IT all started in the year 1932, when a group of courageous women in Bengal took up to helping the helpless, exploited and victimized fellow sisters, women and child trafficking had increased to an unprecedented extent. In between the two World Wars, the number of sailors and soldiers had considerably increased and flesh trade found a ready and expanding market in Kolkata.

The Calcutta Suppression of Immoral Traffic Act and the Children Act was passed in 1923, in order to enable the police to rescue women and children from the brothels. A new bill entitled the The Bengal Suppression of Immoral Traffic Bill was placed before the Bengal Legislative Assembly in 1932 by Mr. J. N. Basu, an eminent lawyer and social worker. The Bengal Presidency Council of Women and the All Bengal Women's Conference decided to form an independent organization for the Suppression of Immoral Traffic in Bengal.

This society came into being with the name of ALL BENGAL WOMEN'S UNION registered under Act XXI of 1860. ABWU is affiliated to the International Abolitionist Federation, Geneva. On April 1st 1933 the bill was passed. Smt. Romola Sinha, the founder member was the first chairperson of Central Social Welfare Board in West Bengal.