselling anytime and anywhere.
Tawhida’s experience with Moner Bondhu has been a testament to her personal growth and resilience. “Leaving a stable job to pursue my passion was a leap of faith that required balancing my desire to make a meaningful impact with the practicalities of running an organisation. I faced the added challenge of being a woman in a society where women are often overlooked. Despite the setbacks, I have learned to face each obstacle with determination and grace. The experience has taught me the importance of perseverance and humility, shaping me into a stronger and more compassionate leader,” she shares.
Tawhida’s work in mental healthcare has earned her well-deserved recognition, including being named a ‘Sustainability Thought Leader’ in the prestigious Vogue Business 100 Innovators 2023 list. Additionally, Moner Bondhu has received notable distinctions, such as being recognised as the best ICT startup at the 8th Brac Bank-The Daily Star ICT Awards, and winning the esteemed Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge 2022.
The Fashion Frontier Challenge, organised by the renowned clothing brand, aims to foster innovation and sustainability within the fashion industry by acknowledging entrepreneurs who strive for positive societal change. As a winner, Moner Bondhu received 100,000 euros in prize money, along with a year-long mentorship with Tommy Hilfiger’s global market experts and a year-long mentorship at the prestigious international business school INSEAD. It was selected for being a platform that offers accessible and affordable mental health and wellbeing services to all, especially garment factory workers, women, and youth across Bangladesh.
Tawhida advises aspiring social entrepreneurs to embrace resilience as their greatest asset, reminding them that challenges are part of the journey and that maintaining focus on their vision and purpose is essential.
Moving forward, she plans to continue utilising technology to expand Moner Bondhu’s reach and make mental healthcare more accessible and engaging. However, she emphasises that the focus will always be on the people the platform serves – being there for them in their darkest moments and guiding them towards a brighter future.