Strengthening the human rights and social participation of marginalized groups in Bangladesh with specific focus on women and girls (Hope)
Pollisree start a human rights project in collaboration with NETZ Bangladesh and BMZ since February 2024 with the aim of strengthening the human rights and social participation of the marginalized population of Bangladesh, especially women and girls. “Strengthening the human rights and Social participation of marginalized groups in Bangladesh with specific focus on women & Girls’ Briefly, the activities of the HOPE Project began. The main objective of the project is to strengthen and network youth and adult human rights activists and government authorities to protect and promote the rights of marginalized groups in 06 districts of Bangladesh and at the national level. The objective of the project is- '10090 youth and adult human rights defenders and 1490 local authority representatives working together will be able to strengthen the rights, resources and representation of women, girls and minority groups at the district and national levels.' Among the 06 districts of Bangladesh, Pollisree is being implemented in 12 unions of Shibgonj and Sonatala upazilas of Bogra district and 12 unions of Polashbari and Gobindganj upazilas of Gaibandha district in total 24 unions of 04 upazilas which will continue till June 2027. The total number of employees of the project is 13 people. The project area office is located at Bogra Mokamtola and the project unit office is located at Komorpur of Gobindganj upazila of Gaibandha district. It can be seen that among the religious minorities of Bangladesh, indigenous, Hindus, Dalits, and other landless. Marginal farmers, women and girls are in many cases less privileged, have less social participation and are victims of discrimination, torture and violence in various ways including family. In this context, through the activities of this project, such as 78 civil society organizations including religious minorities, marginalized groups, teachers, journalist professionals and student forums of 24 high schools at the village, union, upazila and district levels, A total of 3150 human rights defenders involved through the creation and activation of drama groups have been playing an active role in improving the quality of life of religious minorities and marginalized people living in the work area and protecting their human rights by participating in human rights training or meetings. Also, participating in dialogue with local authorities, preparing and implementing joint action plans, ensuring right to information, increasing access to various services through advocacy and relationship development, playing a responsible role in preventing and redressing violence and torture. A Marginalized and religious minority women have just begun to implement the project activities to reduce gender inequality and to maintain their own control over the acquired resources. For example, 78 civil society organizations consisting of religious minorities, marginalized groups, teachers, journalist professionals at the village, union, upazila and district levels and 3150 human rights people involved through the creation and activation of student forums and drama groups with students of 24 high schools. Human rights defender have been playing an active role in improving the quality of life of religious minorities and marginalized communities living in the work area and protecting their human rights by participating in human rights training or meetings. Also, participating in dialogue with local authorities, preparing and implementing joint action plans, ensuring right to information, increasing access to various services through advocacy and relationship development, playing a responsible role in preventing and redressing violence and torture. Marginalized and religious minority women have only begun to implement projects to reduce gender inequality and gain control over the resources they have acquired.
Mahmud Manik - Project Coordinator, Cell-01722865844
Funded By - NETZ Bangladesh.
Duration - January 2024 –June 2027
Civil Society Organizations and public authorities are strengthened to protect and promote rights of marginalized women (ECSAP)
Through the CSO (ECSAP) project, women in the work area have increased their awareness of various issues in social and political work and are expressing themselves institutionally as members of women's clubs. Along with awareness about government services, training, various official facilities, and assisting others in the area in availing opportunities. Women's club members are aware of legal services to prevent violence and abuse and are linking with service-based institutions to take necessary measures at various levels. Men and adolescents are becoming sensitive to their responsibilities and roles, and are playing a role in paying dowries in addition to practicing positive, transformative behaviors to show respect for women. Women are transforming themselves into small entrepreneurs by joining financial activities to establish themselves. They are playing a role in ensuring their own respect, as well as participating in arbitration.
Adolescent girls are becoming aware of the prevention of child marriage and are taking help from school teachers, helplines, and government officials to prevent their own and their classmates' marriages
Location - Sadar upazila under Dinajpur district
Funded By- Manusher Jonno Foundation & Christian Aid
Duration - January 2024-December 2025
Rawnak Ara Haque - Project Coordinator, Cell- 01724639608
WE-CAN Campaign
Work on reduce domestic violence and create change maker arrount the Rangpur division.
Shamima Popi - Focal person - Cell - 01750734769
Jatio Nari Nirjaton Protirodh Forum
As a network member to reduce VAW at greater Dinajpur
Funded by- Action Aid - Bangladesh
Focul Person - Samsun Nahar - Cell- 01786729251