Towards Women’s Human Rights, Sustainable

Development and Humane Society & State

Annual Report 2015

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad

Annual Report 2015

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad

Members of Project Committee: Ayesha Khanam

President, Central Committee

Dr. Fauzia Moslem

Vice President, Central Committee

Rekha Chowdhury

Vice President, Central Committee

Maleka Banu

General Secretary, Central Committee

Rakhi Das Purkayastha

Joint General Secretary, Central Committee

Shima Moslem,

Joint General Secretary, Central Committee

Adv. Masuda Rehana Begum

Asst. General Secretary, Central Committee

Dil Afroz Begum

Finance Secretary, Central Committee

Material Collection :Lili Ara Parvin Aotoshe, Project Coordinator

Ajoy Shankar Dey, Director (Finance & Admin)

Adv.Maksuda Akter Laily,Director(Legal Advocacy& Lobby)

Jana Goswami,Director (Advocacy& Lobby)

Md. Abu Zar Subhani,Director,Admin

Adv.Dipti Rani Shikder, Senior Lawyer

Adv.Ram Lal Raha,Senior Lawyer

Sahajadi Shamima Afzali,SeniorTraining& Research Officer

Poly Mohanta, Manager,HR

Saleha Banu,Training& Research Officer

Rifat Binte Zia, Program Officer,Mass media sub-committee

Suhana parvin,Program Officer, International, Health,

Environment and Social Welfare Sanatan Kumar Malo,Program Officer, Organization

Syeda Sofia,Program Officer, Organization

Ashru Bhattachajee, Superintendent,Rokeya Sadan

Samira Noor Parna,Junior Program Officer(Networking)

Israt Jahan, Administration Officer,Rokeya Sadan

Printing Management : Runu Das, Executive Officer

Abu Hena Mustafa Enam, Associate Editor

Computer Compose : Habibur Rahman, IT Officer

Dolon Shil, Computer Operator

Cover Design :

Photograph : Abdul Majed & BMP Members of Central & District Branches

Published By : Bangladesh Mahila Parishad

Central Committee, Sufia Kamal Bhaban

10/B/1, Shegunbagicha, Dhaka-1000

Phone: 88 02 9511904, 88 02 9582182

Email :info@mahilaparishad.org

Web :www.mahilaparishad.org

Copyright reserved by BMP. Any material in this report may not be reproduced or

transmitted in any form or by any means without acknowledgement to Bangladesh

Mahila Parishad. However, information enclosed herein may be for other publication

with due reference.

Printed From:

PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF WOMEN’S

HUMAN RIGHTS IN BANGLADESH

Table of Contents

Key Information

Preface

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Executive Summary

Chapter 1: Bangladesh Mahila Parishad: A Brief Profile

Introduction

Core Values

Vision

Goals

Objectives

Operational modalities

Structure and Management

Chapter 2: Promotion and Protection of Women’s Human Rights in Bangladesh

Project background

Rationale of the Project

Goal, Purpose and Outputs of the Project

Chapter 3: Activities and Achievements under different components based on

Planned Outputs

Introduction

Organizational Activities and Achievements

Component 1: Accelerating social movements against VAW

Detail areas of specific interventions

Component 2: Strengthening political empowerment of women

Areas of interventions

Component 3: Intensifying women’s human rights movements

Areas of interventions

Component 4: Effective functioning A Lobby and Advocacy Agent

Areas of interventions

Component 5: Improving organizational capacity

Areas of interventions

Chapter 4: Additional Interventions beyond Planned Outputs

Chapter 5: Impact of BMP Programmes and Activities

Chapter 6: Challenges and Suggested Measures

Annexes :

KEY INFORMATION

Project Title : PROMOTION AND PROTECTION

OF WOMEN’S HUMAN RIGHTS IN

BANGLADESH

Implementing Organisation : BANGLADESH MAHILA

PARISHAD (BMP)

Project In-charge : Dr. Maleka Banu

General Secretary, BMP

Reporting Period : JANUARY – DECEMBER, 2015

Reporting Date : March 2016

Preface

Bangladesh Mohila Parishad (BMP) has completed 6th

year of the project “promotion

and protection of women Human Rights in Bangladesh” supported by Royal

Norwegian Embassy, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The completion of the project was due on

December 2014 but subsequently the project has been given a no cost extension for

one more year from January to December 2015. This report covering a period of

January-December 2015 contains activities and achievements in all the five

components during the period of no cost extension. BMP made all out effort to

implement each and every activity with great deal of diligence so that outcomes are

reached and impacts of those activities can be discerned.

The beginning of the year 2015 has been marked by serious political agitation when

movement in and around Dhaka and also within the field by the organizers of the

district branches have become risky and restricted. At one stage it was uncertain how

BMP is going to start of the activities. Inspite of this BMP and district branches

started its activities whenever it is possible and it started its activities in full swing

when political agitations gradually subsided.

The hard work of BMP at all levels made it possible to reach most of the targets as

per plan and project objectives. The credit for this goes to the district and grassroot

organizers who worked relentlessly to make every programme successful. BMP over

the years has created grassroot level committed workers who are always active,

vibrant and committed in conducting all the activities of the project with full

involvement and dedication. The central leadership and the secretaries of the sub-

committees have been guiding and monitoring activities in the field as well as

implemented activities through the central office.

The task of promotion and protection of women Human Rights in Bangladesh is huge

and challenging and BMP has to face and overcome many hurdles in this process. The

struggle however, goes on and the project has contributed a lot toward this end.

Sincere thanks and appreciation are due to all the members and supporting staff at the

central office Dhaka and in the field who worked hard in implementing different

activities sometime under difficult situation.

In this connection BMP expresses its sincere thanks to the Royal Norwegian Embassy

specially the Honorable Ambassador and other officials who took great interest in

BMP’s activities and also bearing with us. BMP hopes that their support will continue

in future to establish a gender-sensitive, women human rights based just society in

Bangladesh.

Acronyms and Abbreviations

BIDS : Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies

BPFA : Beijing Platform for Action

BMP : Bangladesh Mahila Parishad

BSMMU Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University

CEDAW : Convention on the elimination of All Forms of

Discrimination Against Women

CPB : Communist Party of Bangladesh

CPD : Centre for Policy Dialogue

CRC : Convention on the Rights of Children

CSW : Commission on the Status of Women

ECOSOC : Economic and Social Council of the United Nations

GO : Government Organisation

GoB : Government of Bangladesh

ICT : International Crimes Tribunal IGA : Income Generating Activities

IGP : Inspector General of Police

IWRAW : International Women's Rights Action Watch

LFA : Log Frame Analysis

LGI : Local Government Initiative

MDG : Millennium Development Goal

MFA : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Memorandum of Understanding

MoWCA : Ministry of Women and Children AffairsMOUM

NGO : Non-government Organisation

NPA : National Plan of Action

NWDP : National Women Development Plan

RNE : Royal Norwegian Embassy

SAC : Social Action Committee

ToT : Training of Trainers

UFC : Uniform Family Code

UN : United Nations

UP : Union Parishad

UNCEDAW : UN Convention on the elimination of All Forms of

Discrimination Against Women

UNDP : United Nations Development Programme

UNICEF : United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund

VAW : Violence Against Women

VSC : Victim Support Centre

WHR : Women’s Human Rights

Executive Summary

2015 is the year of developing global and national realization for continuing remarkable

advancement of women achieved so far and women’s contribution in the mainstreaming

development process through a long historical struggle and active participation of women in

every corner of the world.

It needs to focus and link with sustainable development program beyond 2015 adopted in

global summit, UN September 2016. In this light BMP also continuing its planned and

unplanned activities during this period. BMP focuses on strengthening and consolidation from

central to grassroots level and also institutional development so that BMP being a non-

political organization independently and effectively can lead political movement towards

establishing Women’s Human Rights

The Annual Report of 2015 contains activities, achievements and impacts of the activities

from January to December of 2015 with no cost extension for the project titled “Promotion

and Protection of Women Human Rights in Bangladesh” supported by the Royal Norwegian

Embassy. In spite of being a year of no cost extension, BMP implemented all the planned

activities diligently and with commitment all throughout the year. BMP achieved notable

success in 2015 in pursuing its goals, objectives and vision for promoting and protecting

women’s human rights in the back drop of patriarchal mindset, rise of fundamentalism,

religious extremism, conservative forces and limited real democratic practices.

The different components of BMP activities and programmes reflect a wide variety of

interventions that the organization is committed to implement. In 2015, BMP undertook 1,153

programmes out of which 1,033 and 120 implemented at the district and central levels

respectively. The number of participants in the programmes was 38,253. At the district level

the number of participants was 32,253 and the rest 8,143 were from the centre. The number of

activities reflects the plethora of activities of BMP which remained active all throughout the

year of 2015. The impact of programmes and activities related to its organization has been

immense as reflected in its growing strength and visibility in the society.

As an organization BMP has expanded its activities from the central office to the district

down to the village forming neighbourhood groups and grassroots organizations. BMP is the

largest member-based women rights organization in the country. In 2015, the total members

of BMP stand at 1,36,922 spreading over 63 districts, 208 Upazila, 331 unions and 816

villages. The total number of grassroots organizations is 2,397. There are several implications

of this huge organizational achievement. These are:

a) it has established effective interactions and engagement with women of different sections

of society; b) it has developed leadership capacity at the district level which has been playing

an important role in expanding and consolidating the organization; c) BMP could bring

together a group of enterprising and dedicated members and activists at the grassroots and

district levels who will provide leadership in future; d) women from different professional and

socio-economic backgrounds in the society have been showing more interests about BMP

and, e) BMP has achieved confidence and recognition of government and non-governmental

actors both at national and international levels as an organization committed and capable to

achieve women’s human rights. Over the years BMP has acquired a distinct entity in the

society through its, secular and mass orientation based on volunteerism.

Violence against Women (VAW) is considered a major threat to basic framework of women’s

human rights in Bangladesh. The overall picture of VAW in 2015 is found not only

disappointing but also alarming. The trend and frequency of VAW clearly suggests that it

remains as the biggest obstacle to establish women’s human right at home and outside the

home arena. It is revealed from BMP’s data base that a total of 4,436 incidents of different

types of violence have occurred in different parts of the country. The largest number of

victims of VAW during this period was related to rape (1,092), gang rape (199) murder of

women and children (714), dowry related violence (589), and suicide (336).

The 2015 also BMP’s central and branch offices were vocal against these violent and heinous

acts. BMP organized protest meetings, submitted petitions, organised human chains, filed

cases and provided legal support to the victims of violence as per necessity. The main

outcome of BMP’s role is visible because an increasing number of victims both at the central

and grassroot sought BMP’s help which shows that the organisation has emerged as credible

entity among the public to rely and fight any form injustice and violence against women.

BMP regularly provides legal support to the victims of violence throughout the country. In

2015, the Legal Aid Unit of BMP achieved significant success in implementing programmes

and activities exceeding the project target. BMP provided logistic support for legal activism to

district branches. In 2015, a total of 720 cases were dealt by BMP which include both old and

the new cases. BMP also succeeded in ensuring justice for victims of violence in many cases.

The court delivered several verdicts in favour of the victims in 2015. Many cases are pending

due to delay in legal procedure which is beyond control of BMP.

With a target of 650 recipients of counseling, the organization served 1,079 clients in 2015 at

central, district and grassroots levels. Similarly, BMP achieved success in mediation and

handling complaints. It received 1,521 petitions of complaints, provided mediation services to

850 persons. BMP pulled in a total of Tk. 1,02,63100 as dower and maintenance through

mediation at the central level, which is higher than the previous year.

The submission of memorandum and sending letters to the concerned persons and authorities

constitute one of the regular activities of BMP. Through these memorandums and letters BMP

draws attention to the specific cases of VAW and children and communal violence. In 2015,

BMP submitted a total of 3,851 correspondences Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of home

Affairs, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Inspector General of police and various

other government and law enforcement agencies.

BMP’s central and district branches issued 60 different types of statements and 25

memorandum and petitions were submitted. For example, BMP sent a letter to Prime Minister

copy of which was given to home minister, deputy commissioner and superintendent of police

of Patuakhali district. Through the letter BMP condemned the act of keeping captive of 28

minority families and demanded exemplary punishment of those who are responsible for this

kind of act and also to provide security of minority in the country.

Rokeya Sadan as an integral part of legal activism playing a crucial role for supporting

women and girl child victims of violence and other injustice 17 victims were given shelter in

Sadan during this period.

BMP focuses on reformation of personal law, Child marriage Restrain Act, discriminatory

laws against minority communities, marginalized and physically and mentally challenged

people and enactment of new laws upholding their rights.BMP has submitted

recommendations on the Child Marriage Restraint Act and aggressively lobbying with Policy

Maker, Human Rights Commission and UN organizations. BMP also independently and

unitedly launched different activities such as, human chain, sharing meeting and submitting

petition to the concerned authorities.

BMP continued it’s effort for increasing women’s participation to create opportunities in

politics. Encouraging women in the electoral process is a major initiative of BMP for political

empowerment of women.BMP takes active interest and undertake comprehensive

programmes in the Union Parishad, Upazila, City Corporation, Pourshava and national

elections. But in the parliament demand for direct election in the reserved seat of women not

yet fulfill. During this year among three mayoral elections two in Dhaka City Corporations

and one in Chittagong city corporation were held in 2015, BMP launched a campaign

program for safe and women friendly Dhaka and Chittagong City, hold press conference ,

twenty-thousand leaflets with 16 point demands on the issue of “safe and women friendly

Dhaka” distributed in different parts of the city.

Thirty-five (2 for mayors and 31 for councilors) BMP organizers contested in the Pourshava

election which was held on December 30, 2015. BMP provided them with logistic and moral

support. BMP circulated posters and leaflets, extended logistic support and conducted

campaigns to promote women’s role in the electoral process. Among the contestants four

BMP organizers won the election uncontested. The total number of successful candidates was

14 out of which one has been elected as mayor.

As part of its continuous endeavor to empower women politically and increase effective

participation in the decision-making process, BMP as an advocacy lobby organization focuses

on a number of interventions both at the central and districts level. It organized sharing

meeting at Dhaka and also sharing meeting, roundtable, press conference and street

movement in district branches.

BMP repeatedly pushed the bill drafted by BMP in 2000 for amending the law regarding

direct election in the reserve seat for women in the parliament. A dialogue was held with a

four member of BMP team and EC and submitted deputation and memorandum demanding to

ensure enable environment for discharging franchising rights by women particularly minority

community and marginalized group. BMP also addressed political parties to ensure one third

women in all stairs of political parties.

BMP has been working to secure the rights of women and also recognition of women’s role in

various sectors of the economy. BMP implemented different programmes for mobilizing the

women farmers such as, rallies ,sharing meeting in different divisional cities in Bangladesh.

In the year 2015, BMP organized consultations and sharing meetings through out the country

with government officials, civil society representatives, elected representatives, media people,

professionals and other stakeholders highlighting women’s role and their contribution in

different spheres of life.

BMP continued its strong advocacy and lobbying role for introducing gender-sensitive budget

in Bangladesh. BMP organizes discussion in the pre and post budget periods which is a

significant attempt not only to secure rights of women in the budget but also to ensure

economic empowerment. It also brings the issue women’s contribution for its recognition by

the concerned quarter. It may be mentioned here that this discussion is participated by

eminent economists, right activists and researchers from different think tank.

Pre budget meeting was held on 23rd

April 2015 at 3.30 p.m at the CIRDAP, Auditorium.

“Development activities in 2015: Gender responsive National Budget implementation and

monitoring”. Birupakha Paul, Chief Economist, Bangladesh Bank, was present in the meeting

as the Special Guest. The meeting was presided over by Acting President, Central

Committee, Dr. Fauzia Moslem. Md. AzizulAlam, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance also

present as a guest. Research Fellow, BIDS, Dr. Abul Bashar and Journalist, Financial

Express, Munima Sultana were present as the Panel discussants. In this meeting welcome

speech was delivered by Maleka Banu, General Secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.

The Key note paper was presented by Sharmind Nilormi, Associate Professor of economics,

Jahangirnagar University. In this meeting representative from print and electronic media,

representatives from other organizations, SAC members and members and all staff of

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad were present. In total 90 participants were present in this

meeting. The Daily Newspapers Kaler Kantho, Samakal, Sangbad, New Age, Bhorer Kagaj

and Ittefaq published the news on 24th

April 2015. BTV broadcast the programe.

BMP organized a post budget discussion meeting on 14th

June 2015 at the Sufia Kamal

Bhaban Auditorium (10/B/1, Segunbagicha). Dr. Binayek Sen, Research Director, BIDS was

present as Special Guest in the meeting. Ms. Sayema Huq Bidisha, Assistant Professor,

Department of Economics of Dhaka University and Dr. Nazneen Ahmed, Senior Research

Fellow, BIDS were present as the Panel discussants. Rokeya Kabir Executive Director of

Bangladesh Nari Progoti Sangha also took part in the discussion. Sharmind Nilormi of

Jahangirnagar University presented the key note paper. Ayesha Khanam President of BMP

presided over the meeting.The meeting was participated by 92 persons. The news of the

meeting was published in the national dailies which include Daily Star, Prothom Alo,

Bangladesh Observer, Jugantor. Desh TV and ATN News also highlighted the outcomes of

the meeting.

From this meeting BMP strongly demanded to monitor and implementation of GRB and its

effectiveness whether it is reducing the gender gap.BMP also decides to monitor GRB in

selected sector.

It is an achievement of women’s movement that gradually over the year 40 ministries has

been introduced gender responsive budget . But it’s implementation and impact needs to be

monitored .

As a part of women health rights movement for improvement of women reproductive and

sexual health BMP conducted awareness rising program as well as policy intervention. BMP,

Obstetrics and Gynecological Society of Bangladesh Jointly observed Safe Motherhood on

28th May 2015. District branches organized meetings on adolescent health, reproductive

health in the education and Safe Maternal Health. They organized discussion meetings and

rallies in order to promote the issue of women’s reproductive and sexual health rights.

Besides, meetings were held to motivate female and adolescent reproductive health in

different educational institutions and central office.

In 2015, BMP observed the CEDAW day 3rd

September and demanding : a) stop all types of

violence against women; b) ensure equal rights in wealth and resources for both man and

woman and, C) full approval and implementation of CEDAW provisions. Various programs

also organized by 32 district branches.BMP has been continuing movement for full

ratification and implementation of CEDAW. BMP did strong advocacy lobby independently

and jointly with policy makers and relevant ministries for withdrawal of reserving article 2

and 16(1C). BMP has been continuing its effort to use CEDAW as a Women Human Rights

tool within and outside the organization. BMP is an active member of Citizen’s Initiatives of

Bangladesh on CEDAW and contributing in alternative report writing on CEDAW to be

submitted in 2016 to UN CEDAW Committee .

Different types of training organized by BMP constitute a major activity. Indeed BMP has

been quite successful in organizing the different types training which created better informed

organizers, young man and women and also persons from NGOs and other organizations.

Different sub-committees of BMP collaborated to organize these trainings. The purpose of

these trainings is to take forward the BMP’s message to fight against all forms of injustices

against women and also to create a knowledge-based organization. One major outcome of the

training programmes is that BMP has developed experience and expertise which they can

share with other women organizations in the country.

The legal aid sub-committee organized paralegal training with the objective of inoculating the

idea of legal activism and enhancing the capacity of BMP’s activist. In 2015 the paralegal

training has been organized 10 district branches and the number of persons attended these

trainings were 388 out of which there were 172 young women. The impact of training is

visible because more and more women have become vocal against all sorts of discrimination

and VAW.

Three divisional paralegal trainings for the leaders (TOT) has been organized at the Sufia

Kamal Bhaban Auditorium of the central office of BMP. The number of total participants was

186. It was organized through initiative of the Central Legal Aid Sub Committee of BMP.

The main purpose of this training is to provide training to raise awareness at the grassroot to

resist VAW and also for training for trainers at the district level. These types of training of

grassroots organizers are important because they provide the link to outreach in different parts

of the country for BMP

The training of students in schools, colleges and universities in different parts of the country

is another component of BMP’s training programme. In 2015 BMP organized 8 meetings in

total with young students in different parts of the country including 2 in Dhaka in order to

raise their awareness about different forms of violence against women especially on sexual

harassment. Eight-hundred four teachers and students took part in these meetings. In Dhaka

meetings were held at the Law and Human Rights Department of the University of Asia

Pacific and at the Law Department of Prime University. In these two universities 263 students

and teachers attended the programme. The training has contributed to create an attitude and

mindset to go against VAW. BMP has contributed to this change through awareness raising

programmes.

The study circle organized by BMP is an innovative attempt by BMP to involve school,

college and university students and young generation to work on gender issues. In 2015, 5

study circles were organized at the centre while it was 76 in 24 district branches. The total

number of participants in Dhaka was 231 and in the district branches it was 2,228. The

students join the study circles as participants in college campuses. As a result more students

have become vocal against sexual harassment and other forms of VAW and are organizing

protest meetings at different places of the country whenever there is an incident. The study

circle provided scope and opportunity to young the generation to know about BMP, its

activities and got motivation to engage in women rights movement in future.

The Village Watch Team has been formed with the objective to foresee any kind of VAW. It

comprises community leaders, village influential persons and other people who are respected

and heard by the people. BMP organized three training programmes to resist VAW for the

Village Watch Team in 2015 in three different districts of the country. These training

programs contributed to motivate and engage 96 members of the civil society to join the

movement of VAW. The district branches of BMP were responsible to organize the meetings

at their respective districts. These meetings were participated by cross section of people

representing teachers, journalists, lawyers, NGO representatives, elected local leaders, and

also members of local branches of BMP.

Three months certificate course on “Gender, Women Empowerment and Development”

administered by BMP has built a bridge between academics and BMP since the resource

persons are drawn from the universities, research organizations, think tank and NGOs. The

response to this certificate course is very encouraging and many persons representing

different organizations are showing interest and participating in the course. Those who are

getting training are utilizing the knowledge gained in their professional pursuit. Participants

become knowledgeable on gender issues which assist to increase their efficiency and make

them more active and devoted for the organization as well as for women empowerment.

Through TOT increases their capacity and confidence to provide training in grass root level.

All throughout the year of 2015 BMP organized protest meetings, human chain, street

movement and sharing meetings to draw attention of public VAW. These were organized

either by BMP alone and sometime along with the Social Action Committee. Some of these

activities include, human chain in protest of sexual harassment and oppression of women

during the celebration of Bengali new year at the Dhaka university; submission of

memorandum to the Vice Chancellor Dhaka University and Inspector General of Police

demanding independent enquiry and punishment of culprits. BMP also organized a rally in

front of national museum to protest sexual harassment and oppression of women and girl

child in different parts of the country including Dhaka university incident. Twenty-seven

district branches organized human chains in protest of sexual harassment and oppression of

women during the celebration of Bengali New Year at the Dhaka university campus.

At the national level under the leadership of BMP, the Social Action Committee a platform of

67 women, human rights and development organizations jointly undertook some important

programmes in 2015 in order to establish women rights, to resist VAW, to raise awareness

among ordinary people irrespective of gender, and to ensure women empowerment. BMP

through its centre and district branches organized different activities and programmes in

association with the Social Action Committee.

BMP is regionally and globally known women and human rights organization. The 59th

session of Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) was held at the United Nations

Headquarters in New Work from 9-10 March 2015. It was Beijing + 20 celebrating and

review session. Representative of member states, UN entities and ECOSOC-accredited non-

governmental organizations (NGOs) from all regions of the world attended the session. A six

member delegation of the BMP’s central Committee has participated in the commission

meeting. Representatives of 11,000 non-governmenta organizations from 100 countries were

represented by 8,600 delegates in the meeting. The central theme of the meeting was:

“Empowering women, empowering humanity. Picture it”.BMP’s delegation attended different

plenary session, NGO briefing by UN Women and side events. BMP also organised a parallel

event on March 14 2015 on the theme “Resist and eliminate all forms of violence against

women and girl child”. BMP’s representatives also participated a seminar organised by the

Asia-Pacific Regional Council ( APRC) of the International Council of Women (ICW), the

National Council of Women Thailand (NCWT) and UNESCAP on “ Assuring Sustainable

Development Goals: Challenges in Transforming Women and Girls” was held on Thailand,

Bangkok. BMP tried to play its due role as an activist women human rights organisation in the

global arena.

BMP representatives disseminated the global experiences within the organization through

sharing ,writings and incorporated in it’s future program.

BMP has been a part of GO-NGO collaboration and effectively networking with other

organizations and media. It received media support and pro-active role of media in its

activities. More importantly, BMP members were nominated in different committees of

ministry and other government offices centrally and locally such as National Women

Development Council, Anti Human trafficking act Implementation Committee, Acid Control

Committee, Law drafting committee / Complain Committee against Sexual Harassment of

UGC/Update NWDC, Informal Sharing Committee to Update NWDC, Informal Sharing on

6th Five Year Plan, BMDC, Local Level Steering Committee, Health Ministry and TIB and

anti corruption Commission in different Districts.BMP members and staff participating

different district network for sharing their views and give opinion on relevant issues.

BMP organised a two-day long National Council Meeting (Internal Annual Evaluation and

Planning Meeting) at the Engineers Institute at Dhaka on 22 and 23 January 2016. The

meeting evaluated the performance of the organization in the last one-year. The Council

meeting extensively discussed several aspects of organization and put forward

recommendations to strengthen its performance.

During the year 2015, BMP published 4 issues of the Mahila Samacher. A total of 10,000

copies of each issue of Mahila Samacher were published and distributed among different

individuals and organizations. The Mahila Parishad Journal has entered in its fifth year of

publications in 2015. This year four issues of the journal were published. The journal contains

articles on wide range of issues concerning women rights, VAW, minority rights,

communalism, fundamentalism and feminism. Eminent scholars and writers have contributed

to the Journal.

In order to strengthen the administrative and financial management capacity of the

organization, central orientation programmes, divisional training workshops, and financial

management trainings in the branches were organized in 2015. BMP took several measures

for proper management of the project in a co-coordinated and transparent way. Memoranda of

understanding were signed between central committee and district branches to support the

branch activities. Branches were identified for giving support to enhance their management

capacities. Regular follow ups were done in coordinated way by project management

committee, finance committee, organizational committee and also other sub-committees.

Internal control mechanism was developed and implemented within the organization.

BMP has always emphasized upon accomplishing accounting practices in a timely manner so

as to facilitate the management in taking necessary decisions. As per recommendations of the

external auditor BMP has been working sincerely to implement the recommendations put

forward by the external auditors. Moreover, BMP has adopted the Accounting Software

(Tally). The branch executives as well as volunteer organizers are continuously given

financial training from head office. A total of 3 divisional training of Financial Management

were conducted during 2015. 79 participants from 33 Branches took part in the trainings. A

training module is prepared in respect of branches need base and distributed to all participants

to provide knowledge, skills and tools in financial management activities in a systematic

manner.

BMP has conducted and implemented a large number of activities as per requirement of the

project. It has also strengthened its administrative and financial management capacity to take

the challenges of such activity in an effective and transparent manner in future.

Chapter 1

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad:

A Brief Profile

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) is a right-based activist voluntary women’s organization.

It is engaged in a struggle for women’s equality, liberation, and empowerment, situated within

a larger political vision demonstrated in its commitment to independence struggle’s secular

thinking, Bengali nationalism, democracy and a society established on equality between

women and men. BMP also assumes that women movement in Bangladesh has been enriched

from ideas and thoughts on women’s emancipation in this subcontinent, social reform, social

progress, philosophy of peace, equality and humanity, anti-colonialism, anti-war movement,

liberation struggle, lives of women organizers and leaders and sense of patriotism.

BMP was established in 1970 as a civil society organization under the leadership of late Poet

Sufia Kamal in order to advance rights of women in Bangladesh. BMP has emerged as the

pioneer of women’s movement to establish a just society in Bangladesh where all forms of

gender disparity will cease to exist. Over the last forty years and more, the organization has

achieved remarkable success in promoting the causes of women in Bangladesh at public and

private levels. In its relentless pursuit of goals and objectives, BMP has engaged in

multidimensional and multifarious programmes and activities through maintaining its non-

political and non-profit character in all endeavors as envisaged in its constitution. Gradually,

BMP has developed as a unique and great platform for social movement and mobilization for

promoting and protecting rights of women.

Volunteerism is the core value of BMP’s ideology and it is applicable from the central to the

districts and grassroots level. BMP is active both nationally and internationally. It designs its

activities following the spirit of the constitution of Bangladesh, UDHR, UNCEDAW, ICPD,

Vienna Human Rights Declaration, CRC and other human rights convention.

Core Values

BMP maintains ten core principles in its programmes and functions at all levels – local to

national. These core values are the essential and enduring tenets of BMP. They set the tone

for BMP’s actions and they guide BMP’s direction. These principles include: (i) Constitution,

(ii) Participatory Approach, (iii) Voluntarism, (iv) Non-partisan Approach, (v) Dynamism,

(vi) Transparency, (vii) Commitment, (viii) Equality, (ix) networking, and (x) Sustainability.

Vision

Establish non-communal, democratic, equity-based society and state

Goals

Broad Goal: Women’s emancipation through empowerment

Specific Goals:

Emancipation of women from discrimination, deprivation, exploitation and

backwardness and subjugation

Establishment of gender equality in family, society and state

Establishment of secular democratic society based on good governance

Objectives

Promote equity-based gender sensitised family, society and state

Promote peace and democracy

Protect and promote women’s human rights

Resist violence against women

Promote activism targeted towards eliminating gender discrimination

Promote judicial activism

Encourage women’s participation in the political process

Conduct activities for poverty alleviation and economic empowerment of women

Ensure tangible participation of women in development process

Flourish women’s inherent qualification and latent talents

Eliminate obstacles to women development and empowerment

Operational Modalities

Over the years, BMP has adopted a series of strategies to translate its objectives into

operation. These include:

Establish a strong women movement to fight the challenges of the 21st century by

raising awareness and organising womenfolk

Enable socio-economic and political environment for women’s empowerment

Build up a strong movement against Violence against Women

Ensure women’s human rights in the light of UN Universal, Human rights Declaration

and constitution of Bangladesh, 1972

Build up capacity of the organisation and increasing network

Strengthen and enhance the organisational capacity of BMP

Build up movement to raise voice against violence against women and enactment of

gender sensitive laws

Build up network with national, international and regional women’s and human rights

organisations

Ensure sustainability of BMP as an institution

Build up movement for change in the relevant fields such as education, health,

information and environment

Ensure women’s citizen rights and equal opportunity

Build up movement for transparency, accountability, secular and democratic system,

and good governance

Briefly, BMP’s operations over the last four decades have been conducted through 14 units

(Figure 1.1). In addition to various strategic and activity oriented meetings organised by these

units, BMP also held regular staff meetings to take stock of completed activities and discuss

future interventions.

Figure 1.1

Structure and Management

BMP has developed an administrative structure comprising of seven layers to ensure effective

implementation of its programmes and activities (Figure 1.2). It is a combination of efforts

made at each level of the structure that facilitates BMP’s functioning as a lobbying and

advocacy agent. The management of BMP follows an inclusive and flexible system where

stakeholders can show their creative and innovative performance towards achieving the goals

of our organization.

BMP’s Operational Modalities

Bangladesh

Mahila Parishad

Rokeya Sadan

Training &Research Movement

Organization

Legal Aid

Media & Mass

Communication

Culture

&Education

Networking

Health

Finance

Project &

Development

Publication

Social Welfare Environment

Figure 1.2

Structure and Management of BMP

General Members

Local Units

Districts Committees

Central Committee (Members)

National Council (Members)

National conference (1x 3 Years)

Organizational Chart

National Conference

National Council

Central Executive Committee

12 Sub-Committees

456Members (Highest Policy

Making Body)

83Members (Both Policy Making

+ Executive Body)

Health L. Aid Rokeya

Sadan

T.R&L Net Org. Pub. Mass

Media

Health Edu &

Culture

Dev. &

Project

SW Project

Committee

(9

Members)

10-12 members in each Sub-Committee Total: 120 primary members participate in policy making and implementation

Project Committee monitors project activities and maintain liaison with development partners

43 + 120 = 163 central office volunteers

77 professional staff

Abbreviation: Mov = Movement

Com = Committee

L. Aid = Legal Aid

R. Sadan = Rokeya Sadan

T.R&L = Training, Research & Library

Net = Networking

Org= Organization

Pub= Publication

Env= Environment

Edu= Education

Dev= Development

SW= Social Welfare

Env.

23

Chapter 2

Promotion and Protection of Women’s

Human Rights in Bangladesh

2.1 Project Background

The issue of promotion and protection of women’s human rights constitutes a critical national

agenda in Bangladesh for its prosperity and advancement. The emergence of the country as

an independent nation in 1971 provided a renewed opportunity to forge new initiatives for

changing women’s conditions in Bangladesh. Consequently, the Bangladesh society, being

characterized by patriarchal society with concomitant norms and values has been undergoing

significant changes in the values systems pertaining to women human rights. While the

Constitution of Bangladesh grants equal rights to women in all spheres of the state and of

public life, they are discriminated against and ignorant of their rights, resulting in women’s

low status in dignity, power, employment, income, assets, access to information and justice.

Hence, empowering women is essential for reducing systematic discrimination against them

in all spheres and strata and for achieving meaningful development of the country.

The core agenda of BMP as focused on “Promotion and Protection of Women’s Human

Rights” has been extremely effective in addressing issues of deprivation, discrimination and

sufferings of women in Bangladesh. Members and activists being the major force of

organizational dynamism, BMP pursued the policy of enhancing the membership strength of

the organization. Women aged 16 years and above belonging to any

status/occupation/religion having commitment to women’s emancipation are eligible for

membership.

The general members of the BMP constitute its central focus. Meanwhile, BMP could

enhance its membership, programmes and the extent of operations. It is a non-political

organization working for the cause of women of all strata leading to the development of

Bangladesh as a while. It has a glorious history of association with progressive movements

toward emancipation of women from the clutches of gender disparity rooted in the traditional

norms and values. The organization has a long experience of movements, lobbying,

networking and other kind of activities for the protection and promotion of women’s human

rights.

BMP could mobilize human, financial, technical and other resources to enhance its

organizational capacity for materializing its short-term and long-term plans. In the process of

executing the plan, the organization maintains dynamism as demanded by the changing

external environmental forces. The cardinal principles guiding the organizational behaviour

include transparency, accountability and well-defined authority and responsibility at various

echelons of administrative hierarchy. The organization encourages and practices openness in

its working strategy and approach. There is no gap between the declared objectives and actual

24

plan of action. The organization believes in creating equal opportunity to use the physical and

intellectual potential of all men and women. BMP is trying hard to ensure equal access of

men and women to information, income, asset and justice.

In planning and implementing all its activities, BMP follows participatory approach.

Members at grassroots level to executive committee participate in designing, implementing

and monitoring activities. Need-based planning is done with local level participation of

women.

Cumulative effects of accumulated rich experience of women organizers, leaders and activists

at various levels could bring forth positive impact on women empowerment in local

government bodies, governing bodies of educational institutions as well as representation of

women nominations in the local bodies and parliament elections. The organization could also

create an enabling environment for women to work in various government and non-

government services.

The role of BMP has been crucial in the context of promotion of human rights on one end,

and fundamentalist backed terrorist activities on a global scale on the other end. The

fundamentalist forces, like other parts of Asia and Africa, gained considerable influence in

Bangladesh in the recent past. The roots of fundamentalism spread almost all spheres of the

society. Toward combating fundamentalist forces opposing women human rights and free

movement of women, BMP undertook both proactive and reactive measures.

BMP, through its comprehensive programmes, could achieve significant progress in creating

a base of movement for establishing women human rights and empowerment, but there is a

long way to move to achieve its goal of gender equality. Sustainability of the efforts made so

far would depend on continuation and expansion of the existing plans and programmes.

2.2 Rationale of the Project

BMP has been relentlessly working towards emancipation of women in Bangladesh for about

four decades by way of carrying out movements for the establishment of an equity-based

humane social structure. However, it feels that the goal is yet to be achieved in a meaningful

manner notwithstanding BMP’s belief in, and uncompromising efforts to, empowering

women and mainstreaming them in the country’s development process. The greatest

challenge to women’s rights comes from the gender-based power structure in the family,

society and state; lack of democratic practice in the political arena as well as other spheres;

negative impact of globalisation; and fundamental revivalism. BMP, thus, realises that

conducting the activities, envisaged under its mandate, in the present era requires substantive

professional human resources and adequate funding in addition to motivating voluntary

member contributions and commitment.

Demand for continuation of BMP’s activities in the area of women empowerment also comes

in the backdrop of the commitments made by the political parties prior to the 2008 general

25

elections regarding women’s reserved seats in the Parliament, legal rights, security and

safety, economic opportunities and social rights. Besides, in the context of growing

intolerance, confrontational politics, ethnic clashes, increase in incidences of VAW, women’s

trafficking, rising trend of fundamentalism, and internationalisation of the movement for

establishing women’s human rights, women forces need to be more conscious, united and

gender sensitive.

In view of the above, the importance of the project titled Promotion and Protection of

Women’s Human Rights in Bangladesh cannot be overemphasised. As has been noted earlier,

the current the project is a continuation of the earlier project titled Promotion and Protection

of Women’s Human Rights. Nevertheless, realising the new and emerging challenges from

both internal and external fronts, BMP has brought in a number of modifications and changes

in priorities and included some new components for implementation during the current

project.

In setting the objectives of the organization BMP rely on SMART (Specific, measurable,

Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound) principles. The core values guiding decision making

of BMP mainly include constitutional provision of gender equality, Universal Declaration of

Human Rights (1948), United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of

Violence Against Women (CEDAW; 1981), the Convention on the Rights of Children (CRC;

1990), Vienna Human Rights Declaration (1993), Recommendations of the Commission on

the Status of Women (CSW), the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA; 1995), Millennium

Development Goals (MDGs), National Women Development Policy (2008) and

mainstreaming of women in the development process. Besides in making decisions BMP also

takes into account the Declarations and basic principles of the organizations.

In the context of growing intolerance, confrontational politics, ethnic clashes, increase of

VAW inclusive of drug abuse, women's trafficking, rising trend of fundamentalism, militancy

and terrorism designed to uproot democratic values inclusive of gender equality and

internationalization of the movement for establishing women human rights, women forces

need to be more conscious, united and gender sensitive. In view of rich experience and

enhanced organizational capability, BMP may contribute substantially toward strengthening

progressive movements through its ongoing activities and further expansion. The prevailing

scenario is also indicative of the need for continuation of the BMP's project entitled

Promotion and Protection of Women's Human Rights for five more years to sustain and

promote women human rights and empowerment of women in all spheres of social life.

2.3 Goal, Purpose and Outputs of the Project

Goal: To reduce gender inequality through women’s increased participation and uphold

women’s dignity in the broader political, administrative and social context.

26

Purpose: Strengthen and intensify Women’s Human Rights movement and consolidate the

social movement to empower women and initiate programme intervention to resist any form

of violence against women.

Outputs

1. Social movement is accelerated in resisting VAW

2. Political empowerment of women is strengthened

3. Women’s human rights movement is further intensified through networking

4. BMP is effectively functioning as a lobby and advocacy agent

5. BMP is further strengthened/developed through capacity building towards

sustainability and institutionalization

Figure 2.1

Project Component (January-December, 2015)

Social movement

is accelerated in

resisting VAW

Women’s human rights

movement is further

intensified through

networking

BMP is effectively

functioning as a

lobby and advocacy

agent

Political

empowerment of

women is

strengthened

BMP is further

strengthened and developed

through capacity building

towards sustainability and

institutionalisation Promotion and

Protection of

Women’s

Human Rights

in Bangladesh

27

Chapter -3

Activities and Achievements under different

Components Based on Planned Outputs

Introduction

In pursuance of no cost extension of the project BMP continued its activities like the previous

years following the objectives as well as the expected outcomes delineated in the log-frame.

In this chapter yearly planned activities and achievements under different components have

been shown in tables followed by description. Unlike the previous five years, BMP sometime

set its own target of activities which were in most case higher than the planned target as

stated in the implementation plan. Therefore, data quoted and achievements described reflect

what is actually achieved in the year January-December 2015 against the planned target set

by the project and the BMP. The tables present information what has been actually achieved,

the nature and quality of achievements to fulfil the objectives of the project and also the

BMP’s core values, mission and vision.

Both the activities and the impacts of activities have been highlighted. However, it must be

mentioned here that the impacts of activities have been described from the perspectives of a

component illustrating the planned target as well as the achievements and outcomes.

Organizational Activities and Achievements

Prior to discussing the activities and achievements it will be relevant to describe the

organizational activities and its achievements during the year 2015. Since its inception BMP

has always emphasised to build the organisational base from the grassroot to the central level.

It is in line with BMP’s belief in bottom up participatory approach and therefore it continues

to put emphasise to augment local level capacity to undertake activities by them. It may be

mentioned here that few other activities related to organisation has been mentioned and

discussed in the component 5.

Over the last few decades BMP has expanded its activities throughout the country from the

district down to the village forming neighbourhood groups and grassroots organizations. In

2015, the total members of BMP stand at 1, 36, 922 spreading over 63 districts, 208 Upazila,

331 unions and 816 villages. The total number of grassroot organizations is 2,397. BMP is

the largest member-based women rights organization in the country. The support from the

development partner also helped BMP to pursue its mission and cherished objectives. The

overall organizational achievements of BMP is shown in the Table 3.1 below:

28

Table 3.1 Overall Organizational Achievements

Organization/Location 2015 1 Total districts 63 2 Total Upazila 208 3 Total Union 331 4 Formation of Neighborhood groups 912 5 Total Village 816 6 Total grassroot organization 2,267 7 Total members 1,36,922

In 2015, BMP undertook 1,153 programmes out of which 1,033 and 120 implemented at the

district and central levels respectively. Notably, there had been 38,253 participants in

different programmes. At the district level the number of participants was 32,253 and the rest

8,143 were from the centre. The number of activities indeed portrays the plethora of activities

of BMP which remained vibrant all throughout the year of 2015.

Having described the overall picture of BMP’s achievements during the year 2015, in the

next few pages of this chapter component wise description of major activities and

achievements are discussed. In describing the achievements the main focus is on the

performance of the components as well as every sub-component.

Components of the Project

There were five major components and different sub-components under each component. The

target and achievements of different components are discussed below.

Component 1: Accelerating Social Movements against VAW

Violence against Women (VAW) is considered a major threat to the basic framework of

women’s human rights in Bangladesh. The trends and frequency of VAW in Bangladesh

suggest that more effective initiatives in different fronts are required to mitigate the

sufferings of women. Component 1 reflects the different initiatives not only to combat but

also to eliminate this social scourge from the society. Under this component there are 29

different sub-components which contain activities to accelerate social movement against

VAW.

As a key component of strategy, BMP endeavoured to accelerate the social movements

against VAW, so that the life and livelihoods of women become get better and safer. Unlike

previous years several interventions in accelerating social movements against VAW have

been conceived and implemented with the aim to generate specific outputs.

Trends and frequency of VAW

The overall picture of VAW in 2015 is found not only disappointing but also

alarming.(Annex-1). The trends and frequency of VAW clearly suggest that it remains as the

29

biggest obstacle to establish women’s human rights within home and outside the home

boundary. On the basis of collation of information published in 14 widely circulated

newspapers, BMP revealed that a total of 4,436 incidents of different types of violence have

occurred in different parts of the country. However, it must be mentioned here that BMP has

collated only the incidents that were reported in the newspaper but many more incidents

indeed remain unreported. In the Table 3.2 and the pie chart (Figure 3.1) the major incidents

of violence have been shown.

Table 3.2: VAW by some major categories during 2015

Categories of VAW Number of incidents % of incidents

Rape 1,092 30

Gang rape 199 5

Murder of women and Children 714 19

Torture for dowry 386 10

Suicide for dowry 203 6

Suicide 336 9

Suspicious death 167 5

Kidnapping 97 3

Sexual assault 68 2

Acid burn 37 1

Stalking 362 100

Total 3661 100

From the Table 3.2 it can be seen that the number of incidents of rape reported in the 14

newspapers was 1,092, out of which 199 cases constituted gang rape. Eighty-five victims

were killed after rape. Additionally there were 142 cases of attempted rape. The number

torture for dowry (386), suicide (336), and suicide for dowry (203) is also quite high.

30

Unlike the previous years BMP’s central and branch offices were vocal against these violent

and heinous acts. BMP organized protest meeting, submitted petition, organised human

chain, filed cases and provided legal support to the victims of violence as per necessity. The

main outcome of BMP’s role is visible because an increasing number of victims both at the

central and grassroot seek BMP’s help which shows that the organisation has emerged as

credible entity among the public to rely and fight any form injustice and violence against

women. BMP has devised a framework of actions to fight violence against women which is

as follows (Figure 3.2):

Figure 3.2: BMP Framework of Actions against VAW

From the above Figure -3.2, it can be discerned that the BMP’s approach to fight VAW

constitute a holistic approach from mobilising public opinion to creating awareness,

networking, providing service and rehabilitation as well as reforming relevant laws as per

need. The ultimate objective is to launch movement to free the society from the scourge of

VAW. All these actions are intertwined and complementary and constitute all encompassing

approach to fight VAW.

The following Table 3.3 shows BMP’s areas of intervention, planned and actual

achievements during the year of 2015.

Table 3.3: Status of Achievements in Accelerating Social Movement to Resist VAW

(January-December 2015)

SL. Areas of Intervention Activities

Planned

Actual

Status

(%)

1.1.1

Providing support to branches for legal

activism

Providing

logistic support

to all district

branches

Achieved

100

1.1.2 Legal support to victims of violence - Central: 192

31

SL. Areas of Intervention Activities

Planned

Actual

Status

(%)

District: 413

Grassroot:115

Total: 720

1.1.3 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) As per necessity 1 Achieved

1.1.4 Provide counseling

Central: 50

District 400

Grassroot:200

Total: 650

Central: 125

District: 783

Grassroot: 171

Total: 1079

166

1.1.5 Application/Petition Received & responses

Central: 200

District 800

Grassroot:400

Total: 1400

Central: 188

District: 1072

Grassroot:261

Total: 1521

108

1.1.6 Mediation

Central: 50

District: 200

Grassroot:200

Total: 650

Central: 48

District: 437

Grassroot: 365

Total: 850

130

1.1.7 Provide Medicare for victims of violence 10 persons 7 persons 70

1.1.8 Support to Victim 15 persons 17 person 113

1.1.9 Client workshop 1

1 100

1.1.10 Conduct Investigation and spot visits

Central: 25

District: 200

Grassroot:200

Total: 425

Central: 27

District: 724

Grassroot: 261

Total: 1,012

238

1.1.11 Sharing experience with district leaders on

legal activism 1

1. 1 100

1.1.12

Round Table/ Lobby with concern

authorities

1 1 100

1.13 Press Conference 2 4 200

1.1.14 Policy Intervention Programme, Advocacy

Lobby and Partnership with GO & NGOs 1

1 100

1.1.15 Solidarity Activity with international

VAW resistance Programme

1.2.6. Counseling for residents of Rokeya Sadan As required Group Counseling

16 per months Done

1.2.7 Rokeya Sadan Office Management Bimonthly: 6

6 meetings 100

1.2.10 Sharing meeting Bio-monthly 4 sharing meetings 100

The table depicts that planned activities against each intervention has not only achieved its

target but in many cases it exceeded the target by comfortable margin. A detail area specific

description of each of the interventions under component one is given below.

32

Output 1: Details of area specific interventions

1.1.1 Providing support to branches for legal activism

Providing support to branches for legal activism (1.1.1) and also directly to the victims of

violence (1.1.2) constitute the crux of activities of legal aid support of BMP. BMP’s Legal

Aid Sub-committee is responsible for all types of activities in this sub-component.

BMP Legal Aid Sub-committee continued its logistic support to all district branches in 2015.

The support includes a fixed amount of financial support, office maintenance and training.

These supports enhanced the qualitative and the quantitative skill of branches resisting VAW.

1.1.2 Providing legal support to victims of violence

Legal aid support to the victims of violence is one of the major activities of BMP. Given the

increasing number of cases of VAW legal aid has been critical to mitigate the situations faced

by women. The major strength of BMP is that women confronting violence at both public and

private spaces can now rely on BMP for legal aid services. BMP regularly provides legal aid

support to the victims of violence throughout the country. In 2015, a total of 720 cases were

dealt by BMP out of which 192 at the central, 413 at the district and 115 at the grassroot.

These include both old and the new cases (Figure 3.3).

BMP succeeded in ensuring justice for victims of VAW in many cases. The court delivered

several verdicts in favour of the victims in 2015. Three successful cases have been briefly

introduced in this section.

Figure 3.3: Legal Support by BMP in 2015

Legal Support

Central (192) District (413) Grassroots (115)

Grand Total: (720)

33

Case 2

Verdict on Rape of Handicapped Adbashi Child

In the Jinighati Upazilla of Sherpur district one seven year handicapped adbashi child was

raped by his neighbor Shaheb Ali (SA). SA was caught red-handed by the public and the

victim’s father filed a case under the Women and Child Repression Act of 2000. BMP

protested this heinous crime and submitted memorandum to the local administration,

organized human chain at Sherpur, demanded investigation and punishment of the rapist.

BMP also demanded that the victim family should be given security.

BMP has provided legal support to the victim’s family by employing a lawyer during the

legal battle and ultimately the learned judge of the Women and Child Repression tribunal

announced his verdict on 18.11.15. Since the allegation of rape has been proved beyond

doubt, the rapist SA was given life imprisonment and a fine of Tk 10,000 as per article 9(1)

of the act.

The adavishi family got due justice because of continuous pursuance and support of BMP

and its district branch.

Case 3

Acid Burn of School Girl

Musada Aktar Moni who is a student of class nine in the Sadar Upazila of Rangpur district

has been stalked and harassed by few local young men. Moni become victim of serious acid

burn thrown to her by three miscreants on 13.8.2012. Following the incident Moni’s mother

filed a case as per Acid Prevention law in the Kotwali thana of Rangpur.

BMP become a loud voice protesting this savage attack demanding investigation and severe

punishment to the accused.. Rangpur district branch of BMP arranged protest meeting,

human chain and also rendered legal support to the victim’s mother. After completing the

hearing the district and session judge of Rangpur sentenced the main accused Ariful to death

and two other culprits to life imprisonment. The judge also ordered for compensation of Tk

3 lack to the victim after selling the properties of the accused.

There are many other success stories of legal support by BMP to the victims of different

types of violence against women. It takes a long time to get a verdict on a particular case.

Sometime the public persecutor did not play the due role. The witness, medical doctor and

investigation officers do not appear in the court to give witness. This delay creates

Case 1

Verdict of court with case history

Murder of Garment worker Ayesha Siddiqua Ayesha Siddiqua (AS)- a garment worker got married to one Enam in 1999 legally through

marriage registration and kabinama. She had a three year old son. Since her marriage she

was both mentally and physically assaulted for dowry by her husband. As was murdered by

Enam and his associates in her Pallabi residence on 16.04.2004. As father filed a case at

Pallabi thana in accordance with Women and Child Repression Act 2000 (amended in

2003). BMP protested the murder and demanded examplenary punishment of the culprits

after appropriate and independent investigation.

BMP provided legal support to the victim’s family since 2004. After ten years of litigation

the Women and Child Repression Tribunal 3 of Dhaka ultimately gave the verdict on

10.9.2015. The main accused Enam was given death sentence and fine of Tk 10,000 to be

handed over to the victim family. At last justice was done to the victim due to continous

pursuance and support of BMP.

34

disappointment and dismay among the victims family. There are instances that some victims

family succumb to out of court settlement due to pressure, fear and money.

Inspite of these problems which are beyond BMP’s control public trust on BMP did not

decrease rather increased. There is an impression among the people that they can rely on

BMP to fight any types of VAW and these will not go unchallenged. BMP’s intervention has

contributed to the establishment of rule of law. All these are mentionable achievements of

BMP.

1.1.3 Undertaking activities concerning Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

Public interest litigation refers to pursuing an issue which is in the public interest and

concerns women interest and rights. Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has set its aim to pursue

Public Interest Litigation as per necessity.

1.1.4 Providing counseling

BMP found counseling is an effective means to reduce the sufferings of violence against

women and continued this activity in the year 2015. Victims of violence often seek the

support of the organization to conduct counseling. Against the target of 650, BMP was able

to serve 1,079 clients in 2015. (Figure-3.4). Out of which central office served 125 clients,

district office served 783 persons and 171 persons were served at the grassroot levels. BMP

also served a number of male clients who came for legal advice side by side women. As a

result, efficiency and credibility of legal aid were enhanced.

Figure 3.4: Counseling Services Provided by BMP in 2015

1.1.5 Receiving application/petition

Unlike the last five years the Legal Unit of BMP received a large number of applications in

2015. The petitions normally contain complain relating to physical and mental torture for

dowry, killing for dowry, sexual harassment, rape and kidnapping and numerous other

complaints. In the year 2015, the total number of complaints received was 1,521. (Figure-

3.5). The central office received 188 complaints while the complaints received by the district

Counseling

Central (125) District (783) Grassroots (171)

Grand Total: (1,079)

35

branches and the grassroot were 1,072 and 261 respectively. The number of complaints

received surpassed the planned targets of 1,400. What is important here is that women are

becoming not only active but also getting aware that there is scope for legal remedies for their

sufferings in the society.

Figure 3.5: Complaints Received by BMP in 2015

1.1.6 Providing mediation services

A large number of persons sought mediation services which have been very useful to the

victims of violence. There have been a total of 850 cases received mediation services at

central, district and grassroots levels from the Legal Unit of BMP. The number of persons

received mediation service at the district was 437 while it was 365 at the grassroot level.

(Figure-3.6).

Figure 3.6: Mediation Services Provided by BMP in 2015

Mediation

Central (48) District (437) Grassroots

(365)

Grand Total (850)

Direct Complaint

Central (188) District (1,072) Grassroots (261)

Grand Total (1,521)

36

Indeed mediation services provided option to seek redress by the women who are often face

different types of violence within the family. Mediation provides a hassle free environment

and solve problem quickly. Sometime the public representatives have also witnessed the

impartial mediation process and praised this activity. It provides an alternative option out of

formal legal system for dispute management and resolution and without waiting for years for

the outcome. It may be mentioned that BMP pulled in a total of Tk. 1,02,63100 as dower and

maintenance through mediation at the central level, which is higher than the previous year.

The following Figure-3.7 presents the information in detail.

Figure 3.7

Realization of Maintenance and other expenses by Mediation

1.1.7 Providing Medicare for victims of violence

Medicare services to different victims of violence constitute an important activity of BMP

under this project. In 2015, BMP provided medicare services to 7 victims of violence. During

this period medicare services were given to women and children suffered from different kinds

of violence such as rape, acid burnt torture and domestic violence. (Table-3.4).

Table 3.4: Recipients of Medicare Facilities in 2015

Sl.

No.

Name and address of victims Types of violence

1. Rehana Aktar Runa, Dhaka Provided support for conducting cases and

other expenses

2. Lively Begum, Dhaka Husband married seond time. Through

mediation BMP secured maintenance

support for children.

3. Doli Khatun, Chuadanga Gang rape by police. Support in conducting

court case

4. Shahna Begum, Dhaka Victim was burned along with husband and

son. Support in filing cases

5. Sumans Mahmud, Dhaka Torture by family. Savar district branch will

look after it

6. Shukhi Aktar, Dhaka Eyes were gauged for dowry. Case is being

Grassroot (10)

Tk. 20,01,600 Tk. 50,88,500 Tk. 31,73,000

Tk. 1,02,63100

Central District (33)

37

followed up and being monitored.

7. Salma, Madripur BMP investigated the case

1.1.8 Providing support to victims

Victim Support activity has been playing a significant role in mitigating sufferings of women

from different types of violence i.e physical torture, domestic violence, child marriage,

demands for dowry etc. In 2015, a total of 17 victims have received financial support as

conveyance, legal support and other related costs. With this support it was possible to contact

with the court and lawyers’ chambers as needed. It was also possible to ensure timely

presence of witnesses in the court during case hearings.

1.1.9 Organizing client workshop

The client workshop is an essential component of BMP’s to fight VAW. This workshop is

organized with the objectives of sharing the experience of victims of violence, sought opinion

regarding BMP’s legal help as well as the participants’ expectation from BMP. In the year

2015, BMP organized one client workshops at Sufia Kamal Bhaban located at the central

office under the auspices of BMP’s Legal Aid sub-committee on December 24, 2015. The

workshop was participated by 70 persons comprising among others members of the BMP’s

central committee, 12 members of BMP’s Legal Aid sub-committee, 4 advisors (lawyers) of

the Legal Aid sub-committee and 40 clients and family members. BMP members and lawyers

gave patient hearing and discussed the status of their cases. BMP reiterated their commitment

towards victims. The key achievement of client workshops is that it helped to reduce the

frustration of victims through exchange of views, exploring and finding ways to remove

problems. Several important recommendations were made in the workshop which is as

follows:

Gender parity should be practiced within the family.

More family awareness is needed in order to combat VAW.

Both men and women should jointly prevent and resist VAW.

There should be law relating to separation married Hindu women.

Action should be taken against the investigative police officer whose report spoils a

case.

Action should be taken for the speedy completion of cases and,

Finally, Activity of BMP should be further expanded at the grassroot level

1.1.10 Conducting investigation and spot visits

Investigations and spot visits are normally undertaken by the members of the Legal Aid sub-

committee and by the members of the panel of lawyers. In the year 2015, BMP conducted a

total of 1,012 spot visit and investigations. Out of these 27 investigations were conducted by

38

the central office, 724 by the district and 261 at the grassroot.(Figure-3.8). These are

undertaken either by BMP’s own initiative from the news paper reports or in response to the

complaints relating to incidents of women repression throughout the country. Most of the

information and complaints relate rape, gang rape, sexual harassment, killing of housewife

and children, physical torture inflicting injury and suicide. It has contributed to make all the

people aware of legal remedies.

Figure 3.8: Number of Investigations Conducted by BMP in 2015

1.1.11 Sharing Experience with district leaders about legal activism

BMP organized a meeting to share experiences and challenges with district leaders about

legal activism on 13th

June 2015.. The participants from the district and grassroot branches all

over the country attended the meeting. The main purpose of this meeting was to develop skill

and strategy in resisting violence against women in light of experiences all over the country.

The Central Legal Aid Sub-Committee of the BMP organized the meeting. The program was

chaired by Ayesha Khanam, President, and Central Committee of BMP.

The President of BMP’s Central Committee stated that BMP through its courageous journey

has experienced many obstacles, opposition and even resistance on the streets from various

vested quarters. She emphasizes that the task of building a woman friendly society is not the

exclusive job of woman. Simultaneously men should be motivated and encouraged to play a

vital role in this regard. She stated that BMP believes and works to make everyone believe

that woman’s empowerment cannot take place only with some slogans and demonstrations;

rather it is essential to undertake gradual and thoughtful steps to ensure equal opportunities

for woman in the social system itself. The responsible role of the society, the government and

the judicial system in order to combat domestic violence against woman has been

emphasized.

A total number of 85 persons including 29 lawyers and 35 districts organizers were present in

the meeting and shared their experiences. The designated speakers were Advocate Masuda

Rehana Begum, Assistant General Secretary, Advocate Maksuda Akhter, Director, Legal

Investigation

Central (27) District (724) Grassroots

(261)

Grand Total (1,012)

39

Advocacy and Lobby, Advocate Zead Al Malum, Prosecutor, International Crimes Tribunal

Bangladesh and S.M.A Sobur, Senior Lawyer, Supreme Court of Bangladesh. The sharing

meeting was conducted by Adocate. Dipti Rani Shikdar, Senior Lawyer, Central Legal Aid

Sub-Committee of the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.

Several recommendations were made in the sharing meetings which are as follows:

Arrange training for the judges on the Family Violence and Prevention Act of 2010.

Take all out initiatives to highlight the activities of Legal Aid Sub-committee in both

print and electronic media.

Make provision of shelter for persons seeking bichar and also to train them for self-

employment.

Number of enforcement officials should be increased and make them active and

people’s friendly.

Separate court should be established for enforcing the above law.

Increased awareness raising activities for VAW for both men and women at the

grassroot are necessary and,

Expand movement-based activities at local level of BMP.

Victim Support Centre (VSC)

BMP renewed its MOU with Ministry of Home Affairs GOB to run in Dhaka

Khulna,Chittagang, Rangpur, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Barisal, Rangamati and also committed to

work in partnership with` other divisions. During this period BMP gave support to 17 victims

of VAWG. BMP has been working with the Bangladesh Police in partnership to run victim

support centre at Dhaka and Rangamati Districts. BMP is also committed to work as an active

partner organization to run victim support centre of other divisions which is now under

process. This is a positive development in GO and NGO partnership towards ensuring

women’s human rights but also to fight VAW. One nominated Lawyer from BMP render

services to victim support centre weekly. BMP also gave temporary shelter in Rokeya Sadan

and provide legal and all other support to the victims whenever necessary.

1.1.12 Round Table and Lobby with administrative authorities

BMP organized a sharing meeting with concerned government authorities and members of

the civil society comprising lawyers, doctors, journalists, teachers and other professional

about on December 7, 2015 at VIP lounge of National Press club. The sharing meeting was

organized in observance of the fortnight for the prevention of VAW and also International

Human Rights day. BMP representatives and the participants exchanged their views and

expressed their intention to combat VAW through personal and institutional level. The

programmme was attended by 161 persons comprising 31 BMP leaders from different sub-

40

committees, 67 journalists from both print and electronic media, 25 persons representing

lawyers, civil administration, doctors and members of civil society and 7 guests. Thirty-one

persons including the officials of BMP’s central office were also present. The sharing

meeting was chaired by Ayesha Khanam, President, and Central Committee of Bangladesh

Mahila Parishad.

There was threadbare discussion on the sexual harassment of students in the educational

institutions, attitude of the family towards girl child since birth, necessity inculcate the

values of ethics, gender equality and also for the amendment of relevant laws so that no one

can escape law for oppressing women. There was also discussion on the protection of

witness. The following recommendations emerged from the discussions:

Relevant laws should be widely circulated through media.

Political shelter and nepotism should be stopped.

Marriageable age of girls should be retained at 18 years.

Gender equality should be practiced from the family.

Awareness raising activities should be undertaken against any violence of women and

children.

Protection of witness should be ensured.

Monitoring of cases of violence against women and children in the court should be

done regularly and,

Finally, more publicity should be made on the necessity of DNA test whenever

necessary

1.1.13 Press conference

The press conference is a regular feature of BMP’s activities. BMP has always been very

vocal on the women human rights issue and whenever there is an overarching issue that

affects the life, security and livelihood of women, disadvantaged and minority groups BMP is

quick to call press conference to state its position, demanding redress and also to let the

country know about this.

The Legal Aid Unit of BMP has organized four press conferences in 2015 (Table 3.5)..

Table 3.5: Press Conferences on Legal Aid in 2015

SL. Date Venue Theme Outcome

1. 15.4.2015

Conference

Lounge

National Press

Club

Protest and

express

BMP’s

dissatisfaction

for

The press conference was attended by 83

persons that included 35 journalists from

different print and electronic media, 25

officials of BMP and also president of

Dhaka City BMP, and secretary of the

41

commuting

the sentence

of the accused

for killing

housewife

Fauzia

Rahman

Chapa.

Legal Aid sub-committee. It was addressed

by Dr. Fauzia Muslem, acting President of

BMP.The press conference received

extensive media coverage.

2. 01.09.2015 National Press

Club, Dhaka

To express

concern for

the alarming

increase of

violence

against

children and

women.

The press conference which was presided

over by the President of BMP has been

participated by 90 persons comprising 58

journalists from print and electronic media,

leaders of Dhaka city BMP and 30 staffs.

The press conference was addressed by the

President of BMP.The deliberations of the

press conference have been extensively

covered by both print and electronic

media.

3 08.09.2015

VIP Lounge

of National

Press Club

auditorium

Joint press

conference of

BMP and

Fauzia

Chapa’s

family

members

against

commuting

the sentence

of murder of

Chapa.

The press conference which was presided

over by the President of BMP has been

participated by 88 persons. The press

conference was addressed by the President

of BMP. The participants included 53

journalists from print and electronic media,

leaders of Dhaka city BMP, 5 leaders and

30 staffs. The deliberations of the press

conference have been extensively covered

by both print and electronic media.

4 01.11.2015

Conference

Lounge

National Press

Club

Prevention of

Women and

girl child

oppression

fortnight and

World

Human

Rights day

The press conference was largely attended

by 115 persons representing media, civil

society people, lawyers and Dhaka city

BMP’s leaders and staff of BMP. It was

addressed by the President of BMP. BMP

expressed its serious concerned of the

alarming increase of violence against

children and women. BMP appeals to the

society and the state to become more

active to prevent and resist this.

1.1.14 Advocacy, Lobby and Partnership with Government and NGOs for Law Reform

In conformity with its past roles, BMP has remained vocal through its active and proactive

roles in the movement of law reforms in 2015. Unlike in the past the government,

administration and different women human rights and development organizations have

regarded BMP as an organization and a force in reforming law, new law drafting, and a

strong voice in the sphere of women rights. In fact BMP has a significant contribution to all

laws enacted after the Independence of Bangladesh. Between 1980 and 2015, the BMP was

either proposer of new laws or author of draft laws or a leading advocate to all women related

laws in Bangladesh. Particularly, since its inception BMP has remained vocal through its

42

active and proactive roles in the movement for human rights and law reforms. BMP regularly

held meetings with the law reform expert committee to consult and discuss any overarching

law reform issues, provide opinion on the laws that government plan to enact and also to

propose new law.

A Consultation meeting with law reform expert committee of BMP was organized on the

15th February 2015. The programme was chaired by Ayesha Khanam, President of BMP. A

total number of 27 persons comprising lawyers, members of the BMP’s Legal Aid sub-

committee, ex-judges and experts were present in the Meeting. The meeting was organized

particularly to review the draft ‘Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013’ by MOWCA.

The opinion and recommendations of the participants on the law were sought. The following

recommendations were made in the consultation meeting. The recommendations were sent to

MOWCA and Human Rights Commission.

On Proposed Sexual Harassment and Prevention of Oppression Law 2010 (draft):

Incorporation of the Article-2 (ka) (1) in the law the after proper review of its

definition and subject.

Specification regarding who will be the acceptable person under article 3(2) (ka).

Completion of the investigation of any complaints of sexual harassment and

oppression within 60 days as mandatory provision under Article 6(4).

Counseling of the oppressed should be made mandatory in the proposed law.

Provision should be made in the new law for the submission of annual report on the

activities of the Committee on Sexual Harassment and Prevention of Oppression to

the relevant authority.

On Hindu Marriage Law, 2010 (draft):

The title of the law should be changed as “marriage related Law” instead of “Hindu

Marriage law”.

In the article 11 (Kha) for the permission of second marriage instead of “court” should

be replaced by “family court”.

Other activities of the law reform initiatives during 2015 are as follows:

Child Marriage Restraint Act

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs drafted the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2013

(Draft) and sent it to BMP for opinion. BMP has submitted recommendations on the Child

Marriage Restraint Act, 2013 to State Minister, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

BMP continued its lobby at different levels to keep the marriageable age of girls at 18 as per

existing law without any preconditions.

Elimination of Discrimination Act, 2014 (Draft)

Recently the Law Commission has prepared the Elimination of Discrimination Act, 2014

(Draft) and sent it to BMP for opinion. BMP has sent recommendations on the draft

Elimination of Discrimination Act, 2014 to the Chairman, Law Commission. BMP also took

43

initiatives to disseminate Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010 and it’s

Rules 2013 through training program among organizers of BMP.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Act

The Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Bill was passed in the Parliament on September 10, 2014

with a provision of bringing the DNA test process under a legal framework. With the

enactment of the law, the DNA test process will be brought under a legal framework as the

country's existing laws do not have the provision for DNA profiling. Besides, it would help

framing related laws regarding DNA collection and analysis, DNA profile management,

establishing forensic DNA laboratories and a national DNA database for detecting criminals,

identifying relations between two or more persons and also decomposed bodies. The

objective of the bill says that the DNA profiling is important for detecting criminals accused

of major offences like rape, murder, determining fatherhood, motherhood and sibling

relationship and also identifying decomposed bodies. The organization has been demanding

to the government for repealing some provisions of the draft Act. BMP is now working all

over the country to implement the said law.

Movements for Human Rights

BMP as an active member of Human Rights Forum, a civil society platform of different

women’s human rights and development organization contributed in preparing UPR and

other report for submitting in the UN Human Rights Council. The forum also raised its voice

on different incidents of violation of human rights during this period. On behalf of BMP,

President Ayesha Khanam is playing active role as a member of Steering Committee of

Forum.

1.2.1 Rokeya Sadan

Rokeya Sadan, the temporary shelter home for victim of violence and other social injustice

run by BMP constitutes one of the multidimensional interventions to resist VAWG. A total

number of 18 victims of VAW are currently living in Rokeya Sadan. BMP makes every effort

through education, income generating training, employment, psycho social counseling, and

motivation to help the victim towards reintegration with the society at large. As a result of

BMP’s comprehensive effort seven girls have been rehabilitated in their families.

In the Sadan residents are getting formal and non formal education through house tutors. Five

are going to school from Sadan. Under supervision of the Rokeya Sadan management one has

graduated from national music college and two are studying in Bharoteswari Homes at

Tangail. One music teacher has been employed for the residents for promoting cultural

activities. One Medical Officer visits Rokeya Sadan three times in a week and on emergency

basis as per necessity. There is provision for counseling also. One psychiatrist comes for

individual and group counseling on a quarterly basis and also when there is urgent need. One

trainer is engaged for training the victims for income generating activities. For recreation and

entertainment there are provision of books, magazines and playing indoor games and watch

television in the Sadan premises.

44

Rokeya Sadan has become well known as a symbol of shelter home amongst the human

rights activist. A number of victims of violence have been rehabilitated. It should be

emphasized that Rokeya Sadan is not only humanitarian service centre, it is a symbol of

protest against VAW.

29th

Founding Anniversary of Rokeya Sadan observed on 7th

January

2015 at Sufia Kamal

Auditorium, central office. Mili Biswas, President, Bangladesh Police Network and

Managing Director ,Tangail Sharee Kutir were present as the special guest. Civil society

members, well wishers, Philanthropist of the country were also present in the program.

Certificates were distributed among the trainee and books presented to the students for their

annual performance.

Component 2: Strengthening Political Empowerment of Women

As part of its continuous endeavour to empower women politically and increase their

participations in the decision making process, BMP focuses on a number of interventions. It

believes that political empowerment of women is a critical requirement for advancement of

women in the society. In this connection, the contribution of BMP has been a major boost to

strengthen political empowerment of women. It is assumed that without equal and effective

participation of women in political arena, there cannot be a meaningful change in rights and

status of women in our society. BMP has identified it as the second most important

component of its actions and programmes. Like the previous years, BMP undertook

multidimensional programmes and activities in the year 2015 towards achieving political,

economic and social empowerment of women in Bangladesh. (Table 3.6).

Table 3.6

Output 2: Status of Achievements in Strengthening Political Empowerment of Women,

January-December 2015

Sl No Areas of intervention Activities

Planned

Actual Achievement

Status (%)

2.1.1 Carry out advocacy and lobby for political

empowerment of women and increase

women’s participation at the decision

making levels

2

1

50

2.1.2

Sharing Meeting/ Roundtable Discussion/

Press conference / Human Chain/ Street

Movement/ Lobby Grass root Level:

10 districts 12 districts

120

2.1.4 Carryout lobby and advocacy for Gender

Budgeting at Central Level 1

3

300

45

Sl No Areas of intervention Activities

Planned

Actual Achievement

Status (%)

2.1.5 Carryout lobby and Advocacy for gender

budgeting at district level 10

18 180

2.1.7

Promotion of Political empowerment of

women and increase women’s participation

at the decision making levels through

alliance networking (SAC)

Central: 1

Grassroot: 10

Central: 1

Grassroot: 10

100

2.1.8

Promote Women in Electoral Process –

Poster, leaflet, campaign and logistic

support (at all levels).

As per

necessity

Supported 29

candidates

Achieved

Output 2: Details of area specific interventions

2.1.1: Advocacy and lobby for political empowerment of women and increase women’s

participation at the decision-making levels

As part of its continuous Endeavour to empower women politically and increase their

participations in the decision making process, BMP has organized organized various

programmes during the year 2015. Movement sub-committee of BMP organized a sharing

meeting on “Political empowerment of women: effective participation of women in the

National Parliament and in political parties” on 31 August 2015 at CIRDAP auditorium. The

main focus of the consultation meeting was the on-going movement of BMP for the direct

election of women in the parliament. The meeting was largely participated by several sitting

and ex parliament members, representatives of different political parties and also members of

BMP’s movement sub-committee. The president of BMP presided over the meeting.

The meeting emphasized that there might be difference among the political parties on the

women issues but BMP emphasized that there should be consensus on certain fundamental

women rights issues. The meeting felt the urgency of constituting woman caucus outside the

parliament comprising representatives of government and opposition political parties who can

work in together to reach the goal of establishing women political and other human rights.

The total number of participants in the meeting was 133. The deliberations of the meeting

were published in 7 national dailies (i.e. the Daily Star, Prothom Alo, Shamakal, Sangbad,

New Age, The Bangladesh Observer and Borer Khagog) and 2 online papers. Seven

electronic media that include BTV, Channel I, NTV, SAT, Desh TV and Dipta TV also

covered this in their news.

46

2.1.2 Activities at Grassroots Level

Sharing, roundtable and human chain

As per plan of the project BMP organized sharing meetings, roundtable discussions and

human chain and street movements in 11 districts. The districts are Netrokona,

Brahmanbaria, Kurigram, Gaibanda, Bhola, Rajbari, Kahakauli, Modhukhali, Kumarkhali,

Kishorganj and Kamalkanda dostrict branch in the year 2015. The district programmes were

participated by a large number of participants irrespective of political backgrounds. The

participants expressed their solidarity with the activities of BMP.

The major focus of these activities was to enhance political empowerment, demand effective

participation of women in the national parliament and also to increase women's participation

in decision-making process. By highlighting issues surrounding governance, policy and

human rights, these activities pointed to various ways in which women can be integrated into

the democratization process. The lasting impact of women’s increased mobilization and

participation will ultimately be seen at the level of the individual as women everywhere gain

a heightened consciousness and come to believe in the possibility of transformation.

Twenty-four district branches of BMP organized human chain at the local level. The

participation in these activities was spontaneous from all sections of public. The news of

BMP’s district progrmmes were published in the local news paper with importance.

Unlike the previous years, BMP was very active and vocal against any form of communalism

and organized human chain to enthuse and raise awareness regarding the necessity of

maintaining communal harmony and organized programme at the national and local levels.

On October 15, 2015 BMP organized a human chain in front of National Press club with the

slogan “maintain communal harmony”. In the human chain programme about 100 persons

comprising central and Dhaka district committee members, office staff and many other

people attended this activity of BMP. The news of this human chain was published with

pictures in 6 national dailies that include Ittefaq, Bhorer Kagog, Sangabad, New Age, Daily

Star and Independent .

Advocacy and Lobby: Statements and Memorandums

During the January-December 2015, the central and district branches of BMP were engaged

in vigorous advocacy and lobby by expressing serious concern and condemnation of different

incidents of VAW, submitting memorandum and petitions to concerned authorities as well as

demanding independent investigation and punishment of culprits.

BMP’s central and district branches issued 60 different types of statements and 25

memorandum and petitions were submitted. For example, BMP sent a letter to Prime

Minister copy of which was given to home minister, deputy commissioner and superintendent

of police of Patuakhali district. Through the letter BMP condemned the act of keeping captive

of 28 minority families and demanded exemplary punishment of those who are responsible

for this kind of act and also to provide security of minority in the country.

47

Contents of different statements and submissions:

State of political situation in the country.

Protesting and expressing concern for lowering the marriageable age of girl

child to 16 from the existing 18 years.

Demanding the existing age of 18 years should be retained.

Rape and murder.

Harassment of women.

Harassment of women at Dhaka University during the Bangla new year

celebration.

Harassment of students in the educational institutions.

Concern on the illegal trafficking of workers and their plight and death.

Harassment and eviction of minority from their home in different parts of the

country.

Murder and torture of children in different parts of the country.

Killing of blogger and progressive writers and publishers.

Concern regarding the decline of number of women voters in the voter list.

The Social Resistance Committee has been also active during the year 2015 issuing

statements and submitting memorandum on various overarching issues that affect the life and

livelihood and security of women, children, minority, killing of blogger, girl child marriage

and political situation. The committee issued 11 statements and submitted 6 memorandums

to the honourable Prime Minister with copy to the Ministry of Home affairs.

2.1.4: Carrying out advocacy and lobby for gender-sensitive budget

Gender-sensitive budget is considered a major tool for achieving the goal of women

empowerment of women. BMP maintained its strong advocacy and lobbying role in 2015 for

introducing gender-sensitive budget in Bangladesh by arranging discussion in the pre-budget

as well as in the post budget periods. In this connection two meetings were organized in 2015

at the Central level, which were successful in achieving the goals.

The first meeting was held on 23rd

April 2015 at 3.30 p.m at the CIRDAP, Auditorium.

“Development activities in 2015: Gender responsive National Budget implementation and

monitoring”. Birupakha Paul, Chief Economist, Bangladesh Bank, was present in the

meeting as the Special Guest. The meeting was presided over by Acting President, Central

Committee, Dr. Fauzia Moslem. Md. AzizulAlam, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance also

present as a guest. Research Fellow, BIDS, Dr. Abul Bashar and Journalist, Financial

Express, Munima Sultana were present as the Panel discussants. In this meeting welcome

48

speech was delivered by Maleka Banu, General Secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.

The Key note paper was presented by Sharmind Nilormi, Associate Professor of economics,

Jahangirnagar University. Kazi Sufia Akhter, Secretary, Movement Sub Committee

Conducted the meeting. In this meeting representative from print and electronic media,

representatives from other organizations, SAC members and members and all staff of

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad were present. In total 90 participants were present in this

meeting. The Daily Newspapers Kaler Kantho, Samakal, Sangbad, New Age, Bhorer Kagaj

and Ittefaq published the news on 24th

April 2015. BTV broadcast the programe.

BMP organized a post budget discussion meeting on 14th

June 2015 at the Sufia Kamal

Bhaban Auditorium (10/B/1, Segunbagicha). Dr. Binayek Sen, Research Director, BIDS was

present as Special Guest in the meeting. Ms. Sayema Huq Bidisha, Assistant Professor,

Department of Economics of Dhaka University and Dr. Nazneen Ahmed, Senior Research

Fellow, BIDS were present as the Panel discussants. Rokeya Kabir Executive Director of

Bangladesh Nari Progoti Sangha also took part in the discussion. Sharmind Nilormi of

Jahangirnagar University presented the key note paper. Ayesha Khanam President of BMP

presided over the meeting. In this meeting welcome speech was delivered by Maleka Banu,

General Secretary of BMP while Kazi Sufia Akhter, Secretary, Movement Sub-Committee

conducted the meeting. The meeting was participated by 92 persons. The news of the meeting

was published in the national dailies which include Daily Star, Prothom Alo, Bangladesh

Observer, Jugantor. Desh TV and ATN News also highlighted the outcomes of the meeting.

2.1.5: Carryout lobby and Advocacy for gender budgeting at grassroots level:

Discussion meeting on gender budget by district branch

The following 18 district branches (Table-3.7) have organized discussion meetings on gender

budget and placed their recommendations: Swarupkhati, Jessore, Chittagong, Rajbari,

Kawkhali, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Narayangonj, Madhukhali, Kumarkhali, Dinajpur,

Mymensing, Rangpur, Tangail, Kumarkhali, Kustia, Netrokona. The discussion meetings

have been participated by teachers, NGO representatives, politicians, civil society members

and journalists.

Table 3.7: Grassroots level meeting on budgeting for the year 2015

SL. Date Venue Session Chair

1. 25 April KurigramDistrict Branch Office Raushan Ara Chowdhury

2. 27 April Gaibandha District Office Amatur Nur Chora

3. 29 April NarayanganjDistrict Office Laksi Chatarjee

4. 29 April Modukhali District office Shahida Akram

5. 29 April Mymenshing district office Ferdous Ara Helen

6. 30 April Dinajpur District Office Dr. Marufa Begum

7. 30 April Rangpur District Office -

8. 30 April Tangail District Office Begum Shamsun nahar

9. 2 May Kumarkhali District Office Champa Nazrul

10. 04 May Shrupkhati District Office Nadira Begum

11. 04May Jessore District Office Professor Suraya Sharif

49

12. 05 May Chittagong District Office Professor Latifa Kabir

13. 20 May Rajbari District Office Devahuti charkabarty

14. 20 May Kaukhali District Office Alo Rani Roy

15. 26 May Khustia District Office Sabina Akhtar

16. 19 May Netrokona District Office Shahida Pathan Daisy

17. 20 May Bagerhat District Office Farida Rahman

18. 03 May Satkhira District Office Mumtaz Begum

The discussion on the gender-sensitive budget created greater awareness regarding what is

gender responsive budget as need for such budget. This has led to the greater demand for

budgetary allocation on the issues that affect the life and livelihood of the women in a myriad

ways.

2.1.7: Promotion of political empowerment of women and increase women’s

participation at the decision making levels through alliance networking (Social Action

Committee)

International Women’s day 2015 was observed by Social Action Committee on 8th

March

2015 at Engineers Institute. It may be mentioned here that Social Action Committee (SAC) is

a platform of 68 women, human rights and development organization and BMP is the

convenor of this platform. The slogan of this gathering was “violence free politics and equal

participation of men and women in all sphere of policy making level in the country”.

The program began by observing one minute silence to pay respect to those who have died

and injured during the political violence in the beginning of 2015. The Honorable Secretary,

Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Mr. Tarikul Islam was the Chief Guest of the

Program. Sultana Kamal, Executive Director of Ain o Salish Kendra presided over the

program. Hazera Sultana, President of Nari Mukti Sangsad, Rakhi Das Purkaystha, Acting

General Secretar of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Ranjan Karmaker, Executive Director of

Steps Towards Development, Numan Ahmed, Executive Director of IED, Chiro Ranjan

Sarkar from BRAC, Chanchana Chakma, President of Hill Women’s federation, Umme

Hasan Jhalmal Executive Member of Karmajibi Nari, Mahua Paul from NFOWD, Moni

Rani Das, President of Dalit Nari Forum spoke on the occasion.

The declaration of the gathering was presented by Dilip Kumar Sarker, Program Manager of

The Hunger Project. The programme was conducted by Jinat Ara Huq. Approximately 800

participants attended the programe. A large number of representatives from print and

electronic Media participated in this gathering. 10 print media, Prothom Alo, Daily Star ,

Samakal , Itefaq, New Age , Jonokantho, Sangbad, kalerknatho,Jugantor, Inkilab published

the event on 9th

March 2015. ATN News TV channel broadcasted the programme.

2.1.8: Political empowerment of women

During the year three mayoral elections in two Dhaka City Corporations and in Chittagong

city corporations were held. In addition mayoral elections were also held in 234 Pourshavas

on December 30 2015. In pursuance of BMP’s objective of working for over four decades for

empowering women politically, increasing the activity of women in the political arena and

50

increasing their participation in the decision making process BMP undertook active interest

and comprehensive programmes in these elections.

A memorandum submitted to the Chief Election Commission

On 9th

April, 2015 a team of 5 representatives of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad met with the

Secretary, Election Commission and submitted a memorandum demanding safety and

protection of the women and minority voters for ensuring free and fair election. The team

included General Secretary, Maleka Banu, Joint General Secretary, Shima Moslem,

Movement Secretary Kazi Sufia Akhtar, Dhaka Mahanagar, Movement Secretary, Laila

Khaleda and Program Director, Advocacy and Lobby, Jana Goswami. Election Commission

followed up the demand of the BMP and ordered police, RAB, the Border Guard, to ensure

the safety of women and minority voters before and after the election, so that women and

minority voters could cast their vote easily and safely. A copy of the directives of Election

Commission was sent to the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.

Press conference on General Political Situation upcoming Dhaka City Corporation

(North and South) election

BMP organized two press conferences on January 29 2015 on the general political situations

in the country and another on the 13th April 2015 on the upcoming Dhaka City Corporation

election (North and South) at the VIP lounge, National Press Club.

The main slogan set by BMP for the city corporation election was “Ensure citizen’s rights

and build safe and women friendly Dhaka”. Dr. Fauzia Moslem, Acting President of

Bangladesh MahilaParishad acted the moderator. Keynote paper was presented by the

Movement Secretary Kazi Sufia Akhter. General Secretary Maleka Banu, Joint general

secretary Rakhi Das Purkayastha, Joint General Secretary Shima Moslem, Assistant General

Secretary Advocate MasudaRehana Begum, Finance Secretary Dil Afroze, Organizational

Secretary, Umme Salma Begum, Training, Reasearch and Library Secretary Rina Ahmed,

Health Secretary Nurulwara Begum, Dhaka Mahanagar Movement Secretary Laila Khaleda

also attended the program.

Dr Fawzia Moslem answered the questions of the journalists. In her speech she said that

Dhaka City Corporation election is to be held after more than a decade. She also added that

during this period, a lot has changed in Dhaka city, but the civic facilities have not increased

in commensurate with the demand of the growing population. She expected positive changes

after the election. Fawzia Moslem expressed the hope that we would be able to elect a

candidate of pro-liberation forces and who would develop women-friendly Dhaka. In total 80

participants were present in the programme. A large number of representatives of print and

electronic media participated in this event. The press conference was conducted by Program

Director Advocacy and Lobby Jana Goswami. The statement of press conference was

published in almost all daily newspapers with importance. The Daily Star published the issue

as lead news.

51

Distribution of leaflets

Twenty-thousand leaflets with 16 point demands on the issue of “safe and women friendly

Dhaka” were printed and distributed by BMP in different parts of the city including Gandaria,

Uttara, Kalanpur, in front of Press Club, Gulistan roundabout, secretariat gate, Shahid Minar,

Shahbagh and TSC. Leaflets are sent to all district branches of BMP.

Participation of women in Pourshava Election

Thirty-five (2 for mayors and 31 for councilors) BMP organizers contested in the Pourshava

election which was held on December 30, 2015. BMP provided them with logistic and moral

support. BMP circulated posters and leaflets, extended logistic support and conducted

campaigns to promote women’s role in the electoral process. Among the contestants four

BMP organizers won the election uncontested. The total number of successful candidates was

14 out of which one has been elected as mayor.

Component 3: Intensifying Women’s Human Rights Movements through

Networking

Networking has emerged as another area of major success of BMP. Over the years, the

organization has been able to consolidate and expand its networks with local, national and

international organizations and groups dedicated to interventions in human rights, women

rights and development actions. It has spurred women’s human rights movements, which play

a crucial role in establishing their rights and status in a society. Without a strong movement,

particularly in a society of developing country, it is almost impossible to change the rules and

regulations for recognising and establishing women’s human rights. BMP has intervened in

different ways towards mobilizing and forging various forces to wage an effective movement.

Throughout the year of 2015 BMP remained engaged in pushing the agenda of women’s

human rights as reflected in the planned outputs under this component. (Table 3.8)

Table 3.8: Status of Achievements in Intensifying

Women’s Human Rights Movements, 2015

Sl. Areas of Intervention Activities Planned

Actual

Achievement Status and Comments

3.1.1 a. Promote and improve women

reproductive and sexual health

right

b. Influencing policy

c. Campaign

d. Advocacy and Lobby

8 8

100

3.1.2

Empowerment and encouragement

of young girl in sexual and

reproductive health right

52

Sl. Areas of Intervention Activities Planned

Actual

Achievement Status and Comments

3.1.3

a. To review status of maternal

health

b. To review of impact on sexual

and gender based violence on

health

c. Impact on violence on

psychological health of child

3.1.4

Discussion Meeting / Sharing

meeting / Survey/ Research/

Study:1

3.1.5 Programme aiming for prevention

of sexual diseases specially

HIV/AIDS

3.1.6 Establishing women’s health right

through networking :

3.2.1 Observance of international

women’s day 1 1

100

3.2.2 Observance of CEDAW day 1 1 100

3.2.3 Linkage and Networking with

global/ international Platform 1 1

100

Output 3: Details of area specific interventions

3.1.1 Promoting and improving women reproductive and sexual health rights through

influencing policy, campaign, advocacy and lobby

BMP emphasizes promoting and improving women reproductive and sexual health rights in

Bangladesh. In this regard, the organization considers that there is a need for influencing

policy, running campaign, advocacy and lobby. Keeping this objective into consideration the

Health Sub-Committee of BMP has implemented 8 programmes which focusing on the

reproductive and sexual health rights of women. The total number of participants in these

programmes was 520.

BMP observed Safe Motherhood Day at Central Sahid Minar on 28th

May 2015.

Representative from BMP, members of Obstetric and Gynecological Society, doctors,

medical students, nurse were participated in the Gathering. Twenty-five district branches as

well as Dhaka Mahanagar BMP also observe the day with various activities to highlight the

significance of the day and make people aware about maternal and child health care and for

the reduction of maternal mortality rate and also to ensure women’s reproductive health

rights. Districts branches successfully organized meetings on the occasion of safe maternal

53

health. A large number of people spontaneously participated in the observance of the day at

the district and the grassroot.

BMP organized a discussion meeting on reproductive health and awareness for adolescent on

13th

May 2015 at Lalmatia Girls High High School. The number of participants in the

meeting were 157. Two doctors were present as discussant for school orientation on this

issue. Representative from BMP, students of grade nine and ten have participated in the

meeting.

BMP has organized a discussion meeting on reproductive health and awareness for

adolescent on 11th

June 2015 at USEP Ismail School at Mirpur. There were 157 participants

in the meeting. Two doctors were present as discussant for school orientation on this issue.

Representative from BMP, students from 9th

and 10th

grades participated in the meeting.

The following table 3.9 will show the different programmes undertaken on different health

issues by Health Sub-Committee of BMP.

Table 3.9 List of different activities undertaken by Health Sub-committee

Subject Date and Place Number and Nature of

Participants

Results/Impact of

Activity

“The Context of

Women’s health

rights: Future

Activity of BMP”.

21 May 2015

Sufia Kamal

Bhaban Auditorium,10

B/1,Segunbagicha,

Dhaka

Doctors, organizers and

staff.

Participants: 32

-Received

guidelines from the

doctors regarding

the future tasks of

BMP.

- Few new doctors

got associated with

BMP.

- Extended the

network

Awareness building

on adolescent’s health

and reproductive

health rights in

educational

institutions and work

place

13 May 2015

Lalmatia Girl’s High

School Auditorium

Students, teachers, staff,

doctors and organizers

Participants: 157

-Awareness has

been increased on

adolescent health

and reproductive

health right.

-opportunity free

medical service.

-Participants have

learnt to freely

discuss health

issues.

Awareness building

on adolescent’s health

and reproductive

health rights in

educational

institutions and work

place

11 June 2015

Ismail School of

USCEP

Students, teachers, staff,

doctors and organizers

Participants: 73

Same as above

Awareness building 01 November 2015 Students, teachers, staff, Same as above

54

on adolescent’s health

and reproductive

health rights in

educational

institutions and work

place

Navakumur Institution

& Dr. Shahidullah

College Auditorium

doctors and organizers

Participants: 102

Community level

view exchange

meetings with

adolescents girls,

parents on the

prevention , demerits

of child marriage and

impact on women’s

health due to VAW

15 September 2015

Ahmednagar, Paikpara

Guardians, adolescents

working in factories, woman

workers, doctors and

organizers.

-Awareness has

been increased on

child marriage and

its demerits

-Impact on

woman’s health

due to VAW.

- opportunity free

medical service.

-Participants learnt

to talk freely on

health issues

Community level

view exchange

meetings with

adolescents girls,

parents on the

prevention , demerits

of child marriage and

impact on women’s

health due to VAW

November 28 2015

Malibagh, Hazipara

Guardians, adolescents

working in factories, woman

workers, doctors and

organizers.

-Awareness has

been increased on

child marriage and

its demerits

-Impact on

woman’s health

due to VAW.

- opportunity free

medical service.

-Participants learnt

to talk freely on

health issues

Community level

view exchange

meetings with

adolescents girls,

parents on the

prevention , demerits

of child marriage and

impact on women’s

health due to VAW

05 December 2015

Paikpara, Kalayanpur

Guardians, adolescents

working in factories, woman

workers, doctors and

organizers.

-Awareness has

been increased on

child marriage and

its demerits

-Impact on

woman’s health

due to VAW.

- opportunity free

medical service.

-Participants learnt

to talk freely on

health issues

The Environmental sub-committee has been working to identify the challenges that the

women are likely to encounter because of climate change. It developed strategy to mitigate

the challenges. Different district branches undertook some programmes namely, collect seed

plant of fruits and tree from Upazilla forestry department, submitted memorandum to

municipal chairman for developing road and drainage system and organized human chain for

secured work place for garment workers.

55

3.2.1 Observance of International Women's Day

The International Women’s Day has been observed on March 8, 2015 both by the central

office and district branches. The Slogan of International Women’s Day was “Ensure

Women’s Human Rights and Equal Rights to Resource and Property”. BMP prints English

and Bengali posters and greetings cards each year and distribute those as a part of celebrating

International Women’s Day. In 2015, 20 thousand greeting cards and 18 thousand posters

were printed and distributed. The posters and cards were distributed to the development

partners, international organization, embassies, concern ministries, members of the Social

Action Committee, civil society organizations, MPs, government officials, political parties,

teachers, journalists, doctors, lawyers, the members of Central Committee, all district

branches of BMP and well wishers of BMP across the country.

BMP also distributed greetings cards to all its staffs, study circle participants and resource

persons of BMP’s certificate course, members of different sub-committees, district executive

committee and grassroot member of different districts of BMP. These provided BMP an

opportunity to keep in touch with all concerned who are not only well wishers but also helped

BMP in many ways in its journey to establish women human rights in Bangladesh.

District Programme

BMP also undertook different programmes in observance of International Woman’s day in 38

district branches. Some of these districts include Rajbari, Khulna, Rangpur, Magura,

Kurigram, Fridpur, Brahmanbaria, Pirojpur, Sunamganj, Rangamati, Tangi, Jamalpur,

Chiattagong, Kumarkhali, Jhalokathi and Kawkhali. The branches organaized different

programmes like rally, discussion meeting, human chain, courtyard meeting and cultural

programmes. The total number of participants in the rally and discussion meetings was 3,553

persons, an average of 115 persons per district. It shows that BMP was able to mobilize a

large number people in the observance of the day and people’s interest on this.

Collaboration with GOB

On the occasion of International Women’s day, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad participated in

the programmes organized by the Government at Bangabandhu Convention Centre on 8th

March 2015. Honorable Prime Minister was the Chief Guest of that program. BMP’s

members of Central committee, National Council, sub-committees, leaders of Dhaka

Mahanagar branch and staffs attended the programme. On 6th

March members of BMP’s

Central committee, leaders of Dhaka Mahanagar branch and staffs participated in the human

chain program organized by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

3.2.2 Observance of CEDAW Day

In 2015 Bangladesh Mahila Parishad observed the CEDAW day with three slogans: a) stop

all types of violence against women; b) ensure equal rights in wealth and resources for both

man and woman and, C) full approval and implementation of CEDAW provisions. The day

56

was observed both by the central office and the district branches. BMP advised all its district

branches and grassroot organizations to observe the day with due importance. The day was

observed in 32 district branches which organized discussion meetings. These meetings were

attended by 1,246 persons, an average of 39 persons per district branch. The Kumarkhali,

Sunamgonj, Narayanganj, Faridpur, Kurigram, Kishoregonj, Barisal, Pirojpur, Natore,

Tangail, Rajbari, Netrokona, Tongi, Brahmanbaria, Modhukhali, Nauga, Bagerhat, Dinajpur,

Mymensing, Jessore, Munshigonj, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Magura, Chittagong, Kaukhali,

Shrupkathi, Rangamati, district branches of BMP organized different programmes on the

occasion of CEDAW day.

BMP printed 16,000 posters in Bengali and 300 in English which were widely distributed to

district branches, NGOs both national and international, government ministries,

organizations, directorate, embassies and development partners.

TV spot with the demand for the implementation of provision (2) and 16-1 (Gha) and also for

ensuring equality between man and woman has been prepared. It was telecasted in the ATN

News and TV- 71 from September 2 to September 13 of 2015.

Discussion meeting to observe CEDAW Day

BMP organized a discussion meeting in observance of CEDAW Day on 3rd September 2015

at CIRDAP Auditorium. The central theme of the day observance was “full approval and

implementation of CEDAW provisions is necessary for sustainable development”. Dr.

Mizanur Rahman Chairman, Human Rights Commission was the chief guests and the

meeting was presided over by Ayesha Khanam ,President of BMP. BMP’s General Secretary

Maleka Banu delivered her welcome speech and said BMP playing strong advocacy role at

national level and mobilize other women to push for implementation of CEDAW provisions.

On behalf of the central committee the key note paper was presented by International

Secretary of BMP Rekha Shaha. She placed some recommendations including the withdrawal

of the reservation about articles 2 and 16.1 (c) of CEDAW.

BMP central Committee members, Social Action Committee members, Sub-committee

members, representatives of both electronic and print media, Dhaka Mohanagar committee

members and staffs of BMP participated the meeting. The total number of participants in the

meeting was 144. The deliberations of the meeting were published with due importance in

several national dailies. These are Bhroer Khagog, Prothom Alo, Itefaq, Shamakal, Jugantar,

Jonokhanta, the daily observer and the daily star.

Discussion meeting at Prime University

In observance of CEDAW a discussion meeting was held with joint collaboration of law

department of Prime University and BMP on 2 September 2015 with the theme “full approval

and implementation of CEDAW provisions is necessary for sustainable Development”. The

main discussant in the meeting was Ayesha Khanam, President of BMP. The head of the law

department, vice chancellor, senior vice chairman of Board of Trustees, central committee

members of BMP and staffs were present. A large number of teachers and students also

attended the discussion with great deal of interest. The total number of participants was 220.

57

The participants were presented a notebook which contains 16 articles of CEDAW and

slogan of CEDAW day.

3.2.3 Linkage and Networking with global and international Platform

BMP is regionally and globally known women and human rights organization. The 59th

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) session was held at the United Nations

Headquarters in New Work from 9-10 March 2015. The representative from the member

states, UN entities and ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from

all regions of the world attended the session. A six member delegation of the BMP’s central

Committee has participated in the commission meeting. The delegations of 11,000 non

governmental organizations from 100 countries were represented by 8,600 delegates in the

meeting. The central theme of the meeting was: “Empowering Women, Empowering

humanity. Picture it”. BMP’s delegation played an active role and organised a parallel event

on March 14 2015 on the theme “Resist and eliminate all forms of violence against women

and girl child”.

Asia-Pacific Regional Council ( APRC) of the International Council of Women (ICW), the

National Council of Women Thailand (NCWT), UNESCAP organized seminar on “ Assuring

Sustainable Development Goals: Challenges in Transforming Women and Girls” was held on

Thailand, Bangkok from 17-20 November 2014. General Secretary Maleka Banu and Finance

Secretary Dil Afroj Begum were participated the conference as representative of BMP.

All these activities show that BMP has been active not only locally but also internationally

and played its due role as an activist women human rights organisation.

In the following box the names of the BMP’s networking partners at the international level

are listed:

Major Networking Partners of BMP at the International Level

International Women Rights Action Watch- Asia Pacific (IWRAW), Kenya; Agro-forestry, Basic

health and Co-operatives (ABC), Nepal; SAMHATI, USA; Commission on the Status of Women

(CSW), Japanese Women’s Committee 2050, Japan; Centre for Women’s Global Leadership,

USA; Aurat Foundation, Pakistan; North East Network (NEN), India; Confederation of

Voluntary Associations (COVA), India; Federation of Business & Professional Women- Nepal

(FBPWN); National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW), India; International Centre for Ethnic

Studies (ICES), Sri Lanka; Durbar, India; Sakhi Resource Centre for Women, India; Nirantar,

India; Shirkat Gah, Pakistan; JAGORI, India; SANGAT, India; Global Fund for Women, UN

WOMEN; UNESCAP; UNDP; and ECOSOC.

58

Component 4: Effective Functioning as a Lobby and Advocacy Agent

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) demonstrated its capacity to function as a lobby and

advocacy agent of women in Bangladesh in order to establish their rights and to protect their

interests. The organisation has been visible at many important local, national and

international meetings, workshops, seminars and also in many other related activities. (Table-

3.10). It has effectively acted as an agent of lobby and advocacy forum to sensitize the state

and non-state agencies and organizations about women rights and issues. Besides, in many

cases, it has been continuously drawing attention of the concerned agencies and organisations

to the plight of women.

Table 3.13: Status of Achievements in Functioning as a Lobby and Advocacy Agent

SL. Areas of Interventions Activities

Planned

Actual

Achievement

Status (%)

4.1.1 Submit deputation and

memorandum to concerned

law enforcement authorities –

As per necessity

2000

4,179

209

4.2.1

Carry out Women Human

Right Movement and resist

VAW through alliance

Networking (SAC)

Central: 2

Central : 9

450

4.2.2

Carry out lobby and advocacy

for good governance and

strengthening local

government

Central: 2

Central: 1

50

4.2.9

Advocacy lobby for

democracy and good

Governance through intensive

networking

Central: 2 Central : 2

100

4.3.1 Publishing Mahila Samachar Central: 4 issues

Printed 4 issues

10,000 copies every

issue

100

4.3.2 Distribution of Mahila

Samacher, 10,000 copies

Distributed as per

plan Done

4.3.3

Publication of English bulletin:

brusher/other information

Materials

59

SL. Areas of Interventions Activities

Planned

Actual

Achievement

Status (%)

4.3.4

Publication of Annual Report

(English) and project

completion report

Central: 1

Central: Report

Prepared Done

4.3.5 Publication of Annual

Report(Bengali) Central: 1

Internal Annual

Evaluation and

Planning Report

Done

4.3.6 Publication of journal Central: 4 issues

4 issues published Achieved

4.3.7 Poster and leaflets As per necessity Prepared

Done

4.4.1

Conduct Advocacy/ lobby with

Media Professionals on

Women’s human rights issue

with Media Professionals

1 1

Achieved

4.4.2 Documentation of above Code

Achieved

4.4.3

a. Publish special supplements

in national dailies on political /

economical/ social

empowerment of women-1

b. Produce TV spot:1

Achieved

4.4.5 Networking with Media 4 4

100

Output 4: Details of area specific interventions

4.1.1 Submission of deputation and memorandum

The submission of memorandum and sending letters to the concerned persons and authorities

constitute one of the regular activities of BMP. Through these memorandums and letters

BMP draws attention to the specific cases of VAW and children and communal violence. In

2015, BMP submitted a total of 3,851 correspondences to various persons, ministries and law

enforcement agencies. (Table- 3.11 and Figure-3.9 )

Table 3.11: Correspondence with concerned authorities to resist VAW in 2015

Authorities/Persons Number of

Correspondence Comments

President 02 Many government

60

Prime Minister 198 authorities

considered BMP’s

complaints

seriously and took

action.

And also in many

cases they have

become aware

about the incidents

otherwise they

would have

remained in dark

Minister of Home Affairs 240

MOWCA 08 Inspector General of Police (IGP) 250

District Commissioner (DC) 1147

Superintend of Police (SP) 1147

Officer of In charge (OC) 1147

Other Ministry 18

Others 22

In response to BMP’s letters and complaints concerned authorities took step to redress the

problem.

Social Action Committee (SAC)

Under the leadership of BMP, the Social Action Committee (the platform of 67 women,

human rights and development organisations) jointly undertook some important programmes

in 2015 in order to establish women rights, to resist VAW, to raise awareness among ordinary

people irrespective of gender, and to ensure women empowerment. BMP through its centre

and district branches organized different activities and programmes in association with the

Social Action Committee.

4.2.1 Carryout Women Human Right Movement and resist VAW through alliance

Networking (SAC) – Sharing Meeting/ Round table discussion/Press Conference /Human

Chain / Street Movement / Lobby/ National Convention

61

All throughout the year of 2015 BMP organized protest meetings, human chain, street

movement and sharing meetings. These were organized either by BMP alone and sometime

along with the Social Action Committee. Some of these activities are mentioned below:

Human chain on April 16 2015 in protest of sexual harassment and oppression of

women during the celebration of Bengali new year at the Dhaka university campus.

Representatives of different SAC members participated and spoke in the programme.

About 200 men and women participated in the protest meeting.

Submission of memorandum to the Vice Chancellor Dhaka University and Inspector

General of Police on April 23 2015 demanding independent enquiry and punishment

of culprits.

Gathering on May 6 2015 in front of national museum to protest sexual harassment

and oppression of women and girl child in different parts of the country including

Dhaka university incident. It was participated by 300 people. Three thousand leflet

printed by BMP has been distributed in the gathering. The news of the

The news of the protest meeting has been printed in the 10 leading national dailies on

May 7, 2015. The news papers are: Prothom Alo, Kaler Khanta, Sangabad, Samakal,

Itefaq, Jugantar, Borer Kagaj, the Daily Star and New age.

Human chain on May 12 2015 of police action on students who were demanding

arrest of persons responsible for sexual harassment of women on the new years day.

The news of the human chain was widely covered both in the print and electronic

media.

At the district 27 district branches organised human chains in protest of sexual harassment

and oppression of women during the celebration of Bengali New Year at the Dhaka

university campus. These human chains were largely participated by the BMP leaders, civil

society representatives and general public.

View Exchange Meeting on the Problems of Women Workers and the Tasks Ahead

A view exchanging meeting on the “Problems of Women workers and task” has been

organized on 27 November 2015 under the auspices of the Movement sub-committee of

BMP. The main objective of the meeting was to identify the problems women face in the

work place, specific recommendations and also the task ahead in this regard. It was also

revealed that in future BMP will incorporate some of the specific recommendations in their

movement that would emerge from the meeting. It was emphasized that workers should be

aware of their rights and also they should internalize the article 78 of ILO in order to secure

their rights.

The total number of participants in the meeting was 50 which included 25 women workers, 8

leaders from shramik karmachari ukkiya parishad and also BMP’s central committee

members and members of the Movement sub-committee.

62

BMP’S movement to unconditionally retain the marriageable age of girl child Marriage at

18 years

BMP organized one Press Conference on May 25, 2015 at the National Press Club to

demand for retaining unconditionally the marriageable age of girl child at 18 years and also

to express concern over the proposal of lowering the age limit of marriage especially of a

girl which contradicts Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2014 (Draft). It was attended by the

members of the SAC and also representatives of other NGOs who expressed concern on this

issue.

The representatives of 21 organizations of Social Action Committee, journalists from 46 print

and electronic media, members of the BMP central committee attended the press conference.

The organizers of the press conference strongly urged the government not to lower the

marriageable age of girl child and some of them even opined that it will be a suicidal

decision.

The news of the press conference was focused prominently in 7 national daily news papers

and 8 TV channels. The news papers are: Prothom Alo, Kaler Khanta, Samakal, Itefaq, Borer

Kagaj, the Daily Star and New age and the TV channels include ETV, RTV, STV, Somaya

TV, ATN Bangla, Baishaki TV and Independent TV.

One view exchange meeting on the same issue was organized on 29 June 2015 at the National

Press Club to accelerate the demand and movement to retain the marriageable age of girl

child at 18. The chairman of the Human rights Commission Dr. Mizanur Rahman was the

chief guest and discussion was moderated by President of BMP Ayesha Khanam.

The representatives of 26 organizations of Social Action Committee, journalists from print

and electronic media, members of the BMP central committee attended view exchange

meeting. The participants were wondering why in 2015 the concerned authority wants to

lower the minimum marriageable age of girl to 16 years. It is opined that child marriage is a

serious obstacle to the growth child as human being. The total number of participants in the

meeting was 142. The news of the meeting was covered prominently in 10 national daily

news papers and 5 TV channels.

Human Chain to unconditionally retain the marriage age of girl child at 18 years in the Child

Marriage Restraint Act, 2014(Draft) has been organized on September 7, 2015 in front of the

National Press Club. Those who spoke on the occasion include Ayesha Khanam, President of

BMP, Advocate Sultana Kamal, Executive Director of Ain Salish Kendro, Afroza Haq Rina,

Convenor of National Women Federation, Ranjan Karmakar, Executive Director Step

Towards Development, Rokeya Aktar, Programme Manager, Action Aid and many other

persons representing different NGOs and women organizations.

BMP organized another press conference on December 2 2015 at the National Press Club to

demand for retaining unconditionally the marriageable age of girl child at 18 years. The press

63

conference was moderated by BMP’s President Ayesha Khanam. It was addressed by a large

number of high profile women activists representing different organizations. These include

Executive Director of National Women’s Lawyers Association Advocate Salma Ali,

Executive Director of Campaign for Popular Education Rasheda K Chowdhury, President for

Women for Women Zakia K Hasan, Executive Director Step towards Development Ranjan

Karmakar, President of Bangladesh Women Journalists Center Nasimun Ara Haq, Deputy

Director of Ain Shalish Kendro Advocate Raushan Jahan Parvin and many other persons

representing different NGOs and women organizations.

Fifty-one representatives from 32 print and electronic media attended the press conference. In

total 102 persons having different backgrounds and affiliations have participated in the press

conference. The news of the press conference has been reported in 8 national dailies and 3

TV channels.

4.2.2 Carry out lobby and advocacy for good governance and strengthening local

government

Dinajpur district branch has organized a sharing meeting on strengthening local government

for establishing democracy and good governance on October 17 2015 at the BRAC learning

Center of Basherhat, Dinajpur. The theme of the sharing meeting was “Strengthening Local

Government in ensuring Democracy and Good Governance”. The participants include

Deputy Commissioner of Dinajpur, Superintendent of Police and Deputy Director of Local

Government divisions. Other participants include 27 Upazila chairman and vice chairman

including 11 women vice chairman attended the sharing meeting. The total number of

participants in the meeting was 140. The President of BMP Ayesha Khanam and other

leaders of local branches of BMP were present. There was extensive discussion and different

views were expressed both by officials, different participants and elected local government

officials.

4.2.9 Advocacy lobby for democracy and good Governance through intensive

networking

Several programmes were undertaken both by the central office of BMP and also by its

district branches. All these activities reflect that BMP is regularly and seriously pursuing the

issues related to democracy and good governance by involving its members, civil society,

members of SAC, elected representatives from the grassroot upto the national level,

government officials, academicians, experts and lawyers. The following programmes were

undertaken under this head during January-December 2015.

One press conference on the “BMP’s position on the political situation” was held

under the auspices of Movement Sub-committee was held on 29 January 2015 at the

National Press Club. One written statement was read out. BMP’s president moderated

the conference answered various questions by the journalists. The total participants in

the conference were 78 which included 20 representatives from both print and

64

electronic media, central committee members of BMP and staff. BMP demanded that

all types of political agitation and violence that are killing the children, women and

general public should be stopped immediately.

Human chain was organized on 15 October 2015 in front of the National Press club

with the slogan “maintain communal harmony”. The Human Chain programme was

addressed by BMP’s President Ayesha Khanam, General Secretary Dr. Maleka Banu,

Joint General Secretary Sima Muslem and movement secretary Kazi Sufia Aktar.

Programme director advocacy and lobby Jona Gushami conducted the programme.

There were 100 participants and a large number of journalists covered the

programme. Six national daily news paper (Sangabad, Itefaq, Borer Kagaj, the Daily

Star, Independent and New age ) published this as news with pictures on 16 October.

District branches responded spontaneously to organize this programme. Twenty-four

district branches arranged human chain on October 15 and 16 on the same theme

participated by local civil society. The news of the human chain was covered

prominently by the local news paper.

4.3.1 Mahila Samacher

During the January-December 2015, BMP published 4 issues of the Mahila Samacher, the

quarterly news letter of the organization. Each of the issues consisted of special features and

write-ups by BMP leaders and activists on selected subject. These include topics on different

issues such as, violence against women, international women day, democratic administration

and rule of law, women and environment and activities of BMP. A total of 10,000 copies of

each issue of Mahila Samacher were published and distributed among different individuals

and organizations.

This year one special issue of Mohila Samachar titled “Mohila Shamachar Beijing + 20” has

been published. The issue contains 18 write-ups including including the speech of UN

Secretary General on CSW in the 59th

session of UN and also the Executive Director of UN

women. A report on the chronological history of the participation of BMP in the UN women

activities was also published.

4.3.6 Mahila Parishad Journal :

The Mahila Parishad Journal has entered in its fifth year of publications in 2015. This year

two issues of the journal were published. The journal contains articles on wide range of issues

concerning women rights, VAW, minority rights, communalism, fundamentalism and

feminism. Eminent scholars and writers have contributed to the Journal.

4.3.7 Poster and leaflets

Every year BMP prints posters and leaflets on the occasion of the observance of four special

days.

65

Posters:

International women’s Day on 8th

March

Founding anniversary of BMP on 4th

April

Observance of CEDAW day

Observance of international fortnight to fight VAW

Leaflets:

45th

founding anniversary of BMP

Printed leaflets on the occasions of Dhaka and Chittagong City Corporation election

and also on Pourshava election.

Observance of international fortnight to fight VAW

Other Publications:

Annual Report 2015 (January-December)

Progress Report (2015)

Internal Annual Evaluation and Planning Report, 2015 (published 2016)

Guidelines for administering Rokeya Sadan, June 2015

Publication of writings, painting and drawings of children of Kolotan and Sadan,

December 2015

4.4.1 Conduct Advocacy and lobby with Media Professionals on Women’s human rights

Experience sharing meeting by 59th

UN CSW participants of BMP on 24th

May 2015 at Sufia

Kamal Bhaban Auditorium. The experience sharing meeting was chaired by Ayesha Khanam,

President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. General Secretary Maleka Banu, Joint General

Secretary Shima Moslem, International Secretary Rekha Saha, Central Committee member

Rehana Younus shared their experiences and learning as the participants of the 59th

CSW

session on behalf of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.

4.4.5 Networking with Media

BMP believes that in the contemporary world media plays a significant role not only to

disseminate news and information on women’s movement, law reforms movement, expose

different incidents of the violence against women and children, sexual harassment and also

the rights of the minority and other disadvantaged people. Keeping the importance of the

print and electronic media BMP always maintain contact and liaison with the media by

inviting the representatives to BPM’s programme, view exchange meeting 5, arranging

workshops and also sharing experience on different issues of women human rights and other

overarching that affect the country and the people. The outcome of this contact and

communication is very encouraging which is reflected by the large participation of media

representatives in various BMP’s programme and wide coverage both in the national news

papers and the electronic media. In the district the local news paper also publish BMP’s

activity with importance.

66

Many media leaders and senior journalists are invited to participate in consultation and

discussion. Many media personalities regularly participate in these programmes.

In the year 2015, various activities were undertaken to maintain and continue linkage with the

media. (Table 3.12). BMP has developed a practice to meet the journalists regularly to inform

BMP’s activity and also to listen to them.

Table 3.12 Description of activities relating to media networking in 2015

Subject Date and place Background of

Participants

Impacts/Outcomes

View exchange with

policy makers of public

media

24 November 2015

Sufia Kamal Bhaban,

BMP

Total: 85

Journalists: 51

Policy makers: 6

BMP: 11

Staff:7

-Steps will be taken to meet

the need of women journalists.

-Women journalists openly

discussed their problems in

their workplace

-it inoculated a positive

outlook that will create

opportunity for women

journalists

Sharing meeting on

CEDAW

15 September, 2015

Sufia Kamal Bhaban,

BMP

Total: 84

Sub-editor: 32

Reporter: 35

BMP: 13

Staff: 10

-Journalists got an extensive

overview on CEDAW

-Journalists will prepare more

report on CEDAW

Regular Sharing with

journalists

Nine Sharing meetings

during January-

December 2015

Sufia Kamal Bhaban,

BMP

9 regular

sharing

meetings were

held. These

were

participated by

250 journalists-

an average of 28

journalists per

meeting

BMP could infuse a sense of

ownership in the media

community through these

sharing meetings and regular

contact.

In order to maintain good relation BMP also participates in the birth anniversary of many

print and electronic media throughout the year. From January-June 2015 BMP has

participated the birth anniversary of Daily Samakal, Desh TV and the daily Star.

Sharing Meeting with journalist on CEDAW

A sharing meeting on CEDAW with the journalists was organized by Media and Mass

Communication sub-committee of BMP on 15 September 2015 at Sufia Kamal Bhaban

Auditorium. The key note paper on CEDAW was presented by BMP’s President Ayesha

Khanam and Joint General Secretary Shima Muslem moderated the meeting while Media and

Mass Communication Secretary welcome the participants. A threadbare discussion was held

on CEDAW. It has been pointed out by Ayesha Khanam that CEDAW is important because it

ensures women human right and endevour to eliminate all types of discrimination against

67

women. BMP’s president demanded the withdrawal of reservation from the article 2 and

16.1(C) of CEDAW and full implementation of CEDAW. Representatives of both print and

electronic media attended the sharing meeting.

Component 5: BMP is Further Strengthened and Developed through Capacity Building

towards Sustainability and Institutionalization

Organisational strength of BMP is the driving force behind its success since the days of its

establishment. General members, activists and organisers are the key forces in this regard. As

an organisation BMP has further improved its capacity through better skills and knowledge of

its human resources as well as institutional development. The work plan of BMP in 2015

particularly focused on consolidating present strength for long-term sustainability of the

organisation, reinforcement of the leadership and taking steps for strengthening young

generation as a force of the organisation. (Table-3.13)

Table 3.13: Programmes and participants at central and district levels

2014 2015 Implemented Programs Participants Implemented Programs Participants

Centre District Total Centre Dist. Total Centre District Total Centre District Total

55 1102 1157 6002 32882 38884 120 1033 1153 8134 30,119 38,253

In 2015, BMP undertook 1,153 programmes out of which 1,033 and 120 were implemented

at district and central levels respectively. Notably, there had been 38,253 participants in

different programs of BMP in 2015, out of which 30,119 were from the district branches and

the rest 8,134 from the centre. (Table-3.14) The continuous improvement of organisational

capacity of BMP is the outcome of sustained programmes and activities like training and

workshops, support for legal activism, networking at all levels and precision in actions.

Table 3.14: Summary of Achievements in Improving Organisational Capacity, 2015

SL. Areas of Interventions Activities (January-December 2015) Achievement

Status (%) Planned Actual

5.1.1 Paralegal Training for the

organizers at district and branch

10 10 100

5.1.2 Divisional Training for the leaders

(TOT)

2 3 150

5.1.3 Conduct Legal literacy Training

for young women

1 1 100

5.1.4 Village Watch Training

3 3 100

5.1.5 Motivational Programme for Grass

root and central level

10

6 60

5.1.6 Awareness Raising/Legal Literacy

Training for Young/Students

10 10 100

Seminar/Workshop 1 100

68

5.1.7 (University/College/School) 1

5.1.8

Consultation and dialogue for

Advocacy for Implementation of

UFC & other laws

(Concert/Docudrama, billboards &

others)

7 billboards,

concert,

documentary and

other activity

Broadcast TV spot

by TV 71, ATN,

Desh TV and

erected 7

billboards

Achieved

5.1.9 Advocacy for Domestication of

CEDAW

1 1 100

5.1.10

Publication (Legal Aid) – Update

of module, Counseling, legal

support, mediation, VAW

activities report

Booklet, Update

of manual,

mediation and

VAW report

Done Done

5.1.11 UFC Publication in English 1 Done Done

5.3.1

Increase membership – Conduct

Organizational meeting for buildup

branch committee

10 10 100

5.3.2

Conduct Training on

Organizational Capacity Building

(Regular and refreshers)

52

57 110

5.3.3 Organizational Tour 14 28 200

5.3.4 District Conference

16

10 63

5.3.5

Conduct Sharing Meeting for

Organizer regarding district

Conference

16 10 63

5.3.8 Conduct Sharing meeting with

women in profession

1

1 100

5.3.12

Activities to focus the strength of

district and grass root level

branches and consolidation

1 1 100

5.3.13

Organize internal annual planning

implementation and monitoring

review/workshop

1 1 100

5.3.14

Publication:

1. Monitoring and documentation

on organizers activities

2. Update and publish

organizational training module

3. Action research and publication

on male involvement with BMP

5.3.15 Sharing with Civil Society

(44th Anniversary of BMP)

01 01 100

5.3.16 Memorial lecture on Founder

President Poet Sufia Kamal 1 1 Achieved

5.3.17

Provide logistic support to

implement organizational activities

and to strengthen district branch

(Office rent + utility bills)

52 52 100

5.3.18 National Conference 1 1 100

Conduct capacity building and 1 1 100

69

5.4.1 skill development training

(Training for Trainers)

5.4.3 Conduct training for midlevel

organizers at divisional level 1 1 100

5.4.4 Conduct National and Branch level

basic training for young organizer 2 2 100

5.4.5 Conduct training for grassroots

organizers 43

121

5.4.6 Conduct Study Circle, Debate 12

10

83%

5.4.7 Research Analysis on incidents of

VAW 01 01 Achieved

5.4.8 Conduct Subjective Research

Study 01

1

Achieved

5.4.10

Certificate/diploma course on

Gender Development & Women

Empowerment

01

01

Achieved

5.4.11 Collect books and journals,

equipment of library As Per Necessity As Per Necessity Achieved

5.5.2 Internal Audit: To ensure accounts

keeping As Per Necessary

Branch Visit: 20

Central Office: 10 Achieved

5.5.3 Financial Training/ Office

Management Training for staff: 05 05 Achieved

5.6.1 Sharing with cultural activities 01 01 Achieved

5.6.2 Cultural Program 01 01 Achieved

Output 5: Details of area specific interventions

5.1.1Paralegal Training for the organiser at district & branch level

The Paralegal training held for the organizers at district and grassroots branch levels. During

this period 10 Paralegal training sessions were held. The training has helped improving the

capacity of organizers for legal activism. About 388 organizers out of which 172 are young

girls have participated in these trainings held in 10 district branches of the country. (Table-

3.15).

Table 3.15 Paralegal Trainings in 2015

SL. Branch Date Participants Trainer

1. Tangail, Shafipur 17.5.2015 36 (26girls) Adv. Maksuda Akhter

Adv. Ram Lal Raha

2. Netrokona 21.5.2015 40 (20 girls) Adv. Maksuda Akhter

Adv. George Chowdhury

3. Chandpur 23.5.2015 39 (18 girls) Shahima Afroz Airen

Adv. Dipti Rani Sikder

70

Adv. Maksuda Akhter

4. Shatkhira 28.7.2015 25(11 girls)

Adv. Habiba Shefa

Adv. Dipti Rani Sikder

Adv. Ram Lal Raha

5. Jessore 28.7.2015 37(16 girls) Adv. Maksuda Akhter

Riazuddin Ahamed

6. Sherpur 7.8.2015 36(15 girls)

Adv. Dipti Rani Sikder

Adv Afifa Begum Shapna

Adv. Rafiul Kadir

7. Thakurgaon 18.9.2015 32(16 girls)

Adv. Maksuda Akhter

Adv. Dipti Rani Sikder

Adv. George Chowdhury

8. Rangamati 16.10.2015 24 (6 girls)

Adv. Maksuda Akhter

Adv. Dipti Rani Sikder

Riazuddin Ahamed

9. Chittagong 17.10.2015 37 (9 girls)

Adv. Maksuda Akhter

Adv. Dipti Rani Sikder

Riazuddin Ahamed

10. Gazipur 26.12.2015 82 (35girls)

Adv. MaksudaAkhter

Adv. Rafiul Kadir

Savikun Nahar

5.1.2 Divisional training for the leaders (TOT)

Three divisional paralegal trainings for the leaders (TOT) were organisedon 15.5.2015,

12.6.2015 and 10.10.2015 at the Sufia Kamal Bhaban Auditorium of the central office of

BMP. It was organized through initiative of the Central Legal Aid Sub Committee of BMP.

The main purpose of this training is to provide training to raise awareness at the grassroot to

resist VAW and also for training for trainers at the district level.

Forty-four participants attended the training on 15.05.2015. Out of this there were 22

participants from 9 district branches and 10 from the central office, while 62 organizers from

21 district branches participated in the training on 12.06.2015 and the total participants being

80. The third training session which was organized on 10.10.2015 has been attended by 62

participants comprising 5 vice presidents, 12 secretaries, 31 members, 5 sub-committee

members and 8 staffs. These trainings were useful for the divisional level organizers and the

leaders to create awareness and make them better informed regarding the Family Violence

(resistance and protection) Act of 2010 and also the directives of honorable high court on in

this matter. Through these trainings the grassroot leaders acquired knowledge which they will

be able to transmit to general public and to create awareness against any violence that affect

the women and the children. The training of different level of organizers at the central level

created opportunity to gain more knowledge on different aspects of the Act 2010 of VAW.

71

5.1.3 Conduct legal literacy training for young women

The BMP Legal Aid Sub-Committee organized training for the young women to improve

legal literacy for their involvement in activity related resistance of VAW. In 2015 BMP

organized one training programme on 12.04.2015 at the Sufia Kamal Bhaban Auditorium. A

total of 62 participants including 32 young men and women attended the training. The

programme has been able to involve young persons with the resistance movement of BMP

against VAW. The main outcome of this “legal literacy” training of young cohort of

population is that young generation is getting aware of not only the gravity of the problem but

also the legal aspects and also how to combat VAW. Several participants expressed their

willingness to get involved with “real work” on this important issue.

5.1.4 Village Watch training

The Village Watch Team has been formed with the objective to foresee any kind of VAW. It

comprises community leaders, village influential persons and other people who are respected

and heard by the people.

BMP organized three training programmes to resist VAW for the Village Watch Team in

2015 in three different places of the country. The first meeting was held in Jessore on 27.07

2015 and the second meeting was held at Thakurgaon on 18.09.2015 while the venue of the

third meeting was Chittagong held on 15.10.2015. The district branches of BMP were

responsible to organize the meetings at their respective districts. These meetings were

participated by cross section of people representing teachers, journalists, lawyers, NGO

representatives, elected local leaders, and also members of local branches of BMP. There

were detail discussion on the formation of Village Watch Team, their role and also how to

make this venture effective. These training programs contributed to motivate and engage 96

members of the civil society to join the movement of VAW.

5.1.5 Motivational programme at grassroot and central levels

The organization has been able to arrange 6 motivational programmess out of which 5 at the

district and one at the centre in 2015.(Table-3.16). These programmes played an important

role to motivate the people both at the central and the grassroot. It made mass people aware

of resistance of VAW movement and also to make people aware regularly through discussion

meetings. The total number of participants in these motivational programmes was 326.

Table 3.16: Motivational Programme at grass roots and central levels

Date Place Number of

Participants

1 15.10.2015 Rangamati District Branch,

Venue: District office

19

2 09.06.2015 Khulna District Branch.

Venue: Zila Parishad Office

41

3 30.10.2015 Rangpur District Branch

Venue: Sumi Community Center

70

72

4 17.10.2015 Rajshahi University

Venue: Department of Bengali

63

5 08.12.2015 Barisal District Branch

Venue: Barisal Ideal Polytechnic College

62

6 27.12.2015 Dhaka Mahanagar

Venue: Sufia Kamal Bhaban Auditorium

42

5.1.6 Awareness raising and legal literacy training for young students

BMP organized 8 meetings in total with young students in different parts of the country

including 2 Dhaka in order to raise their awareness about different forms of violence against

women especially on sexual harassment. (Table-3.17). Eight-hundred four teachers and

students took part in these meetings. In Dhaka meetings were held at the Law and Human

Rights Department of the University of Asia Pacific on 10.05.2015 and at the Law

Department of Prime University on 30.11.2015. In these two universities, 263 students and

teachers attended the programme.

Other places where this programme was organized were Dhaka Mohanagar, and the district

branches of Rangpur, Barisal, Khulna, Chittagong, Rangamati and Rajshahi University. The

total participants in these eight venues were 541.

Table 3.17: Awareness raising and legal literacy training for young students

Date Place Number of

Participants

1 10.05.2015 University of Asia Pacific

Law and Human Rights Department

94

2 10.05.2015 Prime University, Law Department 169

3 15.10.2015 Rangamati District Branch,

Venue: District office

19

4 09.06.2015 Khulna District Branch.

Venue: Zila Parishad Office

41

5 30.10.2015 Rangpur District Branch

Venue: Sumi Community Center

70

6 17.10.2015 Rajshahi University

Venue: Department of Bengali

63

7 08.12.2015 Barisal District Branch

Venue: Barisal Ideal Polytechnic College

62

8 10.06.2015 Dhaka Mahanagar

Venue: Dhaniya University college

155

Young students as well as the teachers who participated in the programme for the first time

become aware on the issue of stalking and sexual harassment in the educational institutions

and public spaces. They showed their eagerness to implement the verdict of High Court.

73

5.1.7 Seminar and Workshop at Educational institutions

BMP organized one seminar in collaboration with the Women and Gender Studies

department of Dhaka University on November 25 2015. A total of 126 persons attended the

seminar. The participants included 10 teachers, 63 students, 4 journalists and 31 staffs of

central office of BMP attended the workshop. Several key issues emerged from the seminar.

These are: a) there is need to change the mindset of the young person; b) young generation

can play an important role to fight all sorts of VAW; c) regular sharing meetings and study

circle is necessary; and d) women human rights issues should be incorporated in the

curriculum of educational institutions.

5.1.8 Consultation and dialogue for advocacy for implementation of UFC and other laws

Several TV spots were prepared in observance of fortnight to resist and oppression of women

and girl child (November 2015) and fortnight to resist women oppression. In order to raise

awareness. BMP produced one TV spot on rape. This TV spot were broadcast in ATN News,

Channel 71 and Desh TV for several days:

ATN News: November 1 to November 13 before 9 pm news.

Desh TV: November 14 to November 26 before 9 pm news.

TV 71: November 27 to December before 9 pm news

A large number of viewers came to know about women human rights laws which increased

their awareness on this important issue.

Several billboards were erected in the court premises of divisional head office.

5.1.9 Advocacy for domestication of CEDAW

BMP arranged one sharing meeting as a part of advocacy for domestication of CEDAW on

November 10, 2015 at the Auditorium of Dhaka Lawyers Association. The meeting was

presided over by Ayesha Khanam President of BMP. The Dhaka District and Session Judge,

District Legal Aid Officer and Public Prosecutor attended the meeting as invited guests. All

the participants emphasized the importance for widely circulating the law. There were 226

participants out of which 190 were lawyers.

5.3.1 Organisational meeting for building up branch committee

BMP is the largest member-based women rights organization in the country. In 2015, the

total members of BMP stand at 1,36,922 spreading over 63 districts, 208 Upazila, 331 unions

and 816 villages. (Table-3.18). The total number of grassroots organizations is 2,397. BMP

undertook 1,153 programmes out of which 1,033 and 120 implemented at the district and

central levels respectively. Notably, there had been 38,253 participants in different programs.

At the district level the number of participants was 32,253 and the rest 8,143 were from the

74

centre. The number of activities indeed portrays the plethora of activities of BMP which

remained vibrant all throughout the year of 2015. (Table- 3.18).

Table 3.18: Division wise breakdown of members and branches in 2015

Name of

Division

Total

Members

Branches

Neighbourhood Village Union Upazila Total

Dhaka 59,870 392 308 115 67 882

Sylhet 15,814 61 114 33 15 223

Chittagong 7,186 73 43 11 19 146

Khulna 8,524 93 94 63 28 278

Rajshahi 17,320 186 101 59 49 395

Barisal 28,208 107 156 50 30 343 Total 1,36,922 912 816 331 208 2,267

During the January-December 2015 various activities were undertaken by the district

grassroot branches. These activities kept the organization active and vibrant.(Table 3.19).

Table 3.19: Activities at the District Grassroot level in 2015

Nature of Activities No of Activities

Implemented

Total Participants

1. Volunteers meeting 55 1,835

2. Sharing meeting 34 1,029

3. Discussion 237 9,069

4. Organizational training 22 701

5. Observance of days 128 6,721

6. Formation of committees 58 1,884

7. Courtyard meeting 39 1,363

8. Awareness raising meeting 33 1,070

9. Monthly meeting 191 3,722

10. Meetings of Organizational sub-committee 198 797

11. Grassroot conference 22 1,699

12. Tour of grassroot branches 16 229

Total 1,033 30,119

5.3.2 Awareness and skill development training for the district organizers

In 2015, 57 organizational training for district organizers has been organized by BMP. This is

higher than the planned target which was 52. These trainings have been organised to enhance

awareness, impart knowledge on the constitution, mission and vision of the organization,

build capacity to conduct the activities as per need and directives of the central office and

also to improve professional attitude and commitment to their respective responsibility. The

75

training was conducted by the representatives of the central committee. The total number of

participants in these trainings was 2,169.

5.3.3 Organizational Tour

Organization tour plays a significant role in strengthening and consolidating district and grass

roots level organizations. It also increases communication between the centre and local

leadership in the executive committee. These tours enable the central leaders to observe

directly the positions of district branches, trust of local people on the district leadership,

capacity, skills and accountability of local activists. The purposes of such tours were to

strengthen the activities of the district branches through discussion on the problems faced and

strategies to be pursued. In January-December 2015, 28 organizational tours were undertaken

as against planned 14. The total number of people met during the organizational tour was

690. They comprise not only the district organizers but also volunteers, students, civil society

representative and other participants.

5.3.4 District Conference

AS per constitution of the BMP it is obligatory to organize district branch conference in

every three year. All programmes, activities and achievements of district branches in the

preceding three years were evaluated and discussed in the conference. Work-plan and its

implementation procedure were also reviewed in the session. The organization maintains

order and continuity by forming a new Executive Committee through this conference. In

January-June 2015 conference of 10 district branches were held. These conferences has been

normally participated by representative from the central committee, office bearers of district

branches and in some cases special guests are invited to attend the event. The representatives

from Upazila, union, village and neighborhoods also attend the conference. For example, in

the district conference of Sunamgang the participants from 6 Upazila, 6 Unions, 65 village

and 15 neighbourhoods attended the conference. The total participants in this district

conference were 1,100. The following Table 3.20 will give a better idea about the district

conference in the year 2015.

Table 3.20 District Conference in January-December 2015

Date and Branch Central Representative Total

Participants

15.3.2015

Habiganj

Gouri Battchariya

Sharifa Ashrafi

360

11.9.15

Netrokona

Fauzia Muslem, Umme Salma

Begum,Nurul Wahara Begum,

300

76

Ferdous Ara Mahmuda Helen

16.10.15

Barguna

Raki Das Purakhyastya, Umme

Salma Begum, Rehana Yusuf,

Puspa Chokrobarty

250

30.10.15

Khustia

Dil Afroze Begum, Rina Ahmed 250

30.10.15

Naogaon

Maleka Banu, Umme Salma

Begum

-

6.11.15

Sunamgang

Fauzia Muslem , Rehana Yusuf, 1,100

11.12.15

Gopalgang

Maleka Banu, ,Nurul Wahara

Begum,

100

18.12.15

Kaokhali

Fauzia Muslem, ,Nurul Wahara

Begum, Puspa Chokrobarty

350

18.12.15

Rajshahi

Maleka Banu, Adv Hasina Parvin,

Rasheda Khaleq

250

26.12.15

Brahmanbaria

Umme Salma Begum,, Rehana

Yusuf

600

5.3.5 Sharing Meeting for Organizers regarding district Conference

Generally, the central leaders have a brief sharing with district level organizers on district

conferences. In January-June 2015 BMP organized 1 meeting. The main view of this

programme is to find out limitations/barriers of district branch and fixed the strengthening

point of organization.

5.3.12 Activities to focus the strength of district and grass root branches and consolidation

As planned, BMP observed Organizational Month in 2015 to consolidate and strengthen

district and grassroots branches. All district branches observed this program. Normally in this

month BMP undertakes a stock taking of their activities from the neighborhoods to the

districts and discuss ways to make the organization strong so that it can build a society based

on equality of men and women and also to establish women human rights in all spheres of

life. Some of the activities include collection of new member, organizational training,

discussion meeting with young professional, indigenous woman and also open discussion. In

2015, the number of participants in various activities in the organizational month was 18,086.

Indeed this yearly event rejuvenates the grassroot activities and provides a sense of

belongings to all who are involved with BMP.

5.3.13 Internal annual evaluation and planning meeting

BMP organized the two-day long National Council Meeting (Internal Annual Planning

Implementation and Monitoring Review Meeting) at the Engineers Institution Dhaka on 22-

23 January 2016. The program is organized by Organization sub-committee. The purpose of

the annual meeting is to share the different activities of BMP with the district and grassroot

77

organizers and also to set target for the future. The meeting is conducted in an interactive way

where everybody got an opportunity to talk and participate.

In this National Council Meeting counselor participated in five thematic subject termed as

commissions. Counselor actively participated in the different group, and shared and gave

their views, options and recommendations on those issues:

Themes of topics are :

Lack of justice: One of the main impediment towards resisting Violence against

Women and Girl Child.

Democracy and Good governance: Pre-requisite For sustainable development.

Women participation in decision making process: Women Political

Empowerment.

Consolidation of the organization : To meet the challenge of the 21st Century.

Violence against women and girl child : Role of family and society

5.3.14 Publication

BMP completed the several publications as per its plan in 2015. These are as follows:

Major Publications:

Mahila Samachar: Ten thousand copies of 4 issues were published. There was a

special issue of the Samachar called Beijing + 20.

Mahila Parishad Journal

Annual Report 2014

Internal Annual Evaluation and Planning Report 2015 published in 2016

Guidelines for the conduct of activities of Rokeya Sadan (June 2015)

Other Publications: (poster/leaflets)

Poster and leaflets on the International Women’s day.

Poster and leaflets on the 45th

founding day of BMP.

Poster and leaflets on CEDAW day

Poster and leaflets on the International Women Repression Resistance day 2015.

Leaflets on Dhaka City Corporation election.

Leaflets on Pourshava Mayoral election

Apart from the above publications BMP regularly prepare different texts and resource

materials and compendium for training

5.3.15 Sharing with Civil Society : 45th

Founding Anniversary Observed

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad celebrated 45th

founding anniversary on 18 April, 2015 at

Engineers Institution Auditorium, Dhaka. The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Fauzia

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Moslem, acting President, BMP while Professor Dr. Farzana Islam, Vice Chancellor,

Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka and Christine Susan Hunter, Country representative

of UN Women and Journalist Shahnaz Munni were present as special guests. The other

special guests comprised representatives from the indigenous women, women farmer, women

worker and organizers from the grassroot. The theme of this year’s founding Anniversary is

“Vibrant Women Movement in Partnership with Youth for Women Empowerment and

Human Rights.” The auditorium was full upto the capacity which is a reflection of interest of

different stakeholders on the activities of BMP.

Dr. Maleka Banu, the General Secretary of BMP in her welcome speech emphasized the

BMP is relentlessly working to prevent VAW and also has been playing an effective role in

the implementation of state policies that affect the women in a myriad ways. and to prevent

the violence against women. She strongly urged the youth to participate in the BMP’s

activities to take the organization forward. Maleka Banu also appealed to the government to

stop using religion in politics. Shima Moslem, Joint General Secretary of BMP read out the

declaration of this year’s founding Anniversary. Christine Susan Hunter, Country

representative of UN Women told that women’s rights are human rights. Bangladesh Mahila

Parishad consistently working for the establishment of women's rights which is the highly

appreciating.

Professor Dr. Farzana Islam said Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has been struggling for the last

45 years with success and congratulates on this to all organizers. Congratulating everybody,

Acting President Dr. Fauzia Moslem of BMP recalled with gratutide the contribution of the

pioneers of woman movement in Bangladesh. She also said, Begum Rokeya initiated the

women movement in Bangladesh. In pursuit of this we are working to establish the human

rights of woman. Journalist Shahnaz Munni, women farmer Hena Begum, worker Happy

Rani and ethnic minority representative Munmun Nokrek also spoke on the occasion.

5.3.16 Memorial Lecture on Poet Sufia Kamal

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad celebrated the 104th

birth anniversary of Poet Sufia Kamal, the

founder President of BMP on 20th

June 2015 at the Abdul Karim Shahittya Bisharad

Auditorium of Bangla Academy. The programme was presided over by Ayesha Khanam,

President, BMP while the Chairperson of the Bengali Department of Dhaka University

Begum Akhter Kamal delivered the Memorial Lecture on the poet. The theme of memorial

lecture was “Literature of Sufia Kamal: Humanity and Women Rights”. This year

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad introduced Sufia Kamal Award and presented this to 8 women.

Out of this 4 of them are language movement activists Halima Khatun, Sufia Ahmed,

Rawshon Ara Bachchu and Protibha Mutsuddi. Sufia Ahmed’s son Justice Syed Rifat Ahmed

received the crest on behalf of her 4 others, who have important and the remaining 4 for their

contributions in challenging professions, Deputy Inspector General of Bangladesh Police Mili

Biswas, Union Parishad member Mamata Shikder, farmer Forida Begum and Rana Plaza

survivor Aroti Rani who lost her one leg on that tragedy.

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The programme was divided into two sessions. The Inaugural session and the Lecture

session. Chairperson of Bengali Department of Dhaka University Begum Akhter Kamal said

in her Memorial Lecture that the Sifia Kamal always talked about the empowerment of

oppressed people through her literature as she believed that awakening of that group would

ensure the actual human rights in the society. Her literature leads our mind and heart to go

forward. This is the unique achievement of poet Sufia Kamal. Ayesha Khanam, president of

BMP, described Sufia Kamal as the conscience of Bangladesh. About 300 participants were

present in the program.

5.3.17 Provide logistic support to implement organisational activities and to strengthen

district branch

BMP provided logistic support to 52 district branches against the target of 52. The

organization feels that logistic support to district branches significantly helps to strengthen

their organizational capacity.

5.4.2 Capacity Building and Awareness Raising Refreshers course training for the Central

Committee Members

Training Research and Library sub-committee of central committee of Bangladesh Mahila

Parishad (BMP) has been successfully completed training on refreshers course entitled

‘Capacity Building and Awareness Raising Refreshers course for the Central Committee

Members’ at Sufia Kamal Auditorium, 10/B/ 1, Segun Bagicha, Dhaka from 6-7 June , 2015.

The training course focuses on 4 themes which are: a) gender budget; The empowerment of

women; b) Manifestation of patriarchy: violence towards women; c) women movement in the

world, and d) democracy, good governance and women’s empowerment.

Rina Ahamed , secretary of Training Research and Library sub-committee has conducted the

inaugural session, Maleka Banu , general secretary and Shima Moslem, joint general

secretary of the BMP have briefly delivered speech on the objectives of the session. Ayesha

Khanam, president of BMP presided over the session.

A total of 57 central committee members from different districts took part in this training.

Four overarching issues were covered in the training. These are: Gender Budget: Context of

Woman Empowerment; Externality of Patriarchy: Violence against Woman; Global Woman

Movement; and Democracy, Good Governance and Woman Empowerment’. As a facilitator

resource persons Sarminda Nilormee, associate professor of Economics department from

Jahangirnagar university, Dr. Mahmuda Islam, professor of Sociology from Dhaka

University, Ayesha Khanam, president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Dr. Iftekharuzaman,

executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) have discussed the issues

in the training session.

Each of the presentation was participatory in manner, audiences are raises their question on

each of following article and the facilitator meets their query with motivational exposure. A

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feedback session from 6 members from 6 groups has obtained at the first session of the

second day under the co-ordination of course helping team. In this feedback session the

participant revealed their understanding of how been they achieved about on delivered

articles, point of their interest, key concept of the presentation and so on.

5.4.3 Conduct training for midlevel organizers at divisional level

Training, Research and Library sub-committee of central committee, Bangladesh Mahila

Parishad (BMP), has successfully completed a two day long training program on awareness

raising and capacity building for the Dhaka division organizer was held at the Planning

Commission Academy, Nilkhet, Dhaka on April 24-25, 2015. The training program was

coordinated by Dhaka Mahanagor Committe. The training focuses on several issues of

concern on women’s movement and women’s human rights.

Women’s Movement in the Sub-continent and Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.

Concept of Gender .

Women’s empowerment and Women’s Movement.

Women’s rights in the current laws of the constitution.

Resistance of women’s oppression and the tasks ahead.

International Initiatives to establish Women’s Right and CEDAW.

The activities of BMP in the light of its vision and constitution.

A number of 100 participants form 21 districts have joined in this training programme.

Dhaka Mahanagr, Narayangonj, Mumensing, Tongi, Netrokona, Gazipur, Munsiganj,

Tangail, Faridpur, Rajbarhi, Muktagacha, Kalomakanda, Sherpur, KIshoreganj, Savar,

Belabo, Manikganj, Narasingdi, Madhukhali, Jamalpur and Raypur distric unit also

participated at this training.

Dr.Muntasir Mamun, an eminent professor from the history department of Dhaka University

was the chief guest, Dr. Fawzia Moslem, acting president of BMP presided over this session.

On behalf of central committee, Dr. Maleka Banu , General Secretary, Joint secretary Shima

Moslem and Rina Ahamed, secretary of Training, Research and Library sub-committee of

central committee briefly addressed the session. Rehana Eunus, president of Dhaka Mahanagr

BMP, conducted the Inauguration session.

Training curriculum adopted relates to the important on woman rights in the context of

present social situation of Bangladesh. Topics of the training includes history of feminist

movements in the subcontinent and the glorious struggle of BMP, conceptualizing gender,

woman empowerment, importance of global concern focusing CEDAW charter to initiate

woman rights, constitution and woman rights in conventional law, pragmatic role to prevent

violence against women in Bangladesh, BMP’s activities to advance the woman movement

and constitution of the BMP.

General Secretary Maleka Banu, joint secretary Shima Moslem and Rakhi Das Purkayastha ,

co-general secretary, Advocate Masuda Rehana Begum, secretary of central training, research

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and library sub-unit, Rina Ahmed, member of central training, research and library sub-unit

Dr. Ainun Naher, Professor of Anthropology department of Jahangirnagar University acted as

facilitator in training session.

Following the training program a certificate ceremony and concluding session was held. Dr.

Fawzia Moslem, acting president of BMP , central committee, distributed certificates among

the participants. Mahatabunnesa, president of Dhaka Mahanagar, BMP presided over the

concluding session

5.4.4 Conduct National and Branch Level Basic Training for young Organizer

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) at the initiatives of Training, Research and Library

(TRL) sub-committee has conducted a two day long divisional training entitled ‘Awareness

Raising and Capacity Building for Woman Empowerment of Young Organizer-2015’ for

Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions young organizer at June 11-13, 2015 in Rangpur district.

Inaugural session presided over by Hasna Chowdhary, president Rangpur District BMP, the

chief guest was Dr.Azizul Islam, ex-principle of Rangpur Medical College Hospital, Rina

Ahmed, secretary of Training Research and Library sub-committee has addressed on the

event of inaugural session. The main focus of discussion was as follows:

Women’s Movement in the Sub-continent and Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.

Concept of Gender and Empowerment: The context of women.

International Initiatives to establish Women’s Right and CEDAW.

Task of Young organizers to establish women human rights and resist oppression.

Role of Organizers to implement the activities of Organization.

The activities of BMP in the light of its vision and constitution.

Real activities of the organization and young organizers.

A total of 64 enthusiastic young organizers from Rangpur and Rajshahi district took part on

this training session, a detail of 6 topics comprised on – woman movement of the sub-

continent & Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Gender Conception and Woman Empowerment,

UN CEDAW Declaration, Woman Rights Regarding Conventional Law and Pragmatic

Work Plan to Battle Woman Violence : What’s Would be Young’s Initiatives, BMPs

Activities Regarding its Constitution and Declaration, Pragmatic Work Plan of the

Organization and Young Organizer have been covered this program. As a facilitator Kazi

Sufiya Akhter, Movement Secretary of BMP central committee, Dr. Ainun Nahar, professor

of Anthropology from Jahangir Nagar University, Shima Moslem , Joint General Secretary,

Rakhi Das Purkayastha, Joint General Secretary, Rina Ahmed, Secretary , Training research

and library sub-committee, Umme Salma Begum, Oganizing Secretary of BMP central

committee have facilitate these articles respectively.

The training programme has been divided into three working session in two days. At the

outset in the first session has been used to discern the expectation from the course

participants, house rule and course voluntary team along with three article presentations.

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Sharmin Akhter, Organizing Secretary, Mahbub Ara Lina, Social Welfare Secretary, Sultana

Parveen, Finance Secretary of Rangpur district BMP, have conducted this sessions

consecutively. At the third session of the second day, a feedback session has been conducted

focusing on the outcome from the beginning to the end. The outcome of group work on the

“Affairs of Organization” has been presented in the last session. Following the training

session an open house discussion was held and certificate has been distributed ceremony in

the concluding session,

5.4.5 Conduct training for grassroot organizers

BMP conducted trainings for grassroots level organizers through the district level branches

with the aim of raising awareness and efficiency. In most of the cases the trainers are district

level leaders. The eminent persons from different professional groups such as lawyers,

professors, researchers of that area became interested regarding BMP and provided training

on their relevant area. In 2015 BMP arranged 121 training events in 43 districts and the

numbers of the participants were 4133.Curricula for all the training programmes were based

on the training modules developed by the centre.

5.4.6 Conduct Study Circle

The study circle for the young school, college and university students and other cohort of

young persons is an innovative venture to let the young generation know and motivate on the

women rights, VAW and also the responsibility of young people in this regard. The study

circles were organized both centrally as well as the district branches of BMP. In 2015, 5

study circles were organized at the centre while it was 76 in 24 district branches. The total

number of participants in Dhaka was 231 and in the district branches it was 2,228. Issues that

featured in the study circle included importance of language movement, implications of

international women’s day, patriarchy and VAW, sexual harassment and stalking, biography

of revolutionary women, concept of gender and CEDAW, women’s Movement, democracy

and governance, liberation struggle and women freedom fighters and many other issues.

In Dhaka, BMP took initiatives to conduct study circle in various colleges and university to

increase the participants and get involved more young peoples with the organization. These

institutions were:

Begum Fajilatunnesa Hall Dhaka University: Participants

Rokeya Hall, Dhaka University

Bangladesh Kuwait Matriee Hall, Dhaka University

Department of Child Development, Government Home Economics College

BMP’s central office at Dhaka

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5.4.7 Research Analysis on incidents of VAW

Research Analyses on incidents of VAW is continuous process. Information is collated from

14 daily news paper regularly. This information are analyzed and discussed in various forums

whenever it is necessary.

5.4.8 Conduct Subjective Research Study: Understanding Capabilities and Vulnerabilities

of Female Workers in Bangladesh

A research work on Women in Garments Industry is going which is conducted by research

team. The team includes Dr. Kaberi Gayen, Professor , department of mass communication

and journalism, Dhaka University, Dr. Samina Luthfa, Assistant Professor, department of

Sociology, Dhaka University, Dr. Zahid Choudhury, Assistant Professor, department of peace

and conflict, Dhaka University. Dr. Atonu Rabbani, Assistant Professor, department of

economics, Dhaka University has served as Advisor to the research team.

A sharing meeting on a research report on the state of women in the garments industry

conducted by BMP has been arranged at the CIRDAP auditorium. The report is in the process

of publication.

5.4.10 Certificate Course on Gender, Women Empowerment and Development

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has taken an initiative through its Training, Research and

Library Sub-Committee to introduce a three month certificate course on “Gender, Women

Empowerment and Development”. Previously four courses were completed successfully and

in 2015 the course started on September 10 and has been completed successfully. It was held

at Sufia Kamal Auditorium central office of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. The course was

attended by 26 participants with different backgrounds and profession. This includes NGO

workers, social activists, development professionals, media professional, teachers,

government officer, student and staff of BMP. The participants spoke highly of what they

have learnt during the course and hope this will continue in future.

The curriculum of the certificate course contains 30 topics under eight modules covering

wide range of subjects. Apart from theoretical classes, group work, panel discussions and

field visit were included in the course curriculum. The opening ceremony of the certificate

course is inaugurated by Ayesha Khanam, President Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. After the

course completion certificate award ceremony was held at the Sufia Kamal Auditorium on

January 7 2016.

5.4.11 Collect books and journals, equipment of library

BMP trying to build a library and resource centre which can be of use to researchers,

development professional and women activists. In the past BMP’s library have been utilized

by different types of readers, researchers, teachers and students. Besides, journals, books,

reports which BMP receive from different organizations are preserved in reference section.

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5.5.3 Office and Financial Management

Project Management

The implementation of project activities are monitored and supervised by a project

committee. The project committee comprises of eight members and they are: President, two

vice-presidents, General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary, two Joint General Secretary

and Finance Secretary. The Project management committee sits regularly once in a month to

discuss and monitor the project activities. The Project Committee keeps liaison with

development partner and NGO Bureau rules regulation to update them about progress of

activities and also to respond to queries. To ensure improvement of project administration

specific assignment has been given to one member of project management committee. This

will eventually contribute institutionalization of BMP.

Human Resource Management

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad is a voluntary, right based, action oriented organization carrying

on multisectoral programmes for decades to establish women’s human rights. Programmes of

BMP at large include resist and elimination of violence against women, accelerate advocacy

lobby capacity, strengthening and capacity build up of organization. Volunteer organizers of

BMP in cooperation with a number of staff implement the programmes undertaken by BMP.

As an institution this process has resulted in a unique characteristic of twining voluntarism

and professionalism. To develop institutional structure and mechanism, BMP has taken keen

interest of giving continuous effort to improve management capability of organization.

To establish a good coordination between concerned members and officials towards

implementing a well managed administration Central Committee has constituted a team of six

members comprising 3 organizational members and 3 officials. Besides this, 2 officials are

also included in Administrative Management activities. In order to increase professional

skills and integrate employees with BMP’s mission, vision and values with the aim of

strengthening the institutionalizing process regular morning sessions, monthly meetings on

administrative management, monthly staff meetings, two half yearly staff meetings, two

meetings with administrative support team have been regularly held. In the half yearly staff

meetings branch offices employees also participate.

For human resource management and logistics specific activities for each component were

planned. These are as follows:

Updating implementation procedure of rules and policies of BMP to improve

management process.

New recruitment: Final recruitment for two posts has been completed. As there was no

eligible candidate final recruitment for other three posts has not been completed yet.

Training and Orientation:

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Training on Report Writing was arranged on 28.05.2015. Seventy-eight staffs

from central office and district branches participated in the training program.

Orientation on Organization’s Gender Policy was arranged on 28.05.2015. All

staff s of central office and district branch participated. \\

Training on Financial Management has been arranged for district branches.

Programme executives from 7 district branches participated in this training.

Judgment of High Court on Sexual Harassment in work places and educational

institutions has been discussed with the staff in the morning meeting on

12.03.2015. Forty three persons were present in the session.

Domestic Violence Act, 2010 has been discussed in the morning meeting on

27.04.2015. Thirty-seven staff participated in the discussion.

Monthly meetings have been arranged to monitor, plan and follow up managerial

activities.

Morning, monthly and six monthly staff meetings have been arranged.

As a result of continuous effort ownership for the organization has been increased to a

great extent in the staff also. Staff initiative for the implementation of planned activities is

worth mentioning. Staffs are also contributing in updating rules and policies. Event

management capacity has been developed as well. BMP undertakes programme from

result based action-oriented approach. At the same time BMP always try to keep pace with

the dynamic process of the society which is constantly evolving and changing. Keeping in

consideration the above facts BMP is trying to update and improve its management policy.

Logistics

Regular Activities:

Purchase of stationary

Disbursement of utility bills

Servicing of electrical appliances, lift, generators, AC etc.

Maintenance of Auditorium

Introduce New Facilities: > Fire Extinguishing program for BMP’s office building

Final preparation of auditorium on 5th

floor for use

Maintenance: > Building maintenance

Vehicle maintenance

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Financial Management

All activities relating to financial management is looked after by the Finance Sub-committee

of the BMP.

Accounting Practices

BMP has always emphasized upon accomplishing accounting practices in a timely manner so

as to facilitate the management in taking necessary decisions. In view of the lapses identified

by the external auditor in BMP's accounting system, BMP has been working acutely to

implement the recommendations put forward by the external auditors. Moreover, BMP has

adopted the Accounting Software (Tally).

Financial Governance

Financial Governance, being very sensitive area, was viewed to be of much importance by

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. BMP Central Executive Committee constituted a Finance

Committee comprising of president, General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary, Finance

Secretary, and staff from Finance and Accounts department to prepare financial planning and

to monitor all financial activities in a timely manner. Finance Committee sits regularly on

monthly basis to discuss and monitor the monthly progress of accounting and financial

activities. BMP maintains budgetary control over all sorts of expenditures. Variances are also

analyzed in a timely manner giving further efforts to Financial Management Process. The

Finance and administrative executives at BMP work according to prior planning and the

meetings are organized to take account of the activities performed by each individual.

Financial Capacity Building of the Branch Office

At branch offices no professional or designated accountant is employed. Branch Executive in

addition to his / her administrative responsibilities performs accounting functions. Branch

Executives as well as volunteer organizers are continuously given financial training from

head office. Despite limited technical knowledge and experience branch Executives are doing

well in general book-keeping and financial reporting. A total of 3 divisional training of

Financial Management were conducted during 2015. 79 participants from 33 Branches took

part in the trainings. Participants are comprised of Secretaries and Branch Executives. The

training highlighted the necessity as well as technique for preparing Program Budget,

Monthly Budget, handling Cash, approval of expenditure and preparation of financial

statement and reporting system to central office at Branch level.

Training Module

A training module is prepared in respect of branches need base and distributed to all

participants to provide knowledge, skills and tools in financial management activities in a

systematic manner.

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Procurement

BMP Central Executive Committee constituted a procurement committee comprising of one

of Vice-Presidents, General Secretary, Assistant general secretary, number of Secretaries and

other staff to maintain a system for purchasing goods and services required by the office.

Quality and competitive requirement is being met for each of the procurement. Quotations are

invited as per level fixed in the practice. Procurement efforts to ensure that items procured

conform to the requirements of the project and that the guidelines and the procedures of BMP

and Development Partner. The responsibility of procurement of assets was vested in the

Purchase Committee. BMP always served work order for purchase of fixed assets. The fixed

assets are procured as per project requirement.

Internal Audit

The internal audit system of BMP is not only tracking the activities against targets / desired

performance, but also working relentlessly in keeping the centre and the branches tie together

in harmony. A total of 25 Branches were Audited by Internal Auditor during 2015.

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Chapter 4

Additional Interventions beyond Planned Outputs

Unlike the last five years BMP has been diligently engaged and worked hard to achieve the

objectives of planned outputs. However, it is not unusual to undertake other activities

considering the objective conditions in Bangladesh it became necessary to undertake new

measures to achieve the larger goals of the organization. Indeed these measures were

undertaken beyond the planned outputs. Moreover as an activist women human rights

organisation BMP cannot ignore many overarching issue that might suddenly emerge and

affect women human rights in various ways. Chapter III clearly shows that BMP has been

implementing its programmes and activities in five components covering a wide range of

issues and concerns for women’s human rights in Bangladesh. It must be mentioned in the

outset that both in the public and private spaces of women are being constantly violated by

patriarchy and repressive elements in the state and society. The existing socio-cultural and

politico-economic setting in Bangladesh poses a difficult challenge to women’s life,

livelihood and development. BMP’s interventions have also faced these challenges to achieve

its targets in 2015 but overcome these challenges through the combined effort of the BMP’s

leadership, members and volunteers from the central to the grassroot.

Additional activities

In view of emerging situations and needs, BMP engaged in programmes and activities

beyond its plan. The media and mass communication sub-committee of BMP organised

different programmes such as International Women’s Day celebration, birth and death

anniversaries of poet Sufia Kamal, International Human Rights Day, CEDAW day, Safe

Motherhood Day etc. To celebrate these memorable days, mass media su-committee

collected write ups from district branches of BMP which were subsequently published in

local and national newspapers. BMP responded to the national issues and incidents of

violation of human rights. BMP strongly protested attacks on minority and other

disadvantaged population. Mass media sub-committee regularly communicated with both

print and electronic media journalists and issued numerous statements on the political

situations of the country, attack and sexual harassment of women during the Bangla new year

celebration, attack on the minority community, eviction of minority from their houses and

bomb attack on shia mosque in the old Dhaka and many other issues.

Realization of Dower, Maintenance and Other expenses

BMP has been able to realise Tk. 1,02,63,100 dower, maintenance and other expenses for the

divorced women through mediation services at the central, district branches and the

grassroots. Out of this Tk. 20,01,600 realized through the central office, Tk. 50,58,500

through the district branches and Tk. 31,73,000 through the grassroots. This is commendable

because it provides alternative option to settle family disputes thus helping parties involved to

avoid any kind of hassle in the court.

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Social Welfare Activities of BMP

The Health, Environment and Social Welfare Sub-Committee of BMP have undertaken 29

different types of activities in the year 2015. These include distribution of winter cloths,

blankets, relief to the effected families near the Modukhali railway station, book distribution,

support for education, distribution of sewing machines, and other items to the poor, helpless

and marginalized women in different parts of Bangladesh. These activities were undertaken

both by central office and district branches. These activities have created a good impression

about BMP among the general public.

Annual Meeting with the Development Partners 2015: Promotion and Protection of

Women’s Human Rights

Annual Meeting with the Royal Norwegian Embassy was held on May 26, 2015. Several

officials from the embassy were present in the meeting. They were Mr. Morshed Ahmed,

Senior Advisor, and Mr. M. Mehal Aminuzzaman, Senior Programme Officer. The meeting

was presided over by BMP’s President Ayesha Khanam. Central leaders of BMP along with

the Director Finance and Administration and other staffs attended the meeting. The embassy

officials informed the meeting that the Annual Report of 2014, Audit Accounts and

Management Report of 2014 have been approved by the embassy. Maleka Banu, General

Secretary briefly highlighted the activities and achievements of the project including the

ensuing challenges in the implementation of the project.

Internal Evaluation Report of BMP (2010-2015)

BMP prepared an Internal Evaluation Report of the organisation for the period 2010-2015.

An Associate consultant prepared the report with the help and cooperation of the BMP’s

central leaders and other staffs. The consultant undertook fields visit to five district branches

(i.e. Mymenshing, Munshiganj, Bhelovo, Netrokona and Sylhet) to know more about the

field activities. The draft report was submitted on August 2, 2015 which was reviewed by the

project management committee. After incorporating the comments and clarifying the queries

the final report was submitted on December 19, 2015.

Project Completion Report (2010-2015)

The Project Completion Report (PCR) is in progress. The TOR for the report has been

prepared. The project management committee met with the Associate consultant. The report

will be completed very soon.

Experience Sharing Meeting on the Participation in 59th

UNCSW Session : Beijing + 20

BMP is enjoying as ECOSOC special Consultative Status with CSW as a CSO since 1997.

BMP representatives attended in different CSW sessions. CSW 59th session of 2015 is

considered a very much important and significant event from the perspective of achieving

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gender equality, women human rights and women empowerment as 20 years have already

been passed after the Beijing Conference on Women in 1995.A 6 members team of BMP

attended the session with their self funding. This is a milestone achievement of BMP where

voluntarism with strong commitment to the realization of women human rights has been

reflected.

One experience sharing meeting was organized jointly by the International and Media Sub-

committee of the central committee on “CSW 59 Beijing+2o Conference” on 24th

May 2015

at Sufia Kamal Bhaban Auditorium. The experience sharing meeting was chaired by Ayesha

Khanam, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. General Secretary Maleka Banu, Joint

General Secretary Shima Moslem, International Secretary Rekha Saha, Central Committee

member Rehana Younus shared their experiences and learning as the participants of the 59th

CSW session on behalf of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.

Education and Culture sub-committee observed International Mother Language Day

(21February) and Independent Day (26 March) centrally. Different district branches also

observed these said days in this period.

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Chapter 5

Impact of BMP’s Programmes and Activities

Introduction

By and large BMP has successfully implemented all its activities under 5 components of the

project titled “promotion and protection of women Human Rights in Bangladesh”. Although

the year January to December 2015 has been a no cost extension period, BMP made all out

effort to implement each and every activity with great deal of diligence so that outcomes are

reached and impacts of those activities can be discerned.

Indeed BMP through its activities has been carrying a “social movement” not only to fight

VAW, raise awareness among different sections of people, settling family disputes, defending

and also providing legal support to women who are violated, killed and harassed by men,

empower women politically and also protesting and organizing peaceful movement against

any injustice, communal violence and other forms of injustices committed in the society.

BMP has also emerged as a strong social force against the societal challenges of patriarchy

and masculinity, on the one hand, antagonism of communal and fundamentalist groups on the

other. The impact of BMP programmes and activities has been felt both directly and

indirectly in larger socio-cultural and political milieu in Bangladesh more than ever before.

Overall Impact of Activities

BMP has extensively contributed to women’s empowerment and justice in Bangladesh,

which has transformed the organization into a pioneer and frontline women organisation and

movement in the country. BMP has created a profile of social activism for millions of women

in Bangladesh. The implications and impacts of these programmes and activities are

discernable in different spheres in the socio-political, economic and cultural spheres of

Bangladesh. The activities and programmes of BMP have positive impact on changing

conditions faced by women in Bangladesh in their quest for a ‘just society’ without gender

discrimination and violence. A key impact of the project is mainstreaming of gender issues,

especially VAW, to the national level. As a result of constant campaigning of BMP, the issue

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of violence against women and the need to protect women from violence have come to the

centre stage of the national concern. Alongside, BMP has been playing a pivotal role in

changing the mind-sets of people dominated by men on gender and VAW

BMP has expanded its activities throughout the country from the district down to the village

forming neighbourhood groups and grassroots organizations. BMP is the largest member-

based women rights organization in the country. In 2015, the total members of BMP stand at

1,36,922 spreading over 63 districts, 208 Upazila, 331 unions and 816 villages. The total

number of grassroots organizations is 2,397.

In 2015, BMP undertook 1,153 programmes out of which 1,033 and 120 implemented at the

district and central levels respectively. Notably, there had been 38,253 participants in

different programs. At the district level the number of participants was 32,253 and the rest

8,143 were from the centre. The number of activities indeed portrays the plethora of activities

of BMP which remained vibrant all throughout the year of 2015.

Women’s role in the economy

Although women constitute an important actor immensely contributing to the nation GDP by

their active participation in agriculture, industry and other sector of the economy but their

contribution is hardly recognized. BMP strongly emphasizes in various forums that financial

value of women’s labour at home and outside which still remains unaccounted for should be

recognized. There is need to recognize the contribution of women in the mainstream

economy. In order to recognize women’s labour in the economy there should be effort for

establishing their rights of ownership to their income and the rights to expenditure of their

own earnings. BMP identified the key areas of women’s engagement in national economy

over the last three decades such readymade garments industries, agriculture and fisheries,

migration, and entrepreneurship in medium and small industries.

BMP has been working to secure the rights of women and also recognition of women’s role

in various sectors of the economy. BMP implemented different programmes for mobilizing

the women farmers such as rallies, processions and human processions in different divisional

cities in Bangladesh. In the year 2015, BMP organized many consultations and sharing

meetings with government officials, civil society representatives, elected representatives,

media people, professionals and other stakeholders highlighting women’s role and

contribution in different spheres of life. Every year BMP organizes discussion in the pre and

post budget periods which is a significant attempt not only to secure rights of women in the

budget and economic empowerment it also brings the issue women’s contribution and its

recognition by the concerned quarter. It may be mentioned here that this discussion is

participated by eminent economists, right activists and researchers from different think tank.

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Political empowerment of Women

BMP takes active interest and undertake comprehensive programmes in the Union Parishad,

Upazila, City Corporation, Pourshava and national elections. This is in pursuance of BMP’s

objective of working in the last four decades for empowering women politically, increasing

the activity of women in the political arena and enhancing their participation in the decision

making process

In order to enhance women’s empowerment, the number of seats reserved for women in the

National Parliament have been increased by 5, and made 50. There has been a sharp increase

in the number of women parliamentarians elected (20% of total seats) in the last national

election. To create opportunities for women’s increased participation in politics, reserved

seats for women in union council, Upazila Parishad and municipalities have been increased to

one third of the total and women are to be directly elected to those seats. During the year

three mayoral elections two in Dhaka City Corporations and in Chittagong city corporation in

2015, twenty-thousand leaflets with 16 point demands on the issue of “safe and women

friendly Dhaka” were printed and distributed by BMP in different parts of the city.

Thirty-five (2 for mayors and 31 for councilors) BMP organizers contested in the Pourshava

election which was held on December 30, 2015. BMP provided them with logistic and moral

support. BMP circulated posters and leaflets, extended logistic support and conducted

campaigns to promote women’s role in the electoral process. Among the contestants four

BMP organizers won the election uncontested. The total number of successful candidates was

14.

Women in Administration and Security

At present in Bangladesh, the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Speaker and Deputy

Leader of the House are all women. Number of women among the Justices of the Supreme

Court, top positions of the administration – secretaries, additional secretaries, joint

secretaries, deputy commissioners, top positions of police, armed forces and UN

peacekeepers, indicates improvement in women’s empowerment. This has been possible due

to a reserve quota created by this government for women employment at every level of

administration to enhance women participation in government jobs. In the civil service in

2016 there are 281 officers in different ranks out of this 5 belong to the position of secretary

and 45 in the additional secretary rank. This is an important development as far as the number

of women in the civil service is concerned because it was unthinkable just 10 years back

because civil service hitherto has been an exclusive region of man.

Gender perspective has been integrated into Bangladeshi peacekeeping missions too.

Bangladesh is now the top contributor of female police officers to the United Nations

Peacekeeping Operations as Formed Police Unit. Bangladesh female peacekeepers have

placed themselves as key driving force to reduce gender-based violence, conflict and

confrontation, providing sense of security especially for women and children, mentoring

female police officer in the local area and thus empowering women in the host country and

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promoting social cohesion. Presently 190 female officers from Bangladesh are working in

different peace keeping missions around the world

Impacts of Trainings

Different types of training organized by BMP constitute a major activity. Indeed BMP has

been quite successful in organizing the different types trainings which created better informed

organizers, young man and women and also persons from NGOs and other organizations.

Different sub-committees of BMP collaborated to organize these trainings. The purpose of

these trainings is to take forward the BMP’s message to fight against all forms of injustices

against women. One major outcome of the training programmes is that BMP has developed

experience and expertise which they can share with other women organizations in the

country.

The legal aid sub-committee organized paralegal training with the objective of inoculating the

idea of legal activism and enhancing the capacity of BMP’s activist. In 2015 the paralegal

training has been organized 10 district branches and the number of persons attended these

trainings were 388 out of which there were 172 young women. The impact of training is

visible because more and more women have become vocal against all sorts of discrimination

and VAW. They are coming to BMP for counseling, legal support and also participating in

human chain and protest.

There are also training of trainers (TOT) which were widely participated by the organizers of

the branch offices raised their awareness and knowledge about different laws and the tasks

that a victim of violence should undertake. These types of training of grassroots organizers

are important because they provide the link to outreach in different parts of the country for

BMP. Participants become knowledgeable on gender issues which assist to increase their

efficiency and make them more active and devoted for the organization as well as for women

empowerment. Training of trainers increases their capacity and confidence to provide training

in grass root level.

The training of students in schools, colleges and universities in different parts of the country

in during 2015 for raising awareness against different forms of violence and sexual

harassment is another form of training conducted by BMP. The training has contributed to

create an attitude and mindset to go against VAW. BMP has contributed to this change

through awareness raising programmes.

The study circle organized by BMP is an innovative attempt by BMP to attract school,

college and university students and young generation to work on gender issues. More

students join the study circles as participants in college campuses that contribute to change

their existing views. As a result more students have become vocal against sexual harassment

and other forms of VAW and are organising protest meetings at different places of the

country whenever there is an incident. The study circle provided scope and opportunity to

young the generation to know about BMP, its activities and got motivation to engage in

women rights movement in future. It indeed gives a kind of ownership to this important

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cohort of young generation to BMP activities. In 2015, 5 study circles were organized at the

centre while it was 76 in 24 district branches. The total number of participants in Dhaka was

231 and in the district branches it was 2,228.

The certificate course has built a bridge between academics and the BMP since the resource

persons are drawn from the universities, research organizations, think tank and NGOs. This

constitutes a visible impact. The response to this certificate course is very encouraging and

many persons representing different organizations are showing interest and participating in

the course. Those who are getting training are utilizing the knowledge gained in their

professional pursuit.

Participants become knowledgeable on gender issues which assist to increase their efficiency

and make them more active and devoted for the organization as well as for women

empowerment. Through TOT increases their capacity and confidence to provide training in

grass root level.

Mediation and Legal Support

BMP has done an excellent job in mediation and also in providing legal support to the people

who are victims of family violence and also rape, murder and torture for dowry. BMP’s

alternative dispute resolution through arbitration and mediation has gained popularity because

of its less complicated and time saving procedure. People are becoming more and more

interested about BMP’s arbitration board because of its time saving procedure. The

arbitration process is administered by Legal aid subcommittee. This process is done in lieu

with alternative dispute resolution procedure declared by Government of Bangladesh.

Mediation has indeed help the people especially the women to avoid court cases and also

hassle and money. In 2015, BMP mediated 850 cases both the central, district and branches.

In this process BMP pulled a total of Tk. 1,02,63,100 as a dower and maintenance. BMP

provides legal support to large number of victims of family violence through their panel as

per necessity. In 2015 several important verdicts were delivered where the accused received

capital punishment. It has raised people confidence that they can rely on BMP in case of their

need.

Impact of BMP’s activities in different legal and social issues

BMP has ensured increasing attention from the government and the society for its works in

women and gender issues and concerns in Bangladesh. The organization receives more

response and recognition from the government agencies and civil society actors. For example,

the impact of law reform activities of BMP resulted in the enactment of new laws in

Bangladesh. Unlike the past, the Government has increased its response to the

correspondence of BMP on the incidents of VAW. Rokeya Sadan of BMP is working as a

partner organization with the Victim Support Centre of Bangladesh police. Victimized

women and children are regularly being sent by the court and the police to BMP’s shelter

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centre “Rokeya Sadan.” The Legal aid sub-committee has successfully increased

collaboration and administrative lobbying with the administration.

The government has taken measures to formulate and implement gender budget in 25

ministries. Different Ministries, administrative offices and courts included women in the

decision making process. The process of trial of war criminals and crimes against humanity

has started and some prime accused were arrested. The government has amended family law

and enacted “Nari o Shishu Nirjatan Daman Ain.” In addition, initiatives have been taken to

formulate Domestic Violence (Deterrence and Protection) Law. The acceptability of BMP

has increased within the administration. It becomes evident by the fact that different

administrative units of the government consult with BMP before formulating any law

regarding women. BMP has also participated in social awareness and multi-sectoral

programme against VAW by MOWCA. BMP has been launching a movement along with

other organizations to retain the marriageable age of girl at 18 years. In the year 2015, BMP

has organized human chain, protest meeting, sharing with the authority to highlight its on the

marriageable age of girl.

Another reflection of the impact of BMP’s role is nomination of its members in different

important committees of ministries and other government offices at central and local levels.

For example, BMP represented in National Women Development Council, Anti Human

Trafficking Act Implementation Committee, Acid Control Committee, Law drafting

committee/Complain Committee against Sexual Harassment of UGC/Update NWDC,

Informal Sharing Committee to Update NWDC, Informal Sharing on 6th

5 Year Plan, BMDC,

Local Level Steering Committee, Health Ministry, TIB and anti corruption Commission in

different Districts.

Engagement with Civil Society

Although in Bangladesh civil society has been strong, vibrant and extensive largely due to its

role in microcredit, education and health, this was not the case with gender and women

issues. BMP as the pioneer of women movement in Bangladesh has changed the scenario.

Over the years, the organisation has successfully involved civil society groups and

individuals from different fields with its activities. It has created the unity among the

likeminded organizations through its Social Action Committee. The number of organizations

under this platform is increasing every year. It provides the organizations with the

opportunity to better understand each other’s policy, device effective institutional and

functional strategy, and work together. Importantly, the participation of like-minded

organizations has been widened each year and at the same time members of the civil society

have voiced their support for BMP’s activities.

BMP was also able to successfully engage legal experts in law reform, panel lawyers in

mediation and case filing, academics in training programme for capacity building, artists in

cultural activities, economists in gender budget analysis, medical professionals in health

awareness programme, financial experts in financial capacity building, researchers and

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activists in designing course on gender development, mass women in advocacy and lobby and

media. BMP leads a network of 67 women, human rights and development organizations

known as the Social Action Committee (SAC). SAC jointly undertakes various programmes

to establish women rights, to resist VAW, to raise awareness among ordinary people and also

to ensure women empowerment.

Another notable case of engagement is that 35 organizations jointly prepared and submitted

an Alternative Report on CEDAW to UNCEDAW Committee, held dialogue with MOWCA

and also UNCEDAW committee concluding comments of UNCEDAW committee includes

recommendations from Alternative Report. BMP celebrated International Women’s Day

including centenary anniversary jointly with 64 Women’s Rights, Human Rights,

Development and Socio-cultural organization and funder organizations participated in the

rally.BMP with cooperation from organizations jointly drafted and advocated on Domestic

Violence Act, Hindu Marriage Registration Act, and prepared UPR Report on HR.

Networking and its impact

Networking plays a key role in taking the women’s movement forward. The impact of

interventions made by BMP on networking has been positive and significant. BMP has not

only increased its networking with other women’s human rights and socio-cultural

organizations, social movements and individuals via participants and resource persons, but

also strengthened its relations with them.

BMP is linked with global and regional women’s human rights movement since its inception.

As a civil society organization affiliated with UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

BMP is in close contact with global women’s rights movement and human rights movement

and remains updated. During last year BMP representative attended and actively participated

in CSW session and UN CEDAW meeting. BMP is in close contacts with UN Women

(Bangladesh Chapter) participating in development of its strategic plan. President of BMP

has been nominated of its Civil Society Advisory Group Member.

BMP maintains network with global and regional Women’s Rights and Human Rights

Organizations. In fact, global and regional networking of BMP with CSW, UNCEDAW,

IWRAW, and UN-WOMEN continued and strengthened. It may be mentioned that impact of

networking at international level has contributed to greater access to global resources and

arena. BMP has also established strong network with media in Bangladesh. The role of media

is very important in shaping peoples’ psyche. Due to collaboration with media, satellite

channels broadcast the activities of BMP on a priority basis. Journalists view BMP as a good

source for collecting information about women.

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Chapter 6

Challenges and Suggested Measures

In the year 2015 BMP implemented the activities of the project in a relatively mixed political

situation. The first few months of the year has been marked by political violence of utmost

intensity when political agitation within Dhaka and outside of Dhaka has become uncertain

and risky. The district branches have also faced the same problem when it became impossible

to assemble people to conduct various activities. BMP convened press conference to express

their concern on the political situation of the country. The situation has gradually become

normal since April 2015 and BMP started to implement its various programmes and activities

amid uncertainty and done well in achieving the target quite successfully when the project

officially ended in December 2015.

BMP is a significant actor in the broad area of women development and empowerment in

Bangladesh. The lessons learnt from the BMP’s experiences are that in Bangladesh, there are

a number of factors that play important role in any initiative or efforts for women

empowerment and development. Some of these factors are internal while others are external

which is in most cases beyond the control of BMP. These factors broadly could be classified

as political, socio-cultural and institutional. In recent years, religious extremism and violence

related to religion become an important issue which acts as hindrances against women

empowerment and also in securing women’s human rights.

In the following section, attempt is made to unveil those factors and the challenges they pose

to the BMP to achieve its mission and objectives. Based on the findings and observations,

certain suggestions are made to overcome them.

Uneasy Political Situation

The reality of contemporary Bangladesh is that one finds calm beneath an uneasy political

scenario. In the year 2016 there is a fear of political instability in the face of ensuing Union

Parishad election and also for other demands by the major political parties. The trial of war

criminals and their death sentence sometime create fear among the public mind. There is the

looming fear of political confrontation between the political parties jeopardizing the prospect

of smooth implementation of different project activities in the future months. The other threat

is the rising trend of religious extremism that might create a situation not conducive to the

implementation of activities normally pursued by BMP.

Prevailing socio-cultural context

Bangladesh being a patriarchal and heavily male-dominated society, it is likely that any

attempt to empower women politically and economically, ensure women human rights and

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fight VAW will fraught with resistance from various segments of the society who still adore

male-domination and assert it.

The existing attitude, values and norms are very discriminatory against women. In recent

years some positive changes are discernable in different spheres of life which is already

mentioned in the chapter 5. However, these are very insignificant change there is still gender

discrimination and violence against women are still quite rampant.

The challenges can be summarized as follows:

General Challenges

The existing social values and norms about the gender roles and responsibilities pose

a threat to ensure women human rights and also to fight VAW. These significantly

undermine women’s position in the society.

Increasing use of religion and attitude of a section of people in determining women’s

status is an emerging challenge. This kind of attitude and mindset towards women

affect their rights and also exclude them from the mainstream activities. BMP is

experiencing these challenges and these are threats to promote women rights and

dignity in the society for which BMP has been working for the last four decades.

The non-compliance of national and international legal documents/obligations (for

example, CEDAW declaration) about women rights and empowerment is the other

challenge. Such non-compliance directly affects BMP’s activities as many of them are

guided by them. These create hindrance in the smooth implementation of different

activities of BMP.

Lack of political commitment especially on the part of the government poses another

challenge to programmes and projects on women’s rights and development. For

example, the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2013 (draft) which lowered the

marriageable age of girl child to 16 is a case in this regard.

The political commitment in many cases is influenced by the vested-interest groups

and interest of corporate sectors which in many instances goes against the vital

interest of the women. BMP is also subjected to these realities which sometimes make

it difficult for to implement different activities.

In various parts of the country women suffer from extreme poverty, illiteracy,

deprivation and oppression. The existing poverty situation of women is another

challenge for women emancipation in Bangladesh. Women are often excluded from

different benefits and services offered by the state to its citizens. The various social

safety net programmes administered by the state through local government institutions

can be cited as an example in this regard.

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Institutional and Organizational challenges

Since its inception BMP has developed certain operational modalities as well as management

structure and an organogram which is meticulously followed in the implementation of

different activities to ensure women’s right. Indeed over the years BMP has achieved

commendable institutional capacity from the centre to the grassroot as well as could create a

group of dedicated organizers which form the basis of BMP’s social movement. However,

BMP is still subjected to the following challenges:

All BMPs central leaders, secretary of the sub-committees, branch and grassroot

organizers work voluntarily. It will be a challenge to BMP how the huge activities of

BMP can be implemented in future by volunteers only. Volunteers may suffer

“fatigue syndrome” working as volunteers year after year. The overarching question

is: how far the commitment and dedication can go?

It is also argued that an organization purely based on voluntarism stands in the way of

developing professionalism to develop organizational capacity to implement projects

efficiently. It will be difficult to retain the trained professional staffs. However, the

scenario is gradually changing with the appointment of paid staff in the

administration, finance and also in the project related positions.

There is limited capacity at the grassroot level of BMP. Grassroot chapters are not

well prepared to respond to the incidents of VAW immediately. District branches are

not also well equipped to address immediate challenges about the violation of women

rights.

Suggested Recommendations

The following recommendations are made based on findings, experiences and observations:

BMP should make more effort to inoculate the values of volunteerism among the

young generation. At least the young women should be motivated to get them

engaged in different activities of BMP. In the changing global scenario of market

forces, the concept of voluntarism needs to be propagated to its fullest extent.

More and more new and innovative programmes should be introduced to recruit new

and young women. Whenever possible token incentive should be given. Proactive

initiatives should be taken up to promote voluntarism in BMP.

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Programmes such as, study circles, sharing meeting at the colleges and the

universities, national and branch level and training for young and grassroot organizers

should be continued and increased in number.

Professional skills of both volunteers and others should be further developed. More

projects related to employment generation should be encouraged.

Special programs should be undertaken for gender sensitization of the policy makers.

BMP should take more programmes and activities to raise awareness against gender

disparity by organizing increased number of meetings, trainings, workshops, rallies,

human chains and exchange of views.

Initiatives should be taken to form citizens’ forums like the Village Watch Group to

fight VAW. People from all segments of the society should be made aware of the

positive outcomes of such social groups. More inclusion of man and young people in

the advocacy lobby initiatives is suggested.

BMP should further strengthen its advocacy and lobbying activities through Social

Action Committee. Measures should also be taken to strengthen SAC

BMP should start to create an “endowment fund”. BMP is well known organization in

the country and it can easily take an initiative to raise fund from the corporate sectors

as well as individuals. There are many organizations that can support BMP as a part

of their corporate social responsibility. BMP can form a group which can be called

“friends of BMP” who can advise and help BMP to raise fund.