Nearly half the population of Bangladesh is denied equal rights due to exclusion, violence and discrimination.
Community empowerment is only possible when everyone’s voices are heard. Women’s voices, particularly those living in poverty, are often unheard. Women often have the least power in communities, usually not knowing their rights or how to realise them, meaning the potential of half the population is not realised.
Providing people, especially women living in poverty, with the tools to claim entitlements, develop leadership and take collective action through community-level organisations. In parallel, equipping local governments to be more accountable and responsive, creating violence-free enabling environments for women through realising their potential, and increasing access to information and services.
IMPACT
1.2 million
people living in poverty, most of whom are women, accessed social safety net services.
9,000+
members of our women-led grassroots organisations (polli shomaj) have contested in local government elections since 2002, and 2,903 of them have been elected into seats.
280,000
violent acts, such as child marriage, dowry and domestic violence, mostly against women and children, have been prevented.
WHAT WE DO
Building community institutions
Strengthening women-led community based organisations to uphold voices and realise their rights.
Strengthening local governance
Promoting pro-poor, responsive and accountable governance through a community-led development approach.
Increasing access to information
Creating sustainable impact as institutions become more accountable and pro-poor through ensuring access of the community to information.
Stopping violence
Awareness for prevention and action to address violence, particularly against women and children.
HOW WE DO IT
Polli shomaj
Community-level forums through which people living in poverty can raise their voices and exercise their rights.
Popular theatre
Spoken word for social change, delivered through one of the world’s largest popular theatre networks.
Community radio
Reaching 400,000 people, Pollikontho 99.2 FM is an internationally award-winning channel sharing social messages.
Animators
Self-motivated young people and community leaders volunteer to facilitate a community agenda in local government.
Psychosocial support
Psychological first aid and counselling support for women and families exposed to violence.
Enabling environments
Engaging men and boys to prevent violence against women and children.
WHY IT WORKS
Vibrant women leaders
Supporting women to take control of their lives as well as play an active civic role in the public sphere.
Storytelling at scale
Nurturing the tradition of storytelling to raise awareness, attracting millions to watch popular theatre shows and listen to community radio.
Database of gender-based violence
Collecting reports of violence from across the country to provide support services to survivors and mobilise communities to prevent violence.
Peace and social cohesion
Empowering women to build social cohesion.
Community-led approach
Promoting meaningful community linkage with local institutions to enhance development initiatives.
Psychological first aid provision
Primary mental health support for women and children exposed to violence.
