Following the theme Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow (UNWOMEN)” Christian Aid Bangladesh has organized a national level dialogue ‘Women’s Café: Women working today for a sustainable tomorrow’ in Brac Inn Center today on 09 March 2022. Ms Meher Afroz Chumki, Member of Parliament and Chairperson Standing Committee on Ministry of Women and Children Affairs was present as the Chief Guest. Professor Dr. Sadeka Halim, Dean, Faculty of Social Science, University of Dhaka, Mr Charles WHITELEY, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh were present as special guests. Country Director of Christian Aid Bangladesh Mr Pankaj Kumar gave the welcome speech.

Following this theme, 42 months long (Feb 2021 – July 2024) consortium project of Christian Aid, BANDHU, BLAST, Nagorik Uddyog, and WAVE foundation titled ‘Empowering Left behind Minority Communities to Effectively Participate in Development Process in Bangladesh (ELMC) project’ co-funded by European Union (EU) celebrated the day on 9^th march in Brac Inn, Mohakhali. The project emphasizes on intersectional vulnerability faced by the minority population in terms of gender, class, sexual orientation, physical ability etc. The Dalit women, Ethnic Minority women, Women with Disability (WWD), and Transgender women are especially targeted in this project to be empowered and included into the development process of the country as they are further behind in the process as found by our baseline and perception surveys as well. Christian Aid arranged “Women’s Café” an event to share the stories of challenges and achievements of women from all walks of life, especially from the marginalized communities to promote and advocate for their participation in the mainstream development process. The event was moderated by Umme Farhana Zarif Kanta, Director- Policy Advocacy and Human Rights, Bandhu, Social Welfare Society.

The inspiring women speakers, Mx. Poly, Entrepreneur and Joyeeta; Rasheda Akhter, Upazila Vice chair, Chouddogram Upazila and President, District Women Development Forum, Cumilla; Jayonti Rani Das, Member, Islam Kati Union, Tala Upazila, Satkhira; Nasima Akther, President, National Council of Disabled Women (NCDW); Bichitra Tirki, Chair, Jatiya Adivasi Parishad, Chapainawabgonj; Shuklema Khatun, Assistant Supervisor and Shojag Sathi, MG Niche Stitch Ltd shared their success stories while highlighting several aspects of challenges and how they overcome that in their life.

Ms Meher Afroz Chumki, Member of Parliament and Chairperson Standing Committee on Ministry of Women and Children Affairs said that we have come a long way as women already. However, we still have a long way to go. Our honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has paved the way for women and marginalized community members to be included in the mainstream development process through various programs and acts. It is testimonial to the necessity of government action to enhance inclusion and development in our country.  She has also additionally spoken for the necessity of including men in the awareness programs. Special guest Professor Dr. Sadeka Halim, Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Dhaka said, even in the most sophisticated institutions, there still exists misogyny and sexism that obstructs the empowerment of women. In addition, we must also ensure that people with disabilities and from transgender communities receive support from their families as it is essential for their growth. and

Mr Charles WHITELEY, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union appreciated the form of the event as he got to hear the stories of women on women’s day as opposed to just empty commitments from men in powerful positions, which is the case in so many token events these days. He said that European Union has Gender action plan to promote empowerment of women.

The inspiring woman Mx. Poly, Entrepreneur and Joyeeta

Joyeeta came from a middle-class family. She was ignored from her family as she was transgender. She drops out from school when she was in class 7. Then she starts study in another school but in condition of that she will only attain in examination hall but not in class. She went go to school by walking as she couldn’t get financial support from her family. At a time, her family forced her to leave them as they are facing social problem. Though her mother loved her, but she has nothing to do. At that time she was determined that she will make her family for herself. In 2004 she came in contact of Bondhu Social Welfare got training from them and made a group of same community and working successfully.

The inspiring woman  Nasima Akther, President, National Council of Disabled Women (NCDW), struggled in her whole life. Her father was a high school teacher but he does not give her chance for study as she was disable. Though they were capable to ADB international welcomed her and give her training and scope to work. Now she is studying. The thanked to Honourable prime minister as she creates scope for disable. Now her father agreed and appreciate her step for walking forward.

 Bichitra Tirki, Chair, Jatiya Adivasi Parishad, Chapainawabgonj said that in 1996 When she was in class eight, she married off. In 1999 she got pregnant but at the same time her first husband died at the time of 8^th month pregnancy. 2011 she was elected in Adibasi Parishad. Her husband’s land was occupied by local pirates. She was tortured by them when she wants money in exchange of money. Then she was determined to work against pirates. Still now she is continuing her struggle. Now she is working as President at National Adibashi Parished in Chapainawabgonj.

Jayonti Rani Das, Member, Islam Kati Union, Tala Upazila got married in1999. From her childhood she was interested to do something for deprived community. But for financial crisis she can’t continue her study after completing BA. She got a job in BRAC. She realized their community was socially deprived. Since then, she was determined to establish a women organization for dalit community. In 2003 she her dream comes true and establish an organization named as Uddipto Mohila Unnoyon Songstha for the deprived community. Later she was elected in Islamic Union Parishad election 4,5,6 no. ward in Tala upazila of Satkhira district.

Shuklema Khatun, Assistant Supervisor and Shojag Sathi, MG Niche Stitch Ltd said that after a long struggle, today I am here. I joint as garments worker for the survival of my family. As a result of my hard work and dedication now I am successful. Presently I am working as supervisor of my company.

Rasheda Akhter, Upazila Vice chair, Chouddogram Upazila and President, District Women Development Forum, Cumilla said when she was 3 her elder brother died. Her father was caught by Razakar when she was 10. At that time, she has to take the responsibility of her family. She cultivates in the land for the survival of her family. She continues her study after her marriage and passed Degree. At a time, she realizes to stand before neglect family.  She starts working in packeting and batiks and create employment opportunities for women. She has a batiks shop in Comilla town.

Note, ‘Empowering Left behind Minority Communities to Effectively Participate in Development Process in Bangladesh (ELMC) project’ co-funded by European Union (EU) plan is being implemented in partnership among Chirstian Aid, Bandhu, BLAST, Nagorik Uddyod and WAVE Foundation in eight districts – Rajshahi, Naogaon, Jashore, Satkhira, Khulan, Sylhet, Habiganj, Moulvibazar) along with Dhaka city. With this project we aim to empower Dalit, Plain Land Ethnic Minorities and Transgender community to improve their involvement in the development process of Bangladesh by capacity building, coalition formation & advocacy and multi-actor research. This project aims to directly reach more than 6 lakh people from the marginalized communities and indirectly reach more than 18 lakh people additionally.

Dhaka, Bangladesh – 09 March 2022: Press release