The “Child and Women Advocacy Rights” project, implemented by ERA Bangladesh in Sunamganj Sadar, is a comprehensive initiative aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of children and women, particularly those from marginalized communities. This project is part of UCEP’s broader Social Inclusion & Women Empowerment program, which operates across eight regions in Bangladesh.
Project Objectives
- Ensure Gender Parity and Inclusiveness: Promote equal access to education and vocational training for girls, persons with disabilities (PWDs), ethnic minorities, and other disadvantaged groups.
- Establish Safe and Secure Environments: Create gender and disability-friendly learning environments across UCEP institutions.
- Support the ‘Leave No One Behind’ Campaign: Engage families and communities to support the education and skills training of children and youth, especially women and marginalized groups.
Key Interventions in Sunamganj Sadar
- Community Engagement: Conduct awareness sessions addressing social issues such as early marriage, sexual harassment, and other forms of abuse.
- Co-curricular Activities: Organize events like street dramas, observance of special days (e.g., International Women’s Day, International Girl Child Day), and job fairs to disseminate program information and raise awareness.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with organizations like the Bangladesh Business and Disability Network (BBDN) and Disabled Peoples Organizations (DPOs) to explore job opportunities for PWDs.
- Screening and Support: Identify learners with disabilities and ensure they receive appropriate support and accommodations.
- Staff Training: Conduct sessions for staff to promote gender parity and inclusiveness within the organization.
Impact and Outcomes
- Increased Enrollment: Higher participation of girls and marginalized groups in education and vocational training programs.
- Enhanced Awareness: Improved community understanding of the importance of child and women rights, leading to a reduction in practices like early marriage.
- Empowered Individuals: Beneficiaries equipped with skills and knowledge to advocate for their rights and contribute positively to society.
By focusing on education, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, the “Child and Women Advocacy Rights” project in Sunamganj Sadar contributes significantly to the empowerment of marginalized populations, aligning with national goals of social inclusion and gender equality.