ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad

TOWARDS EMPOWERMENT AND JUSTICE

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Members of Project Committee

Ayesha Khanam, President, Central Committee Dr. Fauzia Moslem, Vice President, Central Committee Nargis Zafar, Vice President, Central Committee Khaleda Mahbub, Vice President, Central Committee Maleka Banu, General Secretary, Central Committee Adv. Masuda Rehana Begum, Asst. General Secretary, Central Committee Rakhi Das Purkayastha, Organizing Secretary, Central Committee Shima Moslem, Traing, Research and Library Secretary Dil Afroz Begum, Finance Secretary, Central Committee

Material Collection

Ajoy Shankar Dey, Director, Admin and Finance Advocate Maksuda Akhter, Director Advocay and Lobby [Legal Aid] Jona Goswami, Director Advocay and Lobby [Movement] Suhan Parvin, In charge of Project Coordinator Aparna Chowdhury, Programme Officer, Orgnization sub committee Sahajadi Shamima Afzali, Training and Library sub committee Rifat Binte Zia, Programme Officer, Media sub committee

Printing Management

Abu Hena Mustafa Enam, Associate Aditor

Computer Compose

Habibur Rahman, IT Officer Faruk Hossain, Computer Operator Dolon Shil, Computer Operator

Cover Design

Dewan Graphics

Photograph

Abdul Majed BMP Members of Central and District Branches & BMP Staff

Printed From

Mati ar Manush

Published By

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Central Committee, Sufia Kamal Bhaban, 10/B/1, Shegunbagicha, Dhaka-1000 Phone: 88 02 7169701, email: [email protected], 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.

PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF WOMEN’S HUMAN RIGHTS IN BANGLADESH

Table of Contents

Key Information Acronyms and Abbreviations Short Narrative Summary

Chapter I: Bangladesh Mahila Parishad: A Brief Organizational Overview 15

Introduction Salient Feature of BMP Vision Goals Objectives Operational modalities Structure and Management

Chapter II: Promotion and Protection of Women’s Human Rights in Bangladesh 20

Project background Rationale of the Project Goal, Purpose and Outputs of the Project

Chapter III: Achievements in 2012 Based on Planned Outputs 24

Component 1 : Accelerating social movements against VAW 24 Areas of interventions Planned outputs Actual outputs

Component 2 : Strengthening political empowerment of women 37 Areas of interventions Planned outputs Actual outputs

Component 3 : Intensifying women’s human rights movements 41 Areas of interventions Planned outputs Actual outputs

Component 4 : Effective functioning A Lobby and Advocacy Agent 47 Areas of interventions Planned outputs Actual outputs

Component 5 : Improving organizational capacity 55 Areas of interventions Planned outputs Actual outputs

Chapter IV: Interventions beyond Planned Outputs 72

Framework conditions Identifying the Gaps between planned and actual outputs Unplanned activities

Chapter V: Impact of Programmes and Activities 78

Civil society engagement Networking Empowerment and capacity building Government and societal response and recongnition Institutional efficiency Strong sense of volunteerism in the society

Chapter VI: Challenges and Future Plans 83

Identifying Challenges Suggested Measures

Bibliography

Appendix

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, 2012

Reporting Date : 29th April 2013

Forward

angladesh Mahila Parishad is a right based activist organization with a working philosophy on the principles of volunterism and responsiveness to social and political rights and justice to women. BMP’s motto is to establish a justice and empowerment by mainstreaming B women in development process of the country with a vision to establish a secular, democratic, equity based society and state. The prime goal is “women`s emancipation through empowerment” BMP’s endovers is ever lasting and accomplishment relies on the voluntarism of our organizers. The year of 2012 is the third year of implementation of the project “Promotion and protection of women`s human rights of Bangladesh” BMP’s new embark on journey with a deeper commitment to impact of the program implemented. Each year the annual report provide an opportunity to reflect on our purpose and how well have performed, what differences we have made, and what plans we have for the future. Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) is committed to promote and protect women`s human rights in the society with utmost sincerity and dedication. BMP continues to work for women in a challenging environment where women suffer from widespread social, legal, political and economic discrimination and suppression. BMP implemented its planned programmes and activities in 2012 with full achievements in key areas of interventions. The annual report 2012 reflects on the activities of BMP and focuses on the impact of the project of the project activities in the larger society. The major issues highlighted in the operations of BMP during January-December 2012 include resisting all forms of VAW, creating social awareness, providing legal aid to victims, effective representation and participation of women in politics, increasing capacity of networking with policy makers and development partners, functioning as lobby and advocacy of women, law reforms movement, introducing gender budgeting, creating awareness about women health rights, and waging an effective social movements for women’s human rights. BMP gave emphasis addressing the emergins issues & challenges faced by the youngers generations, women working in different sector & marginalized group.Through capacity building of the organization BMP has been able to consolidate strength during this period. The organization also has been able to ensure transparency, accountability and efficiency in financial management and accounting procedure. As organization BMP faces challenges emanating from internal and external sources which often pose hurdles to implement the planned activities and strategies. The evolving socioeconomic and political condition in the country and organizational resource constraints always matter for the performance of BMP. However, BMP has made every effort with its full capacity and sincerity to achieve the targets during the period under review. We express heartiest gratitude to the Royal Norwegain Embassy for renewing the partnership with and extending great support to BMP in order to strengthen Women`s Movement in Bangladesh. BMP would like to thank all members and supporting staff who are actively engaged in the struggle for women`s emancipation and empowerment in Bangladesh under the BMP platform.

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 IGA : Income Generating Activities IGP : Inspector General of Police LFA : Log Frame Analysis LGI : Local Government Initiative MDG : Millennium Development Goal MoWCA : Ministry of Women and Children Affairs NGO : Non-government Organisation NPA : National Plan of Action RNE : Royal Norwegian Embassy SAC : Social Action Committee ToT : Training of Trainers UFC : Uniform Family Code UN : United Nations UP : Union Parishad 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

Short Narrative Summary

angladesh has made significant acheivement due to increase socio-economic role of women. Bangladesh draws attention of Global community for outstanding contribution of Women of B the country in national economy and also in social and political arena.Vibrant women’s movement in the country has been a major boost for this gender and social transformation. As gender gap is still highly prevailing in the country, BMP continues to work for women in a challenging environment where women’s suffer from widespread social, legal, political and economic discrimination and suppression. BMP has ensured increased attention for Govt. and Society for its work. The year of 2012 is the third year of implementation of the project titled “Promotion and Protection of Women Human Rights in Bangladesh”. BMP achieved notable success in 2012 in pursuing its goals, objectives and vision for promoting and protecting women’s human rights in the challenging societal context of Bangladesh in the back drop of Patriarchal mindset Rise of fundamentalism and conservative force and lack of democratic practices. As a continuation of its past role BMP has remained vocal through its active and proactive role in the movement of law reforms in 2012. Accordingly, the organization has played a critical role in drafting the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Rules, 2012. BMP in cooperation with other members of the Citizens’ Initiative against Domestic Violence jointly prepared a proposal of the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Rules, 2012 and submitted it to the State Minister of Women and Children Affairs Ministry on 16 February 2012. BMP also proposed Hindu Marriage Registration Act (Proposed) 2012; BMP contributed in ( Human Trafficking Prevention and Control Act 2012). The number, extent and magnitude of VAW are still alarming which is a major challenge to women’s human rights. According to BMP’s database, 5616 incidents of VAW took place in the year 2012 (January-December). The largest number of victims of VAW belongs to rape related violence (904), whereas murder (900), stalking and death related to stalking (662), dowry related violence (558), and suicide (435) followed the order. With these trends and frequency of violence against women BMP’s interventions have been critical to alleviate the sufferings of women. BMP consistently provides legal support to victims of violence throughout the country. In 2012, fifty one district branches provided legal aid. In 2012, a total of 577 cases were dealt by BMP compared to 555 cases dealt in the previous year (2011). Out of the 577 cases 189 were central, 352 were district level and 36 were dealt at the grassroots level. It may be mentioned that the number of cases sought legal support from BMP is higher than the targets set by the organization due to continuation of old cases under trial. With a target of 300 recipients of counselling, the organization was able to serve 1,235 people in 2012, which overwhelmingly surpasses the target numbers. Out of the 1,235 cases 1,018 people received counselling services at the district level while 89 from the central level and 128 from the grassroots. Through the mediation services in 2011, BMP helped the victims recover a total of Tk. 85,67,901.00 and TK. 85,2900.00 in 2012 as dower money and maintenance cost. It has also drawn positive response from Policy Makers and Administration. Social Awareness and Multi-Sectoral Programme run against VAW by MOWCA. Besides, more organized social resistance against incidence of VAW noticed in different areas of the country. BMP runs Rokeya Sadan as an inseparable part of legal activism. BMP takes sincere and innovative efforts with the goal to rehabilitate them in main stream social life. At present, eight residents are taking formal education. 8 are taking formal education and five of the residents are taking non- formal education. Others are provided with income generating training. This year three members have been rehabilitated in the family and 1 with the job in BMP. A total number of 20 girl and women victims of violence were given shelter. Political empowerment of women is a critical requirement for advancement of women in the society. BMP has been a major boost to strengthen political empowerment of women.As planned and unplanned BMP undertook multidimensional programmes and activities in the year 2012 towards achieving political, economic and social empowerment of women in Bangladesh. By the end of the year on 30 December 2012, BMP organised a mass gathering at the central Shahid Minar on the demand of ‘one-third increase in number of the reserve seats (for women) in the parliament, direct election. BMP advocated and held dialogue with Speaker of the Parliament, Deputy Leader of the parliament, minister, law justices and parliament, State Minister of MOWCA, Women parliament members and other elected representative and election commission also. BMP continued its advocacy lobby for implementation of National Women’s Development policy in different forum, BMP also contributed in developing national work plan by MOWCA and other organizations. BMP was vocal and mobilized social awareness for fulfillment of the commitment of the election manifesto regarding the reinstate of the NWDP and direct election in one third reserve seat for women in the parliament. A Divisional Workshop organized in Khulna was held 30th November 2012 with the Elected representative the local Government on political Empowerment of Women. BMP advocated through out the country from central to grass root level for strengthening local Government so that it can run indecently and women member could discharge their duties and responsibility effectively. Though a good number of women emerged as a political force but effective and meaningful participation of women in politics towards democracy and gender equality yet to be achieved. BMP had to review its movement and advocacy strategy in this regards. Gender budgeting is considered a major tool for achieving the goal of political empowerment of women. BMP maintained its strong advocacy and lobbying role in 2012 for introducing gender budgeting in Bangladesh. Two discussion meetings were held to focus on gender sensitive budget allocation and its implementation through the 2012-2013 National Budget, where eminent economist, civil Society members, grass root women (Farmer, worker), development workers, representative from indigenous people and disable group participatory in the discussion with recommendation. A total of 19 district branches organised pre-budget discussion meetings, where BMP activists, political party leaders, government representatives, civil society members, media personals and people from several other professional backgrounds were present.BMP also had dialog with finance minister on gender budget MTBF and six five year plan. BMP send its recommendation to finance ministry, MOWCA and other relevant ministries.

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. In 2012, BMP scheduled one programme concerning this issue. On 28 May 2012, ‘Health, Environment & Social Welfare Sub-committee’ of BMP successfully organised a discussion meeting on Safe Motherhood Day. The theme of the discussion meeting was – ‘Implementation of Health Rights of Young Girls for Safe Motherhood’. A total of 22 district branches of BMP organised discussion meetings and rally in order to promote the issue of women’s reproductive and sexual health rights. The International Sub-Committee of BMP arranged a discussion meeting at the National Press Club on 3 September 2012 to observe the International CEDAW day. Dr. Shah Alam, Chair, Law Commission, was present at the programme as the special guest. The organization is providing sustained effort for full ratification of UNCEDAW (withdrawal of reservation of Article 2, 16.1(C)) and Domestication of UNCEDAW in the law for implementation). BMP & 34 organizations jointly prepared and submitted an Alternative Report on to UNCEDAW Committee in 2011 BMP also observed the International Women’s Day on 8 March 2012 with great enthusiasm and active participation by the people.37 district branches of BMP also celebrated the International Women’s Day locally. Social Action committee organised a mass gathering of around 8000 (eight thousand) people at the Central Shahid Minar premises on 8 March, 2012 to celebrated the International Women’s day. Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, Honorable State Minister, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs attended the gathering as the chief guest. The objective of the mass gathering was to make the society aware of the equal rights and opportunities for women particularly in the decision making level. As a advocacy lobby forum SAC playing visible role on different Women’s Human Rights issues through organizing human chain, demonstration, rally against VAW, fundamentalism and communism, oppression against women of minority group etc. BMP working as a Secretariat of SAC (a platform initiated by BMP of 68 women’s human rights organization, development organization, socio cultural organization, development partners). 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 years BMP representative attended and actively participated in 56th CSW session 2012 . BMP is in close contact 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. During this period BMP representative participated in different intertanional regional events. BMP expressed its solidarity with global women’s movement in different issues. BMP observed International forth nigh resist VAW from 25th November to 10th December and International Humans Rights Day. BMP observed with extensive campaign and program involving Youths. BMP has established working relations on different issue with MOWCA and other NGO’s. As a result, the GO-NGO collaboration has been strengthened and become visible in drafting Law, running VSC, OCC, Implementing Multi-sectoral Program against VAW, Contributing in NWDP and National Action Plan, Preparing Training Module and conducting training on domestic violence act.

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) vigorously pursued its function as a lobby and advocacy agent of women in Bangladesh to uphold the cause of millions and millions of women in Bangladesh. BMP was involved in advocacy and lobbying activities for law reforms as discussed earlier. In its role as advocacy and lobby agent, BMP focused on three critical areas. First, the organisation strived to change patriarchy through its various programmes and activities. It has addressed this issue in all of its programmes. It advocated for gender sensitivity in education policy of the country while it took initiatives to change the traditional image of women in the media. It has vigorously advocated for inclusion of gender issue in the training programmes of public representatives and Government officials. BMP ensured participation of women as resource persons in those training programmes BMP organizers participated as resource persons in those training program organized by MOWCA. President of BMP also invited as a resource person in the staff college. Gender factor was also highlighted in cultural programmes; campaign programmes; publications and broadcasting such as poster, leaflet, sticker, TV spot; and movement against fundamentalism. Second, BMP upheld the cause of human rights in its programmes and activities. The organsation is in the network of Human Rights Forum (UPR) and National human Rights Commission. It expresses deep concern over the violation of human rights in home and abroad. BMP condemned all sorts of gross violence in war and conflicts. BMP contributed in preparing UPR report for submitting in the United Nations by NGO Forum. Towards establishing rule of Law BMP continues its movement for trial of War Criminals in 1971 who committed rape, sexual assaults, torture and murders along with other war crimes to millions of women. BMP strongly stood up against discrimination and oppression on the minority communities in Bangladesh - Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, indigenous and marginalized groups of people. Third, BMP worked for promoting good governance and democracy through effective participation of the women members in the parliament and empowering grassroots women and local government women representatives. It advocates for inclusion of at least one-third women in all Constitutionals bodies. It focused on proper and independent functioning of Human Rights Commission, Election Commission and Anti-corruption Commission. BMP was engaged in the movement for establishing rule of law and ensuring transparency and accountability of all public representatives and public offices. It also monitored state obligations towards fulfillment of National and Global commitments and highlighted the need for practicing democratic culture in all political institutions. On several occasions (organized either by BMP or others (GO/NGO/CSO), during this period, BMP had dialogue with State Minister, MOWCA; Parliament Standing Committee, Finance Minister, Law, Justice and Parliament Affairs, Home Minister, Education Minister, Attorney General, IGP, PP/APP, Directorate, MOWCA, Chairman, Parliament Standing Committee, LGRD Chairman, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. BMP frequently monitored the news published on women in the newspapers of Bangladesh, the Legal Aid Subcommittee of BMP regularly collected and preserved the relevant news from 12 renowned newspapers by paper cutting. The trend of violence against school-going female students has drastically increased in the year 2012. To raise this issue nationally and to prevent women from violence, Mass media sub – committee organised 3 sharing meetings at the local levels (Khulna, Jessore & Brahmanbaria) with the active participation of journalists, lawyers, teachers, human rights activists, local elite personals and elected representatives. The theme of these sharing meeting was ‘Violence against school going girl: prevention and initiative/ plane of Activities’. Media is playing an important role on promotion and protection of women’s human rights.Bangladesh Mahila Parishad organised a meeting with media professionals, which was held on 3 May 2012 at the seminar room of BMP. During the period covered in the report, BMP published 4 issues of the Mahila Samacher, the quarterly journal brought out by the organization. The Mahila Parishad Journal has entered in its second year of publications in 2012. This Journal has opened a new space for theoretical discussion and debate by the scholars and experts from outside the organization. It has also drawn attention in the community to engage in a theoretical and academic debate on gender issues in Bangladesh. BMP has been strengthened and developed through capacity building towards sustainability and institutionalization. The work plan of BMP in 2012 particularly focused on consolidating present strength for long term sustainability of the organization, reinforcement of the leadership and taking steps for strengthening young generation as a force of the organization In 2012, BMP undertook 2,015 programmes in which 1,898 and 117 were at district and central levels respectively. Annul pnanning and Review meeting held (National council) 17-18th February 2012 at BIAM auditorium. Her Excellency Range Birte Laund , Ambassador of The Royal Norwegian Embassy was present as a special guest in the meeting. BMP celebrated 4th April in the occasion of its Founding Anniversiry and honored Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team for their outstanding performance in T twenty cup. In 2012 BMP mobilized its organizational support to establish strong networks among its grassroots, divisional and central units. The organization has undertaken numerous programmes towards strengthening the capacity of both rural and urban people associated with BMP. It organised 379 programmes with 22,527 participants in 2012. In 2012, with the active initiatives of Central and District branches 11 motivational programmes were arranged against 8 such programmes planned. The primary focus of these meetings with young women at grassroots level was to motivate them about women movement through making them understand the present condition and status of women, achievements, crisis, and prospects. In 2012 through grassroots level BMP could reach 92,940 general members through different programmes of organizational sub-committee The programmes and activities in improving organizational capacity of BMP have led to a number of positive outcomes. Gender awareness of organizers has visibly increased over the years with increasing efficiency organizational capacity. Through TOT there has been improvement of their capacity and confidence to provide training in grass root level. In 2012 Organizational sub committee organized six divisional rallies of women’s farmers demanding theirs rights where 5,565 women farmers were mobilized . The sub committee organized 2 divisional training workshops in 2012 and 1 Capacity Leadership building workshop centrally, 85 numbers of district tours on different occassions held during this year by central committee members. To speed up the communication between central to branch level use of IT become effective. BMP conducted training workshop, Trainers Training Programme, Refreshers Course from central to grassroots level in planned way. Training Research and Library Sub committee conducted TOT, (National) on Capacity building and Skill development in June 2012, total 200 organizers participated from 49 districts. Training for Mid level organizer Khulna Divisional May in 2012 at Jessore.100 organizers from 8 districts participated. In 2012 3998 grass root organizers participated in training program organized by 41 districts branches.

Centrally 12 and by 25 district branches Study circle organized by young members for young generation where a total number of 3760 participants discussed, debated and raised issue related to gender equality, human rights, history of women’s movement, biography of pioneer women’s movement and way of mitigation of emerging challenges. BMP introduced a 3 month long certificate course in 2011on Gender and Development for women in different professions. Eminent academicians, legal expert, activists, researcher and other resource persons are being voluntarily involved in the course. BMP expanded its activities at grassroots level. The paralegal training for the organizers at district and grassroots branch levels was held in 16 districts in which 500 organizers actively participated at divisional level, 57 organizers from 15 districts were trained under TOT in Dhaka held during 7-8 September 2012. BMP also focused on strengthening institutional and financial management capacity of the organization through central orientation programme, divisional training workshop, and financial management training in the branches for members and staffs. Still it needs more emphasis. In 2012 Mid term review of the organization has been carried out by Development partner with e a good number of recommendations. The recommendation will be taken into consideration and will be incorporated in future strategy and work plan. As a social movement organization and based on values and principles of humanity and justice BMP has developed a collective, multilayered and young leadership to advance the organization towards fulfilling the vision – a democratic and just society. BMP has developed both short and long-term strategies, policies and organizational efficacy to implement planned programmes and activities. The year of 2012 was another milestone of BMP’s operations in Bangladesh.

CHAPTER I

BANGLADESH MAHILA PARISHAD : A BRIEF ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

angladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP)is engaged in a struggle for women’s equality, liberation, and empowerment, situated within a larger political vision demonstrated in its commitment B to independence struggle’s secular thinking, Bengali nationalism, democracy and a society established on equality between women and men. It 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 struggle 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 endeavours 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.

Salient Features of BMP

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

In a nutshell, BMP’s operations over the last four decades have been conducted through 12 units (Figure 1.1). In addition to various strategic and activity oriented meetings organised by these units, BMP also held regular staff meetings in 2011 to take stock of completed activities and discuss future interventions.

Figure 1.1

BMP’s Operational Modalities

Movement Organization Training &Research

Legal Aid Rokeya Sadan

Bangladesh Media & Mass Culture Communication Mahila Parishad &Education

Publication Networking

Health, Environment Project & & Social Welfare Finance Development

Structure and Management

BMP has developed an administrative structure comprising of seven tiers 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.

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 450 Members (Highest Policy Making Body)

Central Executive Committee 61 Members (Both Policy Making + Executive Body) 12 Sub-Committees

Heal L. Rok T.R Net Org. Pub. Mass Heal Edu Dev. Social Project th Aid eyaS &L Medi th & & & Welfar Committee adan a Env. Cult Proj e (9 Abbreviation: ure ect 10-12 members in each Sub-Committee Members) Mov = Movement Total: 120 primary members participate in policy making and Com = Committee implementation L. Aid = Legal Aid Project Committee monitors project activities and maintain liaison with R. Sadan = Rokeya Sadan development partners T.R&L = Training, Research & Library 43 + 120 = 163 central office volunteers Net = Networking 77 professional staff Org = Organization Pub = Publication Env = Environment Edu = Education Dev = Development

Chapter II

Promotion and Protection of Women’s Human Rights in Bangladesh

II.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 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.

II.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 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.

II.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. 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 Projerct Components/Outputs [January-December, 2012]

Social movement is accelerat ed in resisting VAW

BMP is further strengthened Political and developed through empowerment of capacity building towards women is sustainability and Promotion and strengthened institutionalisation Protection of Women’s Human Rights in Bangladesh

BMP is effectively Women’s human rights functioning as a movement is further

lobby and intensified through

advocacy agent networking

Chapter III

Achievements in 2012 Based on Planned Outputs

ike the previous year, BMP achieved notable success in 2012 in pursuing its goals, objectives and vision as a pioneer and leading organization for promoting and protecting L women’s human rights in the challenging societal context of Bangladesh. The actions and strategies applied in this regard demonstrate quite effective and adequate to attain planned outputs. The different components of BMP activities and programmes reflect a wide variety of interventions that the organization is committed to implement. This particular section presents the component- wise achievements of BMP during the timeframe of January-December, 2012.

III.1 Component 1 Accelerating Social Movements against VAW

Violence against Women (VAW) is a major threat to basic framework of women’s human rights. With increasing level of VAW in the Bangladesh society, more effective initiatives are required to mitigate the sufferings of women. Thus, the key component of BMP strategy is to accelerate social movements against VAW so that the lives of women become safer and relatively secure. Several areas of interventions in accelerating social movements against VAW have been conceived and implemented with an aim to generate specific outputs.

Trends and frequency of VAW

VAW, considered as the biggest obstacle to establish women’s human rights at home and outside, has rightly been identified as the first and foremost component of BMP activities and programs. According to BMP’s database, 5616 incidents of VAW took place in the year 2012 (January- December). The largest number of victims of VAW belongs to rape related violence (904), whereas murder (900), stalking and death related to stalking (662), dowry related violence (558), and suicide (435) followed the order.

Table 3.1: VAW by some major categories during 2009-2012

Year Categories of VAW 2009 2010 Change in % 2011 Change in % 2012 Change in % Acid Burnt 94 118 25.53 81 - 31.36 66 - 18.52 Kidnapping 306 485 58.50 181 - 62.68 129 - 28.73 Torture for dowry 116 128 10.34 254 98.44 263 3.54 Suicide 327 441 34.86 449 1.81 435 - 3.12 Suspicious death 42 105 150.00 180 71.43 165 - 8.33 Sexual assault 72 37 - 48.61 287 675.68 41 - 85.71 Stalking 78 801 926.92 1041 29.96 645 - 38.04

Source: BMP Database

Graph 3.1: VAW by some major categories during 2009-2012 Graph 3.1: VAW by some major categories during 2009-2012

1200 1041 1000 801 800 645 2009

600 2010 485 449 441 435 2011 400 306 327 287 2012 263 181 180 200 118 128 165 129 105 72 78 94 8166 254 116 42 37 41 0 Acid Burnt Kidnapping Torture for Suicide Suspicious Sexual Stalking dowry Death Assault Source: BMP Database

Table 3.2: Frequency of Rape Incidences during 2009-2012

Year Categories of Rape 2009 2010 Change in % 2011 Change in % 2012 Change in % Rape 393 593 50.89 635 7.08 508 - 20.00 Gang Rape 146 107 - 26.71 165 54.21 157 - 4.85 Murder after Rape 130 66 - 49.23 96 45.45 106 10.42 Total 669 766 14.50 896 16.97 771 - 13.95

Source: BMP Database

Graph 3.2: Rape Incidences during 2009-2012 896 900 766 771 800 669 700 593635 600 508 2009 500 393 2010 400 300 2011 165157 2012 200 146 130 107 66 96106 100 0 Rape Gang Rape Murder after Total Rape Source: BMP Database

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

Sl. Activities Achievement Areas of Interventions No. Planned Actual Status Provide support to branches District 1.1.1 District branches: % for legal activism branches: Central: 189 Provide legal support to Central: 65 Target 1.1.2 (old: 147; new: 42) victims of violence District: 80 Surpassed* District: 577 1.1.3 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) As Per Necessity -- Achieved Central: 50 Central: 89 Target 1.1.4 Counselling District: 200 District: 1018 Surpassed* Grassroots: 50 Grassroots: 128 Central: 150 Central:324 Application/ Petition Target 1.1.5 District: 550 District: 1477 Received Surpassed* Grassroots: 250 Grassroots: 517 Central: 50 Central: 81 Target 1.1.6 Mediation District: 250 District: 649 Surpassed* Grassroots: 200 Grassroots: 350 Provide Medicare for 10 persons/year 1.1.7 07 70% victims of violence (at least) 13 Women/ girls were provided financial support as transport Support to victims 1.1.8 As per necessity conveyance and other related Achieved (transport& others) costs to facilitate their participation during case hearing 2 Workshops hold on  30th May, 2012 (108 participated including 1.1.9 Client Workshop Central: 02 79 clients) Achieved  21st November, 2012 (100 participated including 64 clients) Conduct Investigation and Central: Target 1.1.10 Central: 29 spot visit At least 25 Surpassed* 1 Meeting hold on 29-30 June, Sharing experience with 2012 1.1.11 district leadership about 01 Meeting Achieved (88 representatives participated legal activism from 39 districts) Round Table/ Lobby with 1 event concluded on 10 July, 1.1.12 Central: 01 Achieved concerned govt. authorities 2012 3 Press Conferences took place on: . ‘Hindu Marriage Law’ (30.1.2012) . ‘Uniform Family Law Press conference (Legal 1.1.13 Minimum: 02 based on Equal Rights’ Achieved Aid) (20.09.2012) . ‘Prevention of Violence against Women including Rape’ (26.11.2012)

Policy intervention . VSC: 04 Programme , Advocacy Target 1.1.14 Minimum: 01 . OCC: 01 Lobby and Partnership with Surpassed* . Expert Committee: 02 GO, NGOs Fortnight long event held 1.1.15 Solidarity activities with Fortnight-long during 25 November – 10 International VAW program: 01 December, 2012 which Resistance Program included: a) Human chain (On 26.11.2012) b) Opinion-sharing regarding the different aspects of VAW (On 01.12.2012) Achieved c) Discussion meeting on the difficulties of young men and women (On 07.12.2012) d) Cultural Program and Gathering at Central Shahid Minar (On 10.12.2012)  25 persons @ Tk.100/person Foods for residents of (for 2 meals and Expenditure incurred as per 1.2.1 shelter home (Rokeya Achieved 3 snacks/day) plan Sadan)  Tk. 20,000 for Eid Festival Clothing (yearly)-School Purchases from own fund and 1.2.2 uniform, dress for home use 3 times in a year also collection from well Achieved and festivals wishers Toiletries (yearly)-Soap, As per necessity 1.2.3 hair oil, cleansing Provided as per requirement Achieved (monthly supply) materials, etc. Training Program leading 3 person took training from 1.2.4 to rehabilitation As per necessity Achieved Rokeya Sadan (Block, Batik, Swing etc.) Routine and emergency 1.2.5 Medicare for residents 3 times in a week 3 times in a week as planned Achieved (General check up and others) Counselling for residents 1.2.6 As per required Achieved by medical psychiatrist Rokeya Sadan Office 1 meeting in 1.2.7 10 meeting held in this year 83% Management each month Sharing Meeting/Round 02 (2 general meetings held with 1.2.10 table discussion with 03 66% inmates of Rokeya Sadan) residents and others Recreational Activities at  Television, newspaper, Rokeya Sadan books and indoor games 1.2.12 (Television, Newspaper, As per necessity facilities are available Achieved Books, Indoor Games,  A study tour to the Study Tour) Sonargaon was organized

Cultural program was 1.2.14 Cultural Program 01 organized to celebrate Rokeya Achieved Sadan’s 26th anniversary 01 Publication of “Kolotan” Rokeya Sadan related drawing and written of 1.2.15 1 Issue Achieved publication Rokeya Sadan Residents in January, 2011

* Target surpassed due to continuation of old cases under trial and increase confidence in BMP.

III.1.i. Details of area specific interventions under output 1

1.1.1 Providing support to branches for legal activism

In 2012, it was planned that 60 district branches would receive legal support from BMP. In reality, 51 district branches received legal support.

1.1.2 Providing legal support to victims of violence

The role of legal aid has always been critical to mitigate the situations faced by women, given the increasing number of cases of VAW. BMP consistently provides legal support to victims of violence throughout the country. In fact, the major strength of BMP is that women confronting violence at both public and private sphere can depend on our legal aid services. In 2012, a total of 577 cases were dealt by BMP compared to 555 cases dealt in the previous year (2011). Out of the 577 cases 189 were central, 352 were district level and 36 were dealt at the grassroots level. It may be mentioned that the number of cases sought legal support from BMP is higher than the targets set by the organization due to continuation of old cases under trial.

Figure 3.3: Legal Aid Services Provided by BMP in 2012

Legal Aid

Central District Grassroots (189) (352) (36)

Higher Court Lower Court New Old New Old (52) (137) (106) (146) (12) (24)

Old New Old New (42) (10) (105) (32)

Grand Total - 577

A number of cases has been disposed of centrally of which On 09.01.2012 the honorable court has given judgement in favour of Hasina Banu to pay taka 60.,000.00 as dower money and maintainance and On 12.06.2012 the honorable court has given judgement in favour of Ms. Yasmin Begum to pay taka 1,61,333.00 as dower money and maintainance by her husband.

1.1.3 Undertaking activities concerning Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has set its aim to operate Public Interest Litigation as per necessity.

1.1.4 Providing counselling

Counselling is a major activity of BMP to face the scourge of VAW. Victims of violence often seek the support of the organization to conduct counselling. With a target of 300 recipients of counselling, the organization was able to serve 1235 people in 2012 which overwhelmingly surpasses the target numbers. Out of the 1235 cases 1018 people received counselling services at the district level while 89 from the central level and 128 from the grassroots. As a result, efficiency and credibility of legal aid were enhanced. Men have also sought support side by side women that establish the necessity for psycho-social counselling.

Figure 3.4: Counselling Services Provided by BMP in 2012

Counselling

Central (89) District (1018) Grassroots (128)

Grand Total - 1235

1.1.5 Receiving application/petition

The Legal Unit of BMP received a large number of applications/petitions in 2012. The number of complaints received was 2318 including 324 from the central, 1477 from district branches, and 517 from the grass-roots, which well surpassed the targets.

Figure 3.5: Complaints Received by BMP in 2012

Direct Complaint

Central (324) District Grassroots (1477) (517)

Grand Total - 2318

1.1.6 Providing mediation services

Mediation services have been very useful to the victims of violence. There have been a total of 1080 cases against the target of 500 who received mediation services from the Legal Unit of BMP. Out of 1080 cases, 81 were dealt by the Central, 649 by the districts and 350 by the grassroots. It may be mentioned that BMP pulled in a total of Tk. 2,522,601 as dower and maintenance through mediation at the central. The public representatives have also witnessed the impartial mediation process and praised this activity.

Figure 3.6: Mediation Services Provided by BMP in 2012

Mediation

Central District Grassroots (81) (649) (350)

Resolved Unresolved (28) (53)

Grand Total - 1080

As part of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Bangladesh Mahila Parishad is

operating mediation (Salish) activities in family matters at Central, District and

Grassroots levels. In 2012, BMP has settled a good number of Family Dispute and recovera total of Tk. 8,388,452.00 as dower money and maintenance and handed over these to the victim women.

1.1.7 Providing Medicare for victims of violence

BMP provided Medicare facilities to seven victims of violence in 2012. Medicare facilities were given to women and children suffered from different kinds of violence such as rape, torture and domestic violence.

1.1.8 Providing support to victims

Since it’s launching in 2009 the Victim Support has been playing a significant role in mitigating sufferings of women from different backdrops – physical torture, domestic violence, child marriage, demands for dowry etc. In 2012, a total of nine women/girls were provided financial support as transport conveyance 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. Table 3.4 provides details about the victims.

Table 3.4: Recipients of Victim Support

Name of the Sl. Location Reason for Support Victim 1. Nasima Munshiganj Physical torture 2. Priya Akter Narayanganj Domestic violence 3. Rumi Faridpur Killing after rape 4. Suraiya Akhtar Narail Trafficking attempt 5. Fatema Nil Dhaka None takes the responsibility of maintenance 6. Nasreen Akhter Dhaka Rape 7. Sadia Dhaka 8. Runa Akhter Mymensingh Trafficking 9. Doli Gang rape by police

1.1.9 Organizing client workshop

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad organized two client workshops in 2012 at the central level. The first workshop was held on 30 May, 2012 while the second one was held on 21 November, 2012. During these workshops participants shared their views in a friendly and professional environment. All the participants also resolved that they would extend their all out support to victims of VAW.

1.1.10 Conducting investigation and spot visits

BMP successfully conducted investigations and spot visits in the year 2012 and well surpassed the target by covering 29 centres. The organization completed investigations and spot visits for 1285 cases (Central: 27, District: 916, Grass roots: 342) in response to the complaints relating to incidence of women repression throughout the country. It has contributed to make all the people aware of legal remedies.

Figure 3.6: Number of Investigations Conducted by BMP in 2012

Investigation

Central (27) District (916) Grassroots (342)

Grand Total –1285

1.1.11 Sharing Experience with district leaders about legal activism

BMP organized a meeting on 29-30 June 2012 to share views and ideas with district branch leaders about legal activism. The meeting was attended by 88 representatives from 39 districts. The main thrust of this meeting was to develop skill in resisting violence against women in light of experiences all over the country.

1.1.12 Round Table/Lobby with concerned authorities

On 10 July, 2012 BMP organized a Roundtable/lobby with concerned government authorities. BMP representatives and law enforcing agencies exchanged their views and expressed their intention to develop joint cooperation through Victim Support Centre.

1.1.13 Press conference

The Legal Aid Unit of BMP organized three press conferences in 2012. The first press conference was held on 30 January, 2012 regarding ‘Hindu Marriage Law’. The other two press conferences were on ‘Uniform Family Law based on Equal Rights’ (held on 20 September, 2012) and ‘Prevention of Violence against Women including Rape’ (26 November, 2012). All three conferences were actively participated by the central leaders of BMP and journalists from both print and electronic media.

Table 3.5: Press Conferences on Legal Aid in 2012

SL. Date Venue Theme Outcome BMP leaders, employees and journalist Sufia Kamal from different print and electronic media Bhaban Hindu Marriage were present at the conference who 1. 30.01.2012 Auditorium, Law declared their claims and Dhaka recommendations at the press conference, which received extensive media coverage Uniform Family BMP & journalist leaders urged for National Press 2. 20.09.2012 Law based on uniform family laws based on equal rights Club, Dhaka Equal Rights and emphasized on marriage registration

BMP leaders, employees and different media journalists expressed the need to Prevention of prevent violence against women National Press Violence 3. 26.11.2012 including rape, gang rape, sexual Club, Dhaka against Women harassment at urgent basis and including Rape highlighted the on concerted effort towards success

1.1.14 Policy Intervention Programme, Advocacy Lobby and Partnership with GO, NGOs

BMP organized several meetings for policy intervention and partnership with GO and NGOs in Rangamati. Table 3.6

Date Venue Theme Lobby With 28.03.2012 SufiaKamal Law Reform GO, NGO, Civil Society Discussion Meeting 15.05.2012 Bhaban and onthers with Ministry of Home Affairs; Elected 06.06.2012 Auditorium, Representatives of Local Govt., Members of 19.06.2012 Dhaka and Civil Society and District branches leaders of 13.09.2012 Rangamati BMP.

Victim Support Centre

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad is supporting to run Victim Support Centre, Tejgaon, Dhaka of Bangladesh Police under Ministry of Home Affairs as one of the partner organization since 2009. It was a demand from BMP to increase the number of VSC throughout the country. At Present, there are four Victim Support Centres where BMP is working as an active partner organization.

LAW Reform Initiatives of BMP

As a continuation of its past role BMP has remained vocal through its active and proactive roles in the movement of law reforms in 2012. Government, administration and different women human rights organizations and development organizations have considered BMP as an organization and a force of law reforming, new law drafting, and a strong voice in the sphere of women rights. This is a foremost aspect of the achievements of BMP in Bangladesh.

The Domestic Violence (Prevention & Protection) Act, 2010

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has been demanding law against domestic violence ever since its establishment. BMP mobilized public opinion and did advocacy lobby for the law. As an active member of the 40-member network of Citizens’ Initiative against Domestic Violence, BMP prepared the draft Act. relating to domestic violence and submitted it to the MOWCA. Eventually, the Domestic Violence (Deterrence and Protection) Act, 2010 was passed in the National Parliament on 5 October, 2010 to deal effectively and appropriately with both abuser and the abused. The act empowered the court to make certain orders to protect the victim of domestic violence. The Act has also provided speedy, inexpensive and simple procedures for dispensation of justice relating to the offence of domestic violence. Since ratification of the said Act, BMP has been carrying out multidimensional activities including training for implementation and dissemination of the Act.

(i) The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Rules, 2012 (Draft)

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad in cooperation with other members of the Citizens’ Initiative against Domestic Violence jointly prepared a proposal of the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Rules, 2012 and submitted it to the State Minister of Women and Children Affairs Ministry on 16 February, 2012. The MOWCA drafted the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Rules, 2012 in light of the proposal and currently it is waiting for the Cabinet approval.

(ii) Training Module on the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010

BMP and some other women rights organizations along with the Directorate of Women Affairs jointly prepared a draft Training Module on the Domestic Violence (Deterrence and Protection) Act, 2010. This Training Module is currently in use to train Upazila Women Affairs officers and District Women Affairs officers. In 2012, two batches (Batch-1: 11-15 March, 2012; Batch-2: 8-12 April, 2012) of Upazila Women Affairs officers and District Women Affairs officers concluded their training where BMP leaders took part as trainers.

Human Trafficking Prevention and Control Act, 2012

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad carried out continuous advocacy & lobby to prevent women and child trafficking. The Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh formed a Drafting Committee in 2010 to prepare “Draft Human Trafficking Prevention and Control Act, 2012”. On behalf of BMP Advocate Masuda Rehana Begum, the Asstt. General Secretary of BMP actively participated in drafting the said Act. BMP organized an Exchange of View meeting on the “Draft Human Trafficking Prevention and Control Act. 2012” at the Auditorium of Chittagong District Parishad, Chittagong and the recommendations from this meeting were sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs. On 15 February, 2012 the “Human Trafficking Prevention and Control Act, 2012” was passed by the National Parliament. The Act is supposed to play an important role in resisting human trafficking in Bangladesh.

Family Law Reform Movement

(i) The Hindu Marriage Registration Act, 2012

As a part of the movement to reform Family Law, BMP moved for Hindu Marriage Registration. BMP and some other organizations have jointly drafted Draft Hindu Marriage Law (2011) and submitted to the Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs on 30.01.2011. The said Draft Act was discussed in the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. The Draft Act was referred to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. On 12 January, 2012 the leaders of BMP and other organizations met the Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs in his office and submitted the Draft Hindu Marriage Act, 2011. On 24 September, 2012, the Hindu Marriage Registration Act-2012 was passed by the Parliament where registration has been kept optional. (ii) Recommendations for Reformation of Family Law

It has been a long demand of BMP for reformation of Family Law. In this regard, BMP has been carrying out different activities. The Law Commission initiated two-year (2012- 2013) work-plan to modernize and reform family laws in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has submitted recommendations to the Law Commission for reformation of existing Family Laws and actively participating activities of this process.

1.1.15 Solidarity activities with international VAW resistance

As a voluntary mass women organization BMP has been working relentlessly towards upholding women’s human rights by engaging itself into multidimensional activities. BMP expresses full solidarity with both national and international enterprises in resisting VAW. As a continuation of its endeavour, BMP carried out a number of activities during 25 November – 10 December 2012 in observance of the International Fortnight Prevention of Violence Against Women. Different activities were carried out from the central to grassroots level. BMP published and distributed posters, leaflets, and stickers throughout the country to the Social Action Committee (SAC), other women and human rights organizations, academic institutions, government agencies including relevant Ministries, various Parliamentary Committees, and Members of the Parliament. It should be noted that Bangladesh Mahila Parishad is the Secretariat of Social Action Committee. Besides, TV Spots, to create awareness on violence against women, was telecasted on four TV channels during the fortnight. The main theme of this fortnight was ‘to build strong social resistance and consciousness against sexual harrassment, domestic violence and illegal Fatwa’. Different types of programmes were organized by BMP during this period. These were:

1. Human chain 2. TV Spots to create social consciousness against sexual harrassment, domestic violence and illegal Fatwa 3. Opinion-sharing meeting with different professionals (Govt. Officials, Law Making Body) regarding the different aspects of VAW 4. Discussion meeting on the difficulties of young men and women 5. Paralegal Training for young peoples to create awareness on preventing VAW 6. Cultural Program and Gathering

Table 3.7: International Fortnight to Resist VAW

SL. Date Venue Event 1. 26.11.2012 National Press Club, Dhaka Press Conference 2. 26.11.2012 National Press Club, Dhaka Human chain Opinion-sharing meeting with different CIRDAP Auditorium, 3. 01.12.2012 professionals & civil society members Dhaka regarding the different aspects of VAW 4. 07.12.2012 Sufia Kamal Bhaban Discussion meeting on the difficulties of

Auditorium, BMP Central young men and women Office, Dhaka Mass gathering & Cultural Programme for 5. 10.12.2012 Central Sahid Minar, Dhaka awareness raising

1.2.1-1.2.15 Rokeya Sadan

Rokeya Sadan has emerged as an essential platform of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad against VAW. BMP runs Rokeya Sadan as an inseparable part of legal activism. Women and girl children victims of violence are being given safe shelter in Rokeya Sadan and provided with food, education, nutrition, income generating training, legal assistance, psychological counselling, and entertainment facilities.Measures are taken to impart education to Sadan residents, both formal and non-formal education, as per their needs and are provided a house tutor. At present, eight residents are taking formal education at different classes from I to IX from Maghbazar Girls High School. Among them, three of the inmates are expected to sit for the coming SSC examination. Moreover, five of the residents are taking non-formal education under two house tutors. The residents of Rokeya Sadan are provided with general medication and special medical support under an appointed Medical Officer. It is worthwhile to mention that the Sadan is not a destitute home, but a rehabilitation centre. Thus, we found BMP to arrange income generating training on tailoring and cutting for the Sadan inmates. In 2012, three residents received the training. Counselling is notable necessary feature of the Sadan. It is offered at regular interval both by medical and non-medical persons. For recreation and entertainment, there are provisions of reading books, magazines and journals, playing indoor games and watching television. Extra-curricular education is another notable aspect of the Sadan. The Sadan is currently teaching songs to seven inmates with an appointed singing expert. Most of the participants are interested in cultural activities. They regularly contribute to the cultural activities of BMP and also in other organizations. Notable among them were observation of Independence Day, Victory Day, International Women’s Day, International Mother Language Day, BMP Anniversary and Anniversary of Rokeya Sadan. On the occasion of 26th Anniversary of Rokeya Sadan (2 January, 2012) a colourful cultural programme was arranged by where the inmates of the Sadan were the main performers. The programme was attended by the founding coordinator of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) Dr. Valerie Taylor as chief guest and some prominent personalities including the BMP leaders. A folder was also published as a souvenir.During the year 2012, ten monthly meetings with the residents of Rokeya Sadan were held on fixed dates. In addition, two sharing meetings were held on 2 February 2012 and 19 August 2012. In the last sharing meeting, new cloths were distributed among the residents on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. Overall, the organization achieved most of its targets in the work plan. Residents of Sadan have become efficient and interested in organizing programmes of BMP. They have got opportunity to learn about women movement in Bangladesh. They have also developed their interests about academic life as well as cultural activities. During the period of January-December 2012, twenty girls stayed in the Sadan including four new comers, while four were rehabilitated in the given timeframe. Rehabilitation of the residents remained as the main challenge until now considering the very limited scope for rehabilitation. New fields are to be explored. An important concern is that if they could not be rehabilitated in proper time, it may cause negative effect on the psychological aspect. Above all, it is necessary to make efforts for further institutionalization of Rokeya Sadan, which in turn would make it more effective and dynamic.

Component 2 Strengthening Political Empowerment of Women

olitical empowerment of women is a critical requirement for advancement of women in the society. Several organizations have been working in this area in Bangladesh, but the P 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 previous years, BMP undertook multidimensional programmes and activities in the year 2012 towards achieving political, economic and social empowerment of women in Bangladesh.

Table 3.8

Status of Achievements in Strengthening Political Empowerment of Women

Activities Achievement SL. Areas of Interventions Planned Actual Status  Sharing meeting on ‘Political Carry out advocacy and Empowerment of Women & lobby for political Role of Women MPs’ (on 4 empowerment of women February, 2012 at CIRDAP and increase women’s auditorium) participation at the 2 2.1.1 decision making levels  Mass gathering on the Achieved Programs (Political Party demand of: one-third increase leaders/women in number of the reserve seats leaders/MPs/Civil in the parliament, direct Society members/HR election & boundary re- organizations) demarcation (0n 30 Dec., 2012 at central Shahid Minar) Sharing Meeting/ Roundtable Discussion/ Press conference/Human 10 20% 2.1.2 2 Districts Chain/Street Districts Achieved Movement/Lobby at the grassroots level Meeting/ Discussion meeting on gender- Carryout lobby and Discussion at sensitive budgeting 2.1.4 advocacy for gender Achieved Central At the central Level: 02 budgeting Level: 02 (on 6 May & 17 June, 2012) Carryout lobby and advocacy for gender 10 2.1.5 19 Districts Surpassed budgeting at the Districts grassroots level Promotion of Political Central 2 programs at the central level 2.1.7 Achieved empowerment of women level: 02 (on 8 March & 7 October,2012);

and increase women’s 10 programs at the grassroots participation at the Grassroots level decision making levels level: 10 through alliance networking (Social action committee) Promote Women in Electoral Process – As per 2.1.8 Poster, leaflet, campaign -- Achieved necessity and logistic support (at all levels).

III.2.i. Details of area specific interventions under output 2

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, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has organised two notable advocacy and lobby programmes in the year 2012. On 4 February 2012, a sharing meeting on ‘Political Empowerment of Women & Role of Women MPs’ was arranged by BMP ‘Sub-Committee for Movement’ at the CIRDAP auditorium, where Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Deputy Leader of the Parliament, was present as the chief guest, while prominent economist Dr. Rehman Sobhan as the special guest. The event was presided over by BMP President Ayesha Khanom. BMP General Secretary Maleka Banu, Movement Sub-committee Secretary Rekha Chowdhury, MP Shahin Monowara Huq, MP Nilofer Chowdhury Moni, MP Tarana Halim, MP Rowshan Jahan Shathi, MP Tohura Ali, MP Shahida Tarekh Dipti were also present at the programme among others. The participants opined for the increase of the reserve seats for women up to 100 for next two election terms and demanded for direct election process at those seats. The event was attended by a total of 142 people including 8 female MPs, 22 BMP central committee leaders and 55 journalists/media personals.

By the end of the year on 30 December 2012, BMP organised a mass gathering at the central Shahid Minar on the demand of ‘one-third increase in number of the reserve seats (for women) in the parliament, direct election & boundary re-demarcation’. Including BMP central committee leaders, activists and sub-committee members, a total of about 2,500 male-female participants attended the gathering. The news of the gathering was widely circulated in a number of national dailies.

2.1.2 Activities at Grassroots Level

As per plan of the project BMP organized sharing meeting/roundtable discussions/press conference/human chain/street movement/lobby in the districts of Natore, Tangail and Kalmakanda in 2012. The central purpose of these activities was to enhance political empowerment and to increase women's participation in decision-making.

2.1.4 Carry out advocacy and lobby for gender budgeting

Gender budgeting is considered a major tool for achieving the goal of political empowerment of women. BMP maintained its strong advocacy and lobbying role in 2012 for introducing gender budgeting in Bangladesh. In this connection, two meetings were planned to be organised at the central level, which was successfully achieved in 2012.

Pre-Budget Discussion Meeting on Gender Sensitive Budget Implementation and Close Observation, 2012-13

A pre-budget discussion meeting on the necessity and challenges of ‘Gender Sensitive Budget Implementation and Close Observation’ was organised on 6 May, 2012 by the BMP ‘Sub- Committee for Movement’ at the CIRDAP auditorium. Ayesha Khanam, President of BMP presided over the meeting while Dr. M. M. Aakash, Professor, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka and Dr. Debopriyo Bhattacharya, Honorary Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue were present as special guests. Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka presented the keynote at the discussion highlighting the implementation and observation challenges of gender sensitive budget and the necessity of government intervention in the process along with civil society, media and the economists. The penal discussants Dr. Selim Raihan, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka, Pronab Saha, Editor Output, ATN News and female farmer Jahanara Begum made significant contributions in the meeting. A total of 131 participants were present at the meeting including BMP leaders, activists and media staffs. The event got considerable attention at a number of print and electronic media.

Post-Budget Discussion Meeting on Gender Sensitive Budget Allocation in the proposed National Budget, Observation and Evaluation, 2012-2013

A post-budget observation and evaluation meeting on ‘Gender Sensitive Budget Allocation in the proposed National Budget (2012-13)’ was organised by BMP on 17 June, 2012 at the CIRDAP Auditorium, Dhaka. Ayesha Khanam, President of BMP presided over the meeting while Dr. Binayak Sen, Research Director, BIDS and Shaikh Siraj, Director & Head of News, Channel I were present as the special guests. BMP General Secretary Maleka Banu made the opening remarks. Dr. Shormind Nilormi, Associate Professor, Jahangirnagar University presented the keynote speech. A total of 114 participants were present at the meeting including BMP central committee members, different sub-committee members, social activists and media staffs. The discussants emphasized on equitable budget allocation and implementation based on gender and urged for elimination of gender biases in order to attain comprehensive development. The recommendations of this meeting were sent to the Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh.

2.1.5 Carryout lobby and advocacy for gender budgeting at the grassroots level

A total of 19 district branches organised pre-budget discussion meetings, where BMP activists, political party leaders, government representatives, civil society members, media personals and people from several other professional backgrounds were present. All the programme reports were later sent to BMP central office.

Table 3.9: Grassroots Level Meeting on Gender Budgeting

For the Budgetary Year 2012-13

SL. Date Venue Session Chair 1. 23 April Mymensingh District Branch Office Ferdous Ara Mahmuda Helen 2. 24 April Municipal Hall, Tongi Anwara Begum 3. 24 April Natore Districy Branch Office Dilara Begum Parul 4. 24 April Rammohan Roy Club, Rangpur Marhamatun Nesa 5. 25 April Upazila Conference Room, Kawkhali Jahanur Begum 6. 27 April Rajshahi University, Rajshahi Professor Rashida Khalek 7. 28 April Brahmanbaria District Branch Office Shamima Khan Doli 8. 28 April Press Club, Dinajpur Azadi Hi 9. 28 April Bagerhaat District Office Farida Rahman 10. 28 April Municipal Hall, Pirojpur Monika Mondol 11. 29 April Press Club, Netrokona Suprova Sarker 12. 30 April Municipal Hall, Shwarupkathi Mira Chowdhury 13. 4 May Kumarkhali Branch Office Momtaz Begum 14. 4 May Chittagong District Branch Office Professor Latifa Kabir 15. 5 May Press Club, Borguna Nazma Begum 16. 8 May Barisal District Branch Office Rabeya Khatun 17. 9 May Jessore District Branch Office Habiba Shefa 18. 9 May Narayangonj District Branch Office Anjuman Ara Aksi 19. 16 May Rajbari District Branch Office Laili Nahar

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) Social Action Committee (the platform of 67 women, human rights and development organisations) organised a mass gathering of around 8000 (eight thousand) people at the Central Shahid Minar premises on 8 March, 2012 to celebrated the International Women’s day. Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, Honourable State Minister, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs attended the gathering as the chief guest. The objective of the mass gathering was to make the society aware of the equal rights and opportunities for women particularly in the decision making level. The internationally defined slogan of the programme was “Equity based society and State Needs Inclusion of Young Generation”. The gathering was chaired by Advocate Sultana Kamal, Executve Director, Ain- O Shalish Kendra. Shahanaz Sumi of ‘Bangladesh Nari Progoti Sangha’ and Afroza Huq Rina of ‘Nari Joty’ conducted the programme. At the Begging of the Program some prominent singers presented songs. The declaration of the gathering was announced by Umme Salma of ‘Concern Bangladesh’. After the speech of the chief guest and chair a rally was organised from Central Shahid Minar, which ended at National Press Club. The rally was participated by some Parliament Members, officers of Directorate of Women Affairs, BMP members, women rights activists, media personals and general people.Later, Social Action Committee members joined in a government sponsored discussion meeting and cultural programme in observing the International Women’s day, where the Honourable Prime Minister of People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina was present as the chief guest.

2.1.8 Promote Women in Electoral Process BMP circulated posters and leaflets, extended logistic support and conducted campaigns to promote women’s role in the electoral process.

Component 3 Intensifying Women’s Human Rights Movements through Networking

Women’s human rights movements 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. In Bangladesh, BMP has intervened in different ways towards mobilizing and forging various forces to wage an effective movement. Throughout the year of 2012 BMP remained engaged in pushing the agenda of women’s human rights as reflected in the planned outputs under this component.

Table 3.10 Status of Achievements in Intensifying Women’s Human Rights Movements

Activities SL. Areas of Intervention Status Planned Actual A. Promote and improve women reproductive and sexual health right B. Influencing policy (National health policy, PRSP national budget, national 1 Programme on educational policy) Safe Motherhood 3.1.1 1 Programme Achieved C. Campaign Day, 28th May, 2012 (Poster, leaflet, TV spot) D. Advocacy and Lobby Sharing/Discussion meeting with GO/NGO/Civil Society/Policymaker Empowerment and encouragement of young girl in sexual and reproductive health rights Central: Not 3.1.2 Discussion/Sharing/Workshop 9 Not done Achieved (Educational Programmes Institution/Workplace/Community) Central a. To review status of maternal health (Early child birth complication) b. To review of impact on sexual and Not 3.1.3 1 Issue Not done gender based violence on health Achieved c. Impact on violence on psychological health of child Discussion Meeting/Sharing Not 3.1.4 1 Programme Not done meeting/Survey/Research/Study Achieved Programme aiming for prevention of sexual diseases specially HIV/AIDS. Not 3.1.5 1 Programme Not done round table discussion/Human Chain / Achieved Rally/ Seminar/Conference

Celebration of the Observance of international women’s International day: Conduct meeting/Seminar/Sharing Women’s Day Meeting/Human Chain/Rally/Press (8March, 2012), by 3.2.1 conference for establishing 1 Programme Achieved organising mass constitutional rights of women (venue gathering & rally cost, entertainment, communications,

greeting cards, poster, materials etc.) Participants: 8,000 Observance of CEDAW day: Conduct exchange of views for situation analysis of CEDAW implementation 3.2.2 1 Programme Done Achieved (venue cost, entertainment, communications, poster, stickers, materials etc.) 2 issues (8th March: Card- Linkage and Networking with global/ 4500, Poster-18,000; 3.2.3 2 issues Achieved international Platform New Year 2013 Greetings: card- 5000)

III.3.i. Details of area specific interventions under output 3

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. In 2012, BMP scheduled one programme concerning this issue. On 28 May, 2012, ‘Health, Environment & Social Welfare Sub-committee’ of BMP successfully organised a discussion meeting on Safe Motherhood Day. The theme of the discussion meeting was – ‘Implementation of Health Rights of Young Girls for Safe Motherhood’. The meeting was chaired by BMP President Ayesha Khanam, while BMP General Secretary Maleka Banu delivered the opening remark. The programme was attended by 108 participants including the keynote presenter Dr. Muna Salima Jahan, and penal discussants Dr. Samina Chowdhury, Dr. Laila Anjuman Banu and Dr. Iffat Ara.

BMP also took initiatives at the local level on the occasion of Safe Motherhood Day, 2012. A total of 22 district branches of BMP organised discussion meetings and rally in order to promote the issue of women’s reproductive and sexual health rights.

Table 3.11 Observance of Safe Motherhood Day at the District Level

Sl. District Event Date andVenue Participants President 28th May, Discussion 1 Pirojpur Branch Pirojpur BMP 40 Monika Mondol Meeting office

28th May, Discussion Begum Samshun 2 Tangail Branch Library 45 Meeting Nahar Auditorium Discussion 28th May, 3 Mymensingh 28 Rafat Parveen Meeting Branch office Discussion 28th May, 4 Barishal 42 Anjoly Roy Meeting Branch office 28th May, Discussion 5 Kaukhali Branch District 70 Jahanur Begum Meeting Auditorium Discussion 28th May, 6 Rangpur Branch Marhamatunnessa Meeting Branch office Discussion 28th May, 7 Kumarkhali Branch 50 Hosne ara Ruby Meeting Branch office Discussion 28th May, Jebun Nahar 8 Munshiganj 28 Meeting Shilpocola Begum Discussion 28th May, 9 Rajshahi Branch 47 Meeting Branch office Discussion 28th May, 10 Narshindi Ashalata Saha Meeting Branch office Discussion 28th May, 11 Modhukhali Branch Shimu Rahman Meeting Branch office Discussion 28th May, 12 Faridpur Branch Shipra Roy Meeting Branch office Rally & 28th May, 13 Pabna Branch Discussion Gaziul Alam Branch office Meeting Discussion 28th May, 14 Rajbari Branch 47 Laily Nahar Meeting Branch office 28th May, Discussion 15 Dinajpur Branch Library Mahbuba Khatun Meeting Auditorium Discussion 28th May, 16 Kushtia Branch 42 Fatema Begum Meeting Branch office Narayanganj Discussion 28th May, Monowara 17 68 Branch Meeting School Begum Discussion 28th May, 18 Shorupkathi Branch 28 Hena Begum Meeting Branch office Discussion 28th May, 19 Bagerhat Branch 26 Farida Rahman Meeting Branch office Kolomokanda Discussion 28th May, 20 61 Sabiha Akhter Branch Meeting BRDB Auditorium Discussion 28th May, 21 Magura Branch Lipika Dutta Meeting Branch office Brahmanbaria Discussion 28th May, 22 60 Parveen Begum Branch Meeting Branch office

3.2.1 Observance of International Women's Day

BMP observed the International Women’s Day on 8 March, 2012 with great enthusiasm and active participation by the people. On this occasion BMP in its own initiative and jointly with Social Action Committee organised various programmes. The Central Movement and International Sub- Committee of BMP jointly invited the district branches to observe the day. Social Action Committee (the platform of 67 women, human rights and development organisations) organised a mass gathering of around 8000 (eight thousand) people at the Central Shahid Minar premises to celebrated the International Women’s day, 2012. Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, Honourable State Minister, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs attended the gathering as the chief guest, while Advocate Sultana Kamal, Executve Director, Ain- O Shalish Kendra chaired the programme. The internationally defined slogan of the programme was “Equity based society and State Needs Inclusion of Young Generation”. At the Begging of the Program some prominent singers presented songs. After the After the speech of the chief guest and the chair, a group led by Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, Honourable State Minister, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs joined a rally from Central Shahid Minar which ended at National Press Club. The rally was participated by some Parliament Members, officers of Directorate of Women Affairs, BMP members, women rights activists and media personals as well. However, 37 district branches of BMP also observed the International Women’s Day locally.

3.2.2 Observance of CEDAW day

The International Sub-Committee of BMP arranged a discussion meeting at the National Press Club on 3 September, 2012 to observe the International CEDAW day. Ayesha Khanam, President BMP, chaired the meeting, while BMP General Secretary Maleka Banu delivered the inaugural speech. Dr. Shah Alam, Chair, Law Commission, was present at the programme as the special guest. Including BMP central committee and sub-committee members, social activists, media personals and guests, a total of 142 people attended the discussion meeting. The International Sub-Committee of BMP also published 50,000 posters and 50,000 stickers as a part of its CEDAW Day observance. These posters and stickers were distributed to different development partners, Ministries, Social Action Committee partners, directorates, media, embassies and international organizations in home and abroad. Moreover, 21 of BMP district branches organised different programmes on the occasion of CEDAW day.

Table 3.12 Observance of CEDAW Day at the District Level

Sl. District Event Date & Venue Participants President Mymensingh Discussion 3rd September, Ferdous ara 1 Participant:35 Branch Meeting BMP office Mahmuda Kushtia Discussion 3rd September, 2 Participant:44 Fatema Begum Branch Meeting BMP office Shorupkathi Discussion 3rd September, Najnin 3 Participant:30 Branch Meeting BMP office Murshida Kumarkhali Discussion 3rd September, 4 BMP members Branch Meeting BMP office Rajshjahi Discussion 3rd September, 5 Participant:22 Rehana Begum Branch Meeting BMP office

Jessore Discussion 5th September, 6. Participant:18 Habiba Shefa Branch Meeting BMP office Chittagong Discussion 6th September, 7 Participant:25 Roma Mohori Branch Meeting BMP office Pirojpur Discussion 3rd September, 8 Participant:62 Manika Mondol Branch Meeting BMP office Discussion 3rd September, 9 Kaukhali Participant:25 Jahanur Begum Meeting BMP office Tangail Discussion 3rd September, Begum 10 Paraticipant:50 Branch Meeting Auditorium Shamsunnahar Bagerhat Discussion 3rd September, 11 BMP members Farida Rahman Branch Meeting BMP office Rangpur 3rd September, 12 Human Chain BMP members Branch BMP office Rally & Narayangonj 3rd September, Anjuman Ara 13 Discussion Participant:29 Branch BMP office Aksi Meeting Kurigram Discussion 3rd September, Nandita 14 BMP members Branch Meeting BMP office Chakrabarty Discussion 3rd September, 15 Tangi Branch BMP members Anwar Begum Meeting BMP office Magura Discussion 3rd September, 16 BMP members Lipika Dutta Branch Meeting BMP office Brahamanbar Discussion 8th September, Sayeed Samsun 17 Participant:29 ia Branch Meeting BMP office Nahar Discussion 10th September, 18 Borguna Participant:40 Baby Das Meeting BMP office Rally & 3rd September, 19 Khulna Discussion BMP members Delwar Begum BMP office Meeting

3.2.2 Motivation meeting on female and adolescent reproductive health in District level

Three meetings were held to motivate female and adolescent reproductive health in different educational institutions and central office. The first meeting was held at the St. ScholasticaSchool, Chittagong on 15 January 2012. The meeting was participated by 185 students and teachers. The second meeting was organized on 31 December 2012 at Anandamayi High School, Brahmanbaria. The third motivational meeting was held at Pangsha, Rajbari where 76 students attended in two campaigns.

3.2.3 Linkage and Networking with global/ international Platform

Strong networking is also maintained by BMP at national and the international levels with a view to effectively implement its activities for empowerment of women. BMP works jointly, bilaterally and in groups on different issue like CEDAW advocacy and report writing, drafting law, resist VAW etc.

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.

Scholarship Programme by Japan 2050

A human rights organization from Japan known as “Japan 2050” has been providing scholarship and stipend to poor and meritorious girl students in Bangladesh since 1986 through BMP. The President of Japan 2050, Kitkitatani visited BMP once with his wife. He visited the office of BMP again with a 12-member delegation. It was announced that no scholarship will be awarded in 2011, but later on this decision was cancelled. BMP has sent a report of scholarship recipients from 1995 to 2012 giving details of their present location, professional status. The names of scholarship recipients for 2011-2012 are mentioned below:

Sumi Akhter (Mymenshingh), B.Sc. (Hons.) 1st Year Bithi Ghosh (Rajbari), B.Sc. (Hons.)1st Year Nurunnahar Tania (Dhaka), B.Com (Hons.)1st Year Nusrat Jahan Pakhi (Barisal), 11th Grade Shikha Khatun (Rajshahi University Branch), 11th Grade Ruksana Hossain Putul (Tungi), 11th Grade Gulshan Afroze Jui (Kumarkhali), 12th Grade Jannatul Ferdous Nipun (Tangail), 10th grade Samjana Rahman (Faridpur) 10th grade Borsha Das Roy (Sunamganj) 8th grade

Publication and Dissemination of Greetings Card interment

In continuation of its annual tradition, BMP published New Year Cards for 2012, Greetings Card on International Women’s Day. Besides its branches and like-minded organisations within the country, the greeting cards were sent to networking partners around the globe as gestures of goodwill and recognition of collaborative efforts. Table 3.13: Motivation Meetings on female and Adolescent Reproductive health SL Date Venue Participants Resource persons/Participants 1. 15.01.12 Chittagong 185 Prof. Latifa Begum, President, District BMP Committee 2. 15.01.12 Keondia, Chittagong Archana Guha, Health Activist 3. 31.12.11 Anandamoi Girls Schoool Rakiba Begum 4. Pangsha, Rajbari 76 Dr. Anjuara Sumi Shilpakala Academy, Rajbari 200 Dr. (Brig.) Suraya Rahman 5. Sardapara, Madhukhali 35 Shamsunnahar

Component 4 Effective Functioning as a Lobby and Advocacy Agent

angladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) demonstrated enormous capacity to function as a lobby and advocacy agent of women in Bangladesh in order to establish their rights and to protect B their interests. The organisation has been visible at many important local, national and international meetings, workshops, seminars and so on. It has effectively acted as an agent of lobby and advocacy forum to sensitise the state and non-state agencies and organizations about women rights and issues. Besides, in many cases, it has been continuously drawing attention of these agencies and organisations to the plight of women.

Table 3.14 Status of Achievements in Functioning as a Lobby & Advocacy Agent

Activities Achievement SL. Areas of Interventions Planned Actual Status Total 4,974 Correspondence sent to Prime Minister’s Office, different Submit deputation and Ministries (including 4.1.1 memorandum to concerned As per necessity Achieved ‘Home Affairs’, and law enforcement authorities ‘Women and Children Affairs’), Government and law enforcement agencies Carryout Women Human Right Movement and resist VAW through alliance Networking (SAC) – 2 Programs Central Level: 1 4.2.1 Sharing Meeting/ Round Completed (3rd Achieved Grass root level: 10 table discussion/ Press February, 15th June) Conference /Human Chain / Street Movement / Lobby/ National Carry out lobby and advocacy for good governance and 1 (11th February, 4.2.2 strengthening local Sharing Meeting: 1 Achieved 11) government – Submission of memorandum Workshops at divisional level a. Awareness campaign on responsibility, 4.2.4 Grassroot level: 10 Done Achieved accountability, transparency of elected representatives at

national and local govt. tires, administration and relevant areas b. Monitoring to assess the status Documentation – Grass root 4.2.5 1 Not done Not achieved level: 10, Participants: 500 4.2.6 Survey 1 Time Done Achieved Advocacy lobby for democracy and good Governance through intensive networking e.g Social Action Committee ( Central: 1 4.2.9 Parliamentary Committees/ Done Achieved Women Caucus/ Political Grassroots : 10 Parties/ Civil Society organization) Sharing meeting / discussion / press conference 4 issues [October- December, 2011 & Publishing Mahila 4.3.1 January-March, 4 issues published Achieved Samachar April-June, July- September, 2012] 5,000 copies of first Distribute 2 issues 2 issues were (October-March): published; 2,500 Distribution of Mahila 4,613 copies copies of April-June 4.3.2 Achieved Samacher Distribute 2 issues Issue was published; (April-September): 10,000 copies of 7-8,000 copies July-September Issue was printed Publication of English 4.3.3 bulletin: brusher/ other One Not Done In progress information Materials Publication of Annual 500 copies were Annual Report 4.3.4 Report (English) & project published in March, Achieved [English] completion report 2012 Publication of Annual Annual Report 4.3.5 Not Done In progress Report (Bengali) [Bengali] 2 Issues [January- 1 Issue published 4.3.6 Publication of Journal June, July- [January-June] In progress December,, 2012] 2,000 copies 4.3.7 Poster and leaflets Conduct Advocacy/ lobby with

Media Professionals on 4.4.1 02 04 Surpassed Women’s human rights issue

with Media Professionals/

Politician/ women activities/ Professors/resource person: Discussion/Sharing meeting / Roundtable/ Seminar/ Training workshop/meet the press etc. Documentation has Documentation of above 2 reports to be 4.4.2 been processed and In progress code published in 2012 will be published soon a. Publish special supplements in national Publish 1 (One) dailies on political / Not 4.4.3 special supplement Not Done economical/ social Achieved in media empowerment of women b. Produce TV spot 4 times within 2 4.4.4 Screening on BTV On airing Achieved month in 2012 4.4.5 Networking with Media 01 01 Achieved

4.1.1 Submission of deputation and memorandum

BMP, as part of its continuous endeavour, submitted 4,974 deputation and memoranda on the similar number of incidents of VAW to the concerned authorities in Bangladesh, including 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 also issued letters to its district branches in order to take necessary steps at the local levels.

Table 3.15: Correspondence with Concerned Authorities to Resist VAW

Replies from the Reply received from Number of Incidents administration Prime Minister 14 10 Home Minister 31 7 Ministry of Women and Children Affairs 10 10 Education Minister 10 10 Inspector General of Police (IGP) - - District Commissioner (DC) 124 104 Superintendent of Police (SP) 7 7 Officer in Charge (OC) 17 17 Others 2 2 Total 215 167

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 notable programmes in 2012 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 implemented the following programmes in association with the Social Action Committee.

 Celebration of International Women’s Day on 8th March  Protest procession was held on 20 October 2012 demanding the punishment of perpetrators of the attacks on the Bhuddist temples in Ramu, Ukhia and Putia.  Reception of Nishat Majumder and Wasfia Nazreen – the first women climbers of the Everst from Bangladesh on 2 July 2012.

4.2.1 Movement through Alliance Networking (SAC)

Mahila Parishad organized a sharing meeting with women workers in different sectors on 14th January 2012 at Sufia Kamal Bhaban Auditorium at 10.30 a.m. President Ayesha Khanam presided over the meeting. Among others Maleka Banu, General Secretary, Rekha Chowdhury, Movement Secretary, attended in this meeting. About 50 women workers from different occupations like, Garments, Construction, Tannery, Day labour, Bank, T&T, PDB, Hawker etc participated in this meeting and recommended.

With the recommendations from this meeting a leaflet was prepared and send to the office of Honourable Prime Minister, Labour Minister, State Minister, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Chairman to BRTC. This leaflet was also distributed among the labour on 1st May, International Labour Day and to all district branches. On 12th February 2012 a human chain was organized for protesting the murder of couple, Sagor Sarwar, News Editor, Masranga Television and Meherunnessa Runi, Senior Reporter, ATN News. In this human Chain the President of BMP, Ayesha Khanam and Movement Secretary Rekha Chowdhury delivered their speech. About 150 organisers, staffs took part in this event.

4.2.2 Carry out lobby and advocacy for good governance and strengthening local government

A Workshop on current status of women representatives in the local government was held in Khulna on 30 November 2012. Two organizers and five women representatives from each district of Khulna division took part in the workshop. A total number of 105 women representatives participated in the workshop while the local Mmember of Parliament, Nazrul Islam Manju was present as the chief guest. The workshop played a key in understanding the problems of women representatives in their local constituencies.

4.2.6 Survey

A survey based on written questionnaire was conducted to understand the situation of local government women representatives. The sub-committee of the movement central organized this survey where 162 women from 17 districts of Bangladesh participated.

4.2.7 Workshop

A reflection workshop was held on the Report of the Survey on Current Situation of Local Government Women Representatives on 23 December 2012 at the Sufia Kamal Auditorium, BMP, Dhaka. The workshop was presided over by Ayesha Khanam, President of Central Committee and was moderated by Rekha Chowdhury, Secretary of the Movement Central Sub-Committee. The report of the survey was presented in the workshop. Participants actively discussed the findings of the survey and concluded that these findings are crtical for preparing recommendations for the government.

4.2.9 Programmes at central and grass-root levels

The Central Committee of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (movement sub-committee) organized a human Chainin front of the National Press Club on 8th April 2012. More than 200 people participated in the event demanding the punishment of the perpetrators behind the attacking on the 7 Hindu families. The speakers were Saraban Tahura, Mahanagar Secretary, Rekha Chowdhury, Movement Secretary, Dr. Fauzia Moslem, theActing President. The speakers demanded stern punishment of the perpetrators and forming an enquiry committee. A press conference was held on 29 Septemebr 2012 in protest of attacks on the Buddhist temples in Ramu, Putia and Ukhia. A statement demanding the punishment of the prepetrators was issued after the Press Conference. Subsequently, a group led by Maleka Banu, General Secretary, Finance Secretary Dil Afroze Begum, Publicity and Mass Media Secretary Kazi Sufia Akhter Shelly among others visited the affected areas and temples in Ramu. They exchanged opinions with the affted people and local elite on this matter. They also organised a symbolic human chain. Upon returning to Dhaka, BMP organised another Press Conference on 16 October 2012 at the Sufia Kamal Auditorium.The President of BMP, Ayesha Khanam moderated the conference while Maleka Banu, General Secretary of BMP delivered keynote presentation. Fifteen print and electronic media covered the conference with utmost importance to the facts and views expressed by the BMP leaders. The speakers in the conference demanded the punishment of perpetrators, compensation to and rehabilitation of the victims and awareness of the people against extremism and communialism in the society.

Human Chain in Protest of Horrifc Killings of Journalists – Sagor and Runi

The CentralCommittee of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (movement sub-committee) organized a human Chain in front of National Press Club on 12th February 2012 in protest of gruesome murders of Sagor Sarwar, News Editor of Masranga TV Channel and Meherun Runi, Senior News Reporter of ATN TV Channel, in their house. The speakers in the event strongly demanded the punishment of the killers of the young and a couple journalists who were very promising with a bright future. They were immensely dedicated to their professional duties and responsibilities.

4.3.1-4.3.7 Publication and Dissemination

During the year 2012, the period covered in the report, BMP published 4 issues of the Mahila Samacher, the quarterly journal brought out by the organization. The issues were published on October-December, 2011, January-March, 2012, April-June, 2012, and July-September, 2012 respectively. Each of the issues consisted of special features and write-ups by BMP leaders and activists on selected subjects. A total of 174,500 copies ofMahila Samacher were published and distributed among different individuals and organisations. Key issues highlighted in the Mahila Samacher are mentioned in the following boxes.

October-December 2011

 Rabindranath: This country, this time  Humanist Rokeya  Build a democratic society for women emancipation  Problems and measures for women working in the print and elecoric media

January-March 2012

 56th Meeting of UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW): Relevant Experience  Political Empowerment of Women and Role of Female MPs  Women in the Liberation War  Thoughts on International Women’s Day

April-June 2012

 The Movement for Enlightened Society and Sufia Kamal  Women’s Movement in the Subcontinent and the BMP  Gender Sensitive Budget Allocations and Close Observation in the National Budget for FY 2012-2013  42nd Anniversary of BMP  Demand for engaging the indigenous women with the main stream women’s movement

July-September 2012

 An Assessment of the Reservations of Bangladesh on CEDAW Provisions  Male-Female Equality in the Constitution and Full Ratification of CEDAW  Role of Media in Resisting Torture against Female Student  Demand for the Modification of the Existing Discriminatory Family Law

Mahila Parishad Journal 2012

The Mahila Parishad Journal has entered in its second year of publications in 2012. The first issue of the Mahila Parishad Journal in 2012 was published in the month of June. It covers a wide range of issues concering women in the society. Topics in the journal include higher education and womrn empowerment, feminism and Marxism, gender sensitive budget, etc. Other Publications  Annual Report 2011 [in English]  Situation of Sexual Harassment, Assault & Violence in Bangladesh 2011: A Social Research  International Fortnight to Resist Violence Against Women 2011  A Documentation on Activities of BMP to Resist Violence Against Women & Legal Aid [3rd Part]

4.4.1 Advocacy/Lobby on Women’s Human Rights Violence to Women Prevention and Legal Aid sub-committee regularly collect the news from 12 renowned newspapers and they preserve the relevant news by paper cutting. The trend of violence to school going is drastically increased this year. Though girls are going to school together, they are attacked with different kind of sexual harassment. They have been attacked severely if they refuse the affair related proposal from any boy/man.

On 4 June, 2012, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad organised a sharing meeting on ‘Representation of Women in Mass Media through Young Women’s Eye’with the representation of young women of

10 colleges of Dhaka city at the seminar hall of BMP. Ayesha Khanam, President of BMP presided over the meeting while Kazi Sufia Akhter, Mass Media Secretary of BMP coordinate the meeting. A total of 104 participants attended the meeting including 50 female students and 4 female teachers from 10 colleges of Dhaka city. In the open discussion part participants discussed about the negative representation of women in media. They demanded to continue this kind of meeting for changing women’s negative image represented in mass media and expressed their gratitude to Bangladesh Mahila Parishad for inviting them in such a meeting. Five national dailies and two television channels covered this programme in their news.

While the Mass Media Subcommittee of BMP frequently monitors the news published on women in the newspapers of Bangladesh, the Legal Aid Subcommittee of BMP regularly collects and preserves the relevant news from 12 renowned newspapers by paper cutting. The trend of violence against school-going female students has drastically increased in the year 2012. To raise this issue nationally and to prevent women from violence, Mass Media Sub-committee of BMP organised 3 sharing meetings at the local levels (Khulna, Jessore & Brahmanbaria) with the active participation of journalists, lawyers, teachers, human rights activists, local elite personals and elected representatives. The theme of these sharing meeting was ‘Violence against school going girl: prevention and initiative/ plane of Activities’. The sharing meeting on ‘Violence against school going girl: prevention and initiative/ plane of Activities’held on 18 July, 2012 with journalist and other professions at Khulna Purbanchal Dialogue Center, Khulna. Mamataj Begum, Vice president of Khulna district branch presided this meeting, Kazi Sufia Akhter-Mass media Secretary, Advocate Maksuda Akter Lailee – Legal Advocacy Director and Rifat Binte Zia – Program Officer also joined the meeting from Head office of BMP. Kazi Sufia Akhter-Mass media Secretary present the key note paper in this meeting and Maksuda Akter Lailee – Legal Advocacy Director present the overall violence scenario to women for 2011-2012. Rashu Akhter the general Secretary of Khulna District Branch present the welcome speech. Legal Aid secretary Popy Banerji of Khulna Mahila Parishad branch also present the current scenario of violence against women in Khulan District. Total of 35 participants have attended this meeting. Journalists of Khulna district have attended this meeting and the most remarkable thing was honorable parliament member of Khulna – 2, Mr. Nazrul Islam Manju also attends this meeting. He gave commitment to work with Bangladesh Mahila Parishad for stopping violence against women and girls in Khulna district. He also gave his commitment to establish Complain Cell in the different schools and colleges of his community. Journalist attended the meeting gave their commitment to follow up the news on violence against women and girls as well as continue their support to stop violence against school going girls. They also request BMP to arrange this type of program frequently in Khulna district. Thesharing meeting on ‘Violence against school going girl: prevention and initiatives/ plane of Activities’’ was held on 19 July, 2012 in Jessore press club, Jessore. Habiba Shefa, president of BMP Jeshore district branch presided this meeting. Kazi Sufia Akhter-Mass media Secretary, Advocate Maksuda Akter Lailee – Legal Advocacy Director and Rifat Binte Zia – Program Officer also joined the meeting from Head office of BMP. Kazi Sufia Akhter-Mass media Secretary present the key note paper in this meeting and Maksuda Akter Lailee – Legal Advocacy Director present the overall violence scenario to women for 2011-2012. Legal Aid secretary Tandra Vattacharia of Jessore Mahila Parishad branch also present the current scenario of violence against women in Jessore District. Total of 55 participants from Journalists, teachers, NGO representatives and students of Jessore district have attended this meeting. In the open discussion session, students present the types of violence happened to them. Participant recommend to journalist and NGO representatives to play more effective role to protect girls and women from violence. Participants also told to arrange this type of program frequently. A sharing meeting on ‘Protest violence to women and the role of media’ was held on 22 December, 2012 at Bramman Baria Press Club. The president of Bangladehs Mahila Parishad - Brammanbaria district branch, Salma Khandakar presided this meeting. Kazi Sufia Akhter-Mass media Secretary present the key note paper in this meeting, Lakhi Chakrabarty – Publication Secretary and Member of Mass Media Committee – Rita Bhowmik gave their speech in this meeting. Ahmed Touhid Ibne Shams, Internal Auditor of BMP head office also present this meeting. Sathi Chowdury, General Secretary of Bangladehs Mahila Parishad - Brammanbaria district brach, present the current scenario of violence against women of this district. President of Bramman Baria Press Club Sayed Mijanur Reza attend this meeting as special guest. Besides this politician Sajedul Islam, Professor Kripal Narayan Chawdhary, Ashim Kumar bardhan and hostel super Latifa Begum took part in open discussion. Participants of the meeting discussed openly about the various forms of violence happened to school going girls in their community. BMP appreciated a lot by the meeting participants to arrange such a program in their community.

4.4.3-4 Screening on BTV 4 times within 2 Months

One TV spots was screened on BTV for 4 times within 2 months. Three TV spots were screened on Desh TV, Channel I and Channel 71. These were: • Create social movement against punishment without legal judgment and Illegal Salish; • Raise awareness on Law of Prevention of Domestic Violence and Protection– 2010; • Raise awareness to stop sexual violence and harassment People took these TV spots very positively. These electronic productions have given very important messages within a very short time and it was very effective as well. Our present social problem and social crisis about women’s violence were focused in these TV spots. People from different backgrounds were able to know about the punishment of these types of violence. Each TV spot was of 1-minute duration.

4.4.5 Networking with Media

Under the intervention area of Networking with Media, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has organised one informal conversation with media professionals which was held on 3 May, 2012 at the seminar room of BMP. Ayesha Khanam, President of BMP presided over the meeting while Kazi Sufia Akhter coordinated the meeting. A total of 63 national media professionals attend this meeting and expressed their gratitude to BMP for working on establishing women’s rights in Bangladesh. They also promised to continue their wholehearted support for all the activities of BMP.

Mass media subcommittee also maintained contacts with media regularly to publish special supplement and TV Talk show on women issues to observe different important. It’s a big achievement of mass media subcommittee that the most popular newspapers of Bangladesh – The Daily Prothom Alo, regularly published the programme news of BMP.

Component 5 BMP is Further Strengthened and Developed through Capacity Building towards Sustainability and Institutionalization

he driving forces behind all successes of BMP are its general members, activists and organisers. As an organisation BMP has further improved its capacity through better skills T and knowledge of its human resources as well as institutional development. The work plan of BMP in 2012 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. In 2012, BMP undertook 2,015 programmes in which 1,898 and 117 were at district and central levels respectively. The continuing 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 3.16 Summary of Achievements in Improving Organizational Capacity

Activities Achievement SL. Areas of Interventions Planned Actual Status Paralegal Training for the 5.1.1 organisers at district & 16 Trainings 16 Trainings Achieved grassroots branch levels Divisional Training for the 5.1.2 1 Training 1 Training Achieved leaders (TOT) Conduct Legal literacy Training 5.1.3 01 01 Achieved for young women Village Watch Village Watch 5.1.4 Village Watch Training Achieved Trainings: 5 Trainings: 5 Awareness Raising Grassroots 5.1.5 Central: 04 04 Achieved Discussion Meetings Awareness Raising/Legal Sharing 5.1.6 Literacy Training for 07 Achieved Meetings: 07 Young/Students Seminar/Workshop 01 01 Achieved 5.1.7 (University/College/School) Consultation and dialogue for Achieved/ Advocacy for Implementation At least 01 5.1.8 03 Programmes Target of UFC & other laws Programme Surpassed (Concert/Docudrama & others) Advocacy for Domestication of 5.1.9 As per necessity 01 programme Achieved CEDAW Training Module Training 5.1.1 Publication (Legal Aid) – published. Module:1 Achieved 0 Training Module & Report 3rd Part of the Report: 1 Report was

newly printed, while 1st& 2nd Parts have been reprinted. Will be 5.1.1 UFC Publication 01 published in Not Done 1 2013 5.1.1 External Consultation for On going 2 Organizational Development 5.1.1 Training Need Assessment On going 3 5.1.1 Sustainability and Fund Raising On going 4 Consultant Advanced English and report 5.1.1 Partially writing skill training for staffs 5 staffs 1 staff 5 Achieved (Research & Monitoring) 5.1.1 Research Methodology 5 staffs Under Process Not Achieved 6 Training Office Management, Financial 5.1.1 Management & Computer 5 staffs Under Process Not Achieved 7 Application Training 5.1.1 Project Monitoring & 5 staffs Under Process Not Achieved 8 Evaluation 5.1.1 Project Management Course for 5 staffs Under Process Not Achieved 9 Staffs 5.1.2 Financial Analysis for Decision 5 staffs Under Process Not Achieved 0 Making Training Workshop/Seminar for Central Committee members on Project Design, Budgeting, Monitoring, 5.1.2 Evaluation, Report Writing, 1 Programme Under Process Not Achieved 1 Advocacy, Research and Consultancy, Advanced Management System and Practices Internal Audit Training for 5.1.2 Internal Auditor and Roving ------2 Accountant Increase membership – Conduct 5.3.1 Organisational meeting for 12 12 Achieved build up branch committee Conduct Training on Organizational Capacity Target 5.3.2 22 27 Building (Regular and Surpassed refreshers) 5.3.3 Organisational Tour 12 12 Achieved 5.3.4 District Conference 14 09 64% Achieved

Conduct Sharing Meeting for 5.3.5 Organiser regarding district 14 07 50% Achieved Conference Conduct Motivational Programme for women, men 5.3.6 and young women at grass root 15 15 Achieved level for raising awareness on women human rights issue Awareness raising and Motivational Programme with Target 5.3.7 08 11 young women in grassroots Surpassed level Conduct Sharing meeting with 5.3.8 01 01 Achieved women in profession Conduct Sharing Meeting with 5.3.9 01 01 Achieved Indigenous women 5.3.1 Workshop with the organisers to 01 01 Achieved 0 build up leader (at Central level) 5.3.1 Workshop with the organisers 02 02 Achieved 1 to build up divisional leader Activities to focus the strength 5.3.1 of district and grass root level 01 01 Achieved 2 branches and consolidation Organise internal annual 5.3.1 planning implementation and 01 01 Achieved 3 monitoring review/workshop 5.3.14 Publication: As per necessary Done Achieved 5.3.15 Sharing with Civil Society 01 01 Achieved 5.3.1 Memorial lecture on Founder 01 01 Achieved 6 President Poet Sufia Kamal Provide logistic support to implement organisational 5.3.1 activities and to strengthen 60 51 85% 8 district branch (Office rent + utility bills) Conduct capacity building and 1 skill development training 1 Achieved 5.4.1 Participants: 200 (Training for Trainers)

Conduct training for midlevel 1 5.4.3 1 Achieved organisers at divisional level Participants: 100

Districts: 41 Districts: 20 Conduct training for grassroots Training: 99 5.4.5 Participants: Surpassed organiser Participants: 1,800 3998 Central: 12 5.4.6 Conduct Study Circle, Debate Central: 12 Achieved Participants: 466

Research Analysis on incidents 5.4.7 01 01 Ongoing of VAW Conduct Subjective Research 1 5.4.8 01 Ongoing Study Subject-Dowry Certificate/diploma course in 01 5.4.10 01 Achieved gender study (Duration: 3 months) Participants: 24 Collect books and journals, As Per As Per 5.4.11 Achieved equipment of library Necessary Necessary Publication Research on History 5.4.12 of Women’s Movement in 01 01 Ongoing Bangladesh 5.5.1 Audit Fees & Others 01 01 Achieved Internal Audit: To ensure As Per Branch Visit: 23 5.5.2 Achieved accounts keeping Necessary Central Office: 17 Financial Training/ Office 5.5.3 02 04 Surpassed Management Training for staff: 5.6.1 Sharing with cultural activities 01 01 Achieved 5.6.2 Cultural Programme 01 01 Achieved

5.1.1-5.1.3 Training Courses

The paralegal training for the organisers at district and grassroots branch levels was held in 16 districts in which 500 organisers actively participated. It has contributed to improve skills in coordination between district and centre, resistance of VAW activities and report preparation and official record keeping. At divisional level, 57 organizers from 15 districts were trained under TOT in Dhaka through different sessions held during 7-8 September, 2012. BMP President Ayesha Khanam moderated the whole training programme, while BMP General Secretary Maleka Banu, Legal Aid Secretary Shahana Kabir and Assistant General Secretary of BMP Central Committee Adv. Masuda Rehana Begum were also present among others. Director Advocacy and Lobby (Legal Aid), Adv. Maksuda Akhter presided over the opening session. On 6 December, 2012, one legal literacy training course for young women intending to create motivation and awareness against VAW was conducted at Sufia Kamal Bhaban Auditorium which was attended by 54 trainee including 38 young men and women.

Table 3.17 Paralegal Trainings organised in 2012

SL. Branch Date Participants Trainer Adv. Maksuda Akhter 1. Faridpur 21.04.2012 30 Adv. Ram Lal Raha Adv. Dipti Rani Sikder 2. Rajbari 21.04.2012 22 Adv. George Chowdhury Adv. Dipti Rani Sikder 3. Muktagacha 05.05.2012 37 Adv. Fatema Khatun Adv. Towfiqul Islam Adv. Maksuda Akhter 4. Belabo 10.05.2012 42 Adv. Dipti Rani Sikder

Adv. Dipti Rani Sikder 5. Natore 25.05.2012 34 Adv. Afia Akhter Adv. George Chowdhury Adv. Maksuda Akhter 6. Chandpur 14.06.2012 24 Adv. Ram Lal Raha Adv. George Chowdhury Adv. Maksuda Akhter 7. Chittagong 15.06.2012 36 Adv. George Chowdhury Adv. Dipti Rani Sikder 8. Bagerhaat 15.06.2012 27 Adv. Towfiqul Islam Adv. Dipti Rani Sikder 9. Pirojpur 16.06.2012 34 Adv. Towfiqul Islam Adv.Masuda Rehana Begum Adv. Maksuda Akhter 10. Dhaka city 14.07.2012 44 Adv. Dipti Rani Sikder Adv. Ram Lal Raha Adv. Afia Akhter Adv.Masuda Rehana Begum 11. Rangamati 28.09.2012 22 Adv. Maksuda Akhter Adv. Ram Lal Raha Adv. Maksuda Akhter 12. Norshingdi 04.10.2012 25 Adv. George Chowdhury Adv. Dipti Rani Sikder 13. Kolmakanda 05.10.2012 37 Adv. Towfiqul Islam Adv. Maksuda Akhter 14. Sylhet 05.10.2012 26 Adv. George Chowdhury Adv. Dipti Rani Sikder 15. Sherpur 13.10.2012 35 Adv. Ram Lal Raha Adv. Maksuda Akhter 16. Manikgonj 10.11.2012 25 Adv. Dipti Rani Sikder

5.1.4 Village Watch Training

Training for members of Village Watch Team was organised in five districts – Faridpur, Norshingdi, Pabna, Rangamati and Brahmanbaria. Members of the central committee and district level leaders participated in these training courses. These trainings were particularly valuable to motivate local civil society members in the activities and programmes of BMP at village level. There were 143 community leaders, civil society members and activists, members of BMP central committee and district branches who attended these training programmes. It was emphasized to generate a strong social movement against VAW in every village of the country.

Table 3.18 Training for Village Watch Team Members

SL. Branch Date Venue/Place Participants Central Representatives Adv. Maksuda Akhter 1. Faridpur 21.04.12 BMP Office, Faridpur 22 Adv. Ram Lal Raha

Brahmanpara Govt. 2. Norshingdi 05.05.12 Primary School, 41 Adv. Maksuda Akhter Norshingdi Chambers of Commerce Adv. Maksuda Akhter 3. Pabna 25.05.12 36 Building, Pabna Adv. Ram Lal Raha Adv. Masuda Rehana Zila Parishad 4. Rangamati 28.09.12 22 Begum Auditorium, Rangamati Adv. Maksuda Akhter Adv. Maksuda Akhter BMP Office, 5. Brahmanbaria 27.12.12 22 Adv. George Brahmanbaria Chowdhury

5.1.5 Motivational Programme at grass-roots and central levels

The organization has been able to organize 3 such programmes at central level and 295 at grassroots level that played an important role to motivate the people both at central and grass-roots levels.

5.1.6 Awareness Raising/Legal Literacy Training for Young/ Students

BMP organised seven sharing meetings with young students in different parts of the country including Dhaka city in order to raise their awareness about different forms of violence against women. A total of 1017 participants including 912 students and 58 teachers took part in these programmes that contributed to raise their awareness about VAW and its resistance.

Table3.19 Awareness Raising Training for Young People

Sl. Date Venue No. of Participants 1. 05.05.2012 Norshingdi Govt. College 127 2. 10.05.2012 Norshingdi Baroicha College 221 3. 04.10.2012 Raipura 267 4. 14.10.2012 Dr. Sikandar Ali College, Sherpur 240 5. 17.10.2012 Dhaka City Int. College, Dhaka 52 National College of Home Economics, 6. 26.12.2012 26 Lalmatia, Dhaka Shafiqul Islam University College, 7. 27.12.2012 84 Brahmanbaria

5.1.7 Seminar/Workshop [University/College/School]

As planned, BMP organised one workshop at Ali Ahmad School & College, Khilgaon, Dhaka on 29 December, 2012. A total of 76 participants were present at the programme including 5 teachers, 67 students and 4 BMP central committee members. The focus of the workshop was to raise awareness among students and teachers about resisting sexual harassment in the society. Adv. Maksuda Akhter, Director, Advocacy and Lobby (Legal Ai), and senior lawyer Adv. Dipti Rani Sikder presented their speech in the workshop while Adv. George Chowdhury and Adv. Towfiqul Islam assisted to conduct the whole programme.

5.3.1- Organizational meeting for build up branch committee

One meeting was held at grass root level with the district participation by central organizational sub- committee and district branch committee. It creates motivation and opportunity to assemble the grassroots women under the flag of the organization.

5.3.2- Awareness and skill development training for the district organizers

The training aims at aware the district organizers of the matters like BMP’S constitution, declaration and the nature of women movement in Bangladesh. Participants can share their opinion in this meeting. As a result they feel interest to work with confidence. It reflects on their workplan and implementation process. This training is reviewed in the refresher course.

5.3.3 Organisational Tour

Organisational tour plays a significant role in strengthening and consolidating district and grassroots level organisations. It also increases communication between leaderships in the executive committee at the centre and local level. These tours enable the central leaders to observe directly the situations of district branches, trust of local people on the district leadership, capacity, skills and accountability of local activists. In the year 2012, BMP successfully materialised 12 organisational tours with 100% of achievement rate. Total 217 members participated in these tours.

Table3.20 Organizational Tour in January-December, 2012

SL. District Branch Date Participants Central Representatives Rakhi Das Purokayastha 1. Shayestagonj 20.01.12 32 Gouri Bhattacharya Maleka Banu 2. Gopalgonj 05.02.12 26 Rakhi Das Purokayastha Maleka Banu 3. Rangamati 01.03.12 14 Maksuda Akhter Rakhi Das Purokayastha 4. Chandpur 20.03.12 15 Nibedita Bashar Towheed Ibn Shams 5. Sylhet 30.03.12 9 Fouzia Moslem Maleka Banu 6. Shayestagonj 01.04.12 22 Rakhi Das Purokayastha Gouri Bhattacharya 7. Rangamati 13.04.12 10 Rakhi Das Purokayastha Rakhi Das Purokayastha 8. Jessore 18.05.12 11 Sheema Moslem Rakhi Das Purokayastha 9. Savar 06.06.12 25 Fouzia Moslem 10. Narayangonj 18.06.12 4

Maleka Banu 11. Bogra 27.06.12 23 Rakhi Das Purokayastha Dil Afroz Begum Maleka Banu Rakhi Das Purokayastha 12. Moulovibazar 29.06.12 26 Fouzia Moslem Rekha Saha

5.3.4 District Conference

According to the constitution of the organisation it is necessary to organise district branch conference in every three year. All programmes and activities of district branches of BMP in the last three years are presented at those conferences. Work-plan and its implementation procedure are also reviewed in those sessions. The organisation maintains order and continuity by forming a new Executive Committee through these conferences. In 2012, BMP planned to hold 14 district branch conferences, but the target could not be achieved as 9 such conferences were organised. The number of participants in these conferences was 1,565 persons. The rate of achievement is 64 percent.

5.3.5 Sharing Meeting for Organizers regarding district Conference

Generally, the central leaders organise sharing meetings with the district level organisers to exchange views before holding the district conferences. In 2012, BMP planned 14 such meetings, but it could organise only 7 meetings. The reasons for gap in achievement were lack of preparations and personal problems of the organisers.

5.3.6 Motivational Programme for women, men and young women at grass root level for raising awareness on women human rights issue

Fifteen motivational programmes with women, men and women at grass roots level were organised in various parts of Bangladesh against fifteen as planned, which means 100% success was achieved in this particular area. The number of participants in these discussion meetings was 830 representing central and district level leaders, professionals and youth community. The central purpose of these meetings is to make it acceptable to family and society that woman workforce is a major instrument of development. It was also felt that they should not only support women human rights movement, but also involve as associates in the movements.

5.3.7 Awareness raising and Motivational Programme with young women at grass root level

In 2012, with the active initiatives of Central and District branches 11 motivational programmes were arranged against 8 such programmes planned. The primary focus of these meetings with young women at grassroots level was to motivate them about women movement through making them understand the present condition and status of women, achievements, crisis, and prospects. The participants shared their experiences of daily lives, problems they face at home and outside including educational institutions. A total of 809 people participated in these motivational meetings.

5.3.8 Sharing meeting with Women in profession Professional women’s roles are very important in achieving success in women’s movement. It is significant to learn from them about their experiences in working places. The nature of problems, crises and limitations faced by professional women are different from those problems faced by other women. BMP thinks that active members of the organisation often come from professional women. The organisation planned to arrange one sharing meeting with professional women in 2012 what they were able to achieve. Fifty-five professional women participated in that meeting.

5.3.9 Sharing Meeting with Indigenous women

On 11 June, 2012, BMP organised a sharing meeting with the indigenous women at the Sufia Kamal Bhaban auditorium as planned. A total of 30 participants from Chakma, Garo, Khashia, Bom, Tripura, Malo and Monipuri community attended the meeting. The purpose of this meeting was to integrate the indigenous women to the mainstream women’s movement by addressing the rights of indigenous women, their demands and the scenario of oppression against them. Through this sharing meeting most of the indigenous women came out with a positive commitment to work closely with BMP.

5.3.10 Workshop with the organisers to build up leader

A workshop was organised on 11 may, 2012 where 29 participants were present including central organisation sub-committee members, divisional organisers and central leaders. This meeting was intended to create BMP as a strong and effective organisation at central, district and grassroots levels. Considering this broad objective the participants in this meeting indentified the specific challenges, obstacles and limitations of BMP as an organisation, and provided necessary recommendations to run the organisation following its principles and goals.

5.3.11 Workshop with the organizers to build up divisional leader

Two workshops were planned to organise to develop leadership among the divisional members. Accordingly, BMP was able to arrange two workshops at Chittagong and Rajshahi in 2012 with 169 participants. These workshops emphasized the need to formulate a proper strategy to face internal and external challenges of organisers and BMP in the next five years. It also focuses on the question of enhancing skills of organisers in meeting the demands of time. The workshops were also intended to increase the scope of BMP as an organisation at the districts and grassroots levels. Following the workshops it was observed that a sizeable number of organisers started to demonstrate positive change in their attitudes.

5.3.12 Activities to focus the strength of district and grass root level branches and consolidation

It was planned that BMP would observe an ‘organisational month’ (1-31 December) through organising programmes simultaneously in all districts. Accordingly, in 2012 it organised 379 programmes with 22,527 participants. The purpose of this activity is to strengthen and consolidate the organisation from the centre to the grassroots. Another significant aspect of this particular activity is to assess the capacity of the organisers to arrange and run different programmes at different levels of the organisation. As part of major activities during this organisational month, BMP organised sharing meetings with its general members, membership collection & renewal programmes, organisational trainings, and women farmer’s gathering and meeting. In 2012, BMP specifically intended to incorporate female farmers with the mainstream women’s movement, which was the most significant aspect of this year’s activities.

Women Peasants’ Rally

A rally of Women Peasants in the division of Dhaka was held on 7 December 2012 in front of the National Shaheed Minar at 10:00 am organized by the Central Committee of BMP (Movement Sub-Committee). At the same time, such a rally was held in Chittagong. The rally with the slogan of “Equal opportunities for equality” was presided over by Ayesha Khanam, the BMP President. On behalf of organization, Maleka Banu, the BMP Secretary delivered her speech while the movement secretary Rakhi Das Purokaistha delivered welcome remarks. The rally was addressed by seven women farmers – Mushroom farmer from Savar, Shilpi Akter; Masuda Begum from Munshiganj; Josna Begum from Tungi; Nargis Akhter from Raipur; Shilpi Begum from Belabo; Akter Banu from Narshindi; and Peara Begum from Narayanganj. The rally accepted a charter of demands with overwhelming support from the participants and orgnisers. These demands included inclusion of women’s labour in agriculture in national GDP through proper valuation; recognition of women labour in food production; ensuring access of women to marketing; removing gender disparity in wages of women labour in agriculture; distribution of Agriculture Card to genuine women farmer; ensuring rights and participation of women members of family in land management; land rights of indigenous women; and ensuring participation of women farmers in modern agriculture technology related trainings, etc. The rally created awareness among the women farmers who are extremely deprived in the society.

Table3.21 Implementation of Activities as part of Organisational month (December, 2012)

SL. Activities Implementation Status Participants Membership collection & renewal 1. marking the beginning of the 38 Districts 2593 ‘Organisation Month’ Sharing meetings with the general 131 programmes at 2. members (Every Upazila/Thana, 5761 40 Districts Union, Village, Para) Organisation training 100 programmes at 3. (Every Upazila/Thana, Union, 3014 31 Districts Village, Para) Meeting with the female workers 47 programmes at 4. involved in agricultural activities 2845 27 Districts (at district level) Female farmer gathering at the 5. 6 Divisions 5565 (approx.) divisional level Closing of ‘Organisation Month’ 37 programmes at 6. 2564 by observing activists’ meeting 35 Districts Renewal of membership for old Renewal:3429 7. members and collection of new 20 Districts New: 3390 members

5.3.13 Organize internal annual planning implementation and monitoring review/workshop [National Council Meeting, 2012]

BMP organised the National Council Meeting (Internal Annual Planning Implementation and Monitoring Review Meeting) at the BIAM Auditorium, Dhaka during 17-18 February, 2012. A total of 426 participants including 259 national council representatives from 54 districts attended the meeting. Adv. Rotna Begum, Jowshan Ara Rahman and Ambassador of Royal Norwegian Embassy Miz Rangane Birte Lund were present at the council as special guests. Ayesha Khanam, President of BMP, chaired the first day sessions, while Nargis Jafar, Vice-president of BMP, chaired the second day meeting. The topics of commission-based discussion meeting on the second day were:  Leadership of the Organisers: Organisational Planning and Management  Leadership of the Organisers: Financial Planning and Management  Resistance of VAW Movement: Experience and Execution  Prospects and Challenges of BMP as a Voluntary Organisation  Enhancing Skills of Organisation and Organisers  Problems and Solutions in Implementation of Women Rights for Different Communities (Hindi, Buddhist etc.)  The Nature of Activities, Methods, Experiences and Solutions for Resisting VAW

5.3.14 Publications

Report on the National Council Meeting 2012 is in the process of publication.

5.3.15 Sharing with Civil Society: 42nd Anniversary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad

The Bangladesh Mahila Parishad celebrated its 42ndfounding anniversary centrally on 19 April 2012 at the BIAM Auditorium, Dhaka. The slogan of the 42nd Anniversary was bahubaichitrer sanskriti dharan kori, samatar lokkhe andolon gari (Uphold culture of diversity, movement for equality). To observe the anniversary a sharing meeting was organised where over 500 participants were present. The members asserted that the women’s movement had been considerably strengthened by the achievements of women. In this connection, BMP honoured the Bangladesh Female Cricket Team for their performance in the ICC Female World Cup Qualifier-2011 and achieving One-day Cricket status. The programme was presided over by BMP President Ayesha Khanam who emphasized continuous endeavour of womenand said that the women should carry on their movement to establish a ‘just society”. In her welcome speech, Maleka Banu, BMP General Secretary, expressed her gratitude and respect to all women leaders including the founder of BMP, Poet Sufia Kamal. She highlighted the achievements of BMP for the last 42 years in establishing women’s human rights, gender equality and political empowerment. He also underscored the need for strengthening and expanding the movement.

In her address as the chair of the session, Ayesha Khanam, BMP President highlighted the achievements of women in Bangladesh, particularly grassroots organisers. She asserted that Bangladesh Women Cricket Team is the symbol of ultimate success. She stated that BMP had been a catalyst force behind all legal reforms and achievements of women in Bangladesh over the last four decades. The history of women rights movement and the history of BMP are closely related. She resolved that BMP would remain ever vigilant to advance emancipation women in Bangladesh. She emphasised the trial of war criminals to establish women humn rights. She felt the need for widening space for women in the society. The BMP Organizing Secretary, Rakhi Das Purukaisthya read the Declaration of Organization. In the declaration she mentioned that the advancement of women in Bangladesh has drawn global attention. BMP has contributed to achieve rights and status of women in the society of Bangladesh. The biggest challenge for women empowerment and gender equality is the lack of political will of the government to implement its promise to women.

Apart from the meeting organized at the central level, various district branches of BMP arranged special programmes to celebrate the occasion. The day was observed at district level on 4th April 2012.The programmes at the district levels include discussion meetings, rally, assembly, candle lighting, cultural programme, etc. As many as thirty seven district branches celebrated the foundation day. Given the special significance of the day, initiatives were taken to telecast talk shows and discussions in different satellite channels and to publish special features, articles and supplements in national dailies. It may be noted that BMP representatives participated in different talk show in TV channels.

5.3.16 Memorial Lecture on Poet Sufia Kamal

The Memorial Lecture on Poet Begum Sufia Kamal was held on 20 June 2012 at BIAM auditorium to celebrate 100th birth anniversary of Poet Sufia Kamal. This memorial lecture was planned to reflect on the contribution of Poet Begum Sufia Kamal, a pioneer in women emancipation movement and founder of BMP. The Lecture was arranged to pay homage to poet Begum Sufia Kamal on the occasion of her 101stbirth anniversary. Since its inception in 1970, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) has been working to protect women’s rights through establishing a democratic, secular, discrimination-free family, society and state. With the slogan, Women’s Rights are Human Rights, BMP has been working on voluntary basis for more than four decades and pioneering the women’s movement in the country. Sufia Kamal, the icon of women’s rights, was the founder president of BMP. Through her penning and social work, Sufia Kamal protested against communalism and religious fundamentalism to build a class-free society. This program was chaired by Ayesha Khanam, President, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad and welcome speech was delivered by Maleka Banu, BMP general secretary. Litterateur Morshed Shafiul Hasan, the keynote speaker of the discussion, delivered a remembrance lecture titled “Movement for Enlightened Society and Poet Sufia Kamal”

5.4.1 Conduct capacity building and skill development training Training of Trainers [TOT]

On 21-23 June, Training, Research and Library Sub-committee of BMP organized a TOT titled ‘Training of the Trainers on Awareness Raising & Capacity Building for the Empowerment ofWomen’ at BIAM Auditorium in Dhaka. This training was organized for the trainers at the grassroots levels.BMP President Ayesha Khanam presided over the session. A total of 200 persons from 49 districts were presentat training. The training focused on different aspects of gender concept covering topics such as social and cultural aspects, history of women’s movement, women’s rights in existing law and the Constitution of Bangladesh, gender sensitive budget, women’s movement in the sub-continent and BMP, CEDAW and concept of concept of Advocacy & Lobby and it’s application in the activities of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. The programme was facilitated by Rasheda Akther, Professor, Department of Anthropology, Jahangir Nagar University, Dhaka; Aeyesha Banu, Associate Professor, Department of Gender& Women Studies, University of Dhaka; Adv. Kamrul Haque Siddique, Bangladesh Supreme Court; Dr. Kaniz Siddique, Profesor & Consultant (Economics); Shima Moslem, Secretary, Training, Research & Library Sub-committee;

Ayesha Khanam, President, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad; Rakhi Das Purakayastha, Secretary, Organization Sub-committee.

5.4.3 Conduct training for mid-level organizers at divisional level

On 17-19 May 2012, Training, Research and Library Sub-committee of BMP organized a Divisional Training titled ‘Training on Awareness Raising & Capacity Building for the Empowerment of Women’ at BACHTE SHEKHA Auditorium in Jessore. 5 Central committee members were presented there. 2 renowned person of Jessor district were presented. A total of 100 participants from 8 districts – Jessor, Magura, Bagerhat, Kustia, Jhenidha, Satkhira, Khulna, Kumarkhali - attended in the training. The training focused on the following issues:

 Women’s Movement in the perspective of Sub-continent and Bangladesh Mahila Parishad  Concept of Gender, Empowerment of Women and Women’s Movement1  International Initiatives to establish Women’s Right and CEDAW: In the Perspective of Bangladesh  Concept of Advocacy & Lobby and it’s appliance in the activities of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad  The Principles & Activities of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad in the light of Memorandum & Declaration  Role of Organizers to implement the activities of Organization  Right of Women in the constitution and existing law  Sequential Activities to Resist Women’s Violence

Facilitator of the training courses  Shima Moslem, Secretary, Training, Research & Library Sub-committee  Adv. Masuda Rehana Begum, Secretary, Legal Aid Sub-committee  Rakhi Das Purakayastha, Secretary, Organization Sub-committee  Rina Ahmed, Member, Training, Research & Library Sub-committee  Adv. Debahuti Chakrabarti, Member, Central Committee, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad

5.4.5 Conduct training for grass root Organizer

BMP conducted trainings for grass roots 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. But the eminent persons like Lawyer, Professor, Researcher of that area, became interested regarding BMP and provide training on their relevant area. In 2012, total 99 training has been conducted in 41 districts and the numbers of the participants were 3998. Curricula for all the training programmes were based on the training modules developed by the center.

5.4.6 Conduct Study Circle, Debate

To enlighten and encourage younger in mainstream women’s movement, raising awareness regarding women’s rights as well as human rights, gender issues, prepare activist etc, Study Circle can be a good via. From this perspective Study Circle conducted in every month.

1 Since Dr. Ainoon Naher, Professor, Dept. of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University could not attend at training, Shima Moslem, Secretary of Training, Research& Library Sub-committee of BMP, presented her papers.

In 2012, the numbers of centrally organized study circles were 12 in which 466 young men and women took part. In another part, 82 study circles have been conducted in 25 districts where the numbers of participants were 3294. Issues that featured in the study circle included Importance of Language Movement, International Women’s day, Stop Sexual Harassment & Stalking, Biography of groundbreaking Women, CEDAW, women’s movement etc.

To bring new dimensions, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad took initiatives to conducted study circle in various colleges from June 2011 (also organized indoor study circle). Other reasons behind College Study Circle are – i) to increase the participants, ii) to make aware & sensitive, adolescent and young boys, regarding gender issues and iii) get involved more young people (both boys and girls) with the organization.

Table 3.22 Study Circle conducted in following colleges in 2012

Issues of No. of S. N. Date Name of the College Discussion Participants National College of Home Economics, 1. 1. 26/06/2012 Open Discussion 18 Lalmatia, Dhaka 2. 2. 19/07/2012 Dhaka College, New Market, Dhaka. Do 134 3. 3. 09/10/2012 Lalmatia Mahila College Do 122 4. 4. 14/10/2012 T & T University college Do 59 5. 5. 10/12/2012 Agrani School & College Do 25

Table 3.23 Study Circle conducted in 2012

Conducted Area No. of Study Circle No. of Participants Central level 12 466 District level 82 (25 districts) 3294 Total 92 3760

Amass of Young Girls

To make young girls aware, exchange their views and encourage them through the experience of other young women’s activities, initiatives and experiences, we organized a program Amass of Young Girl on 13thMarch, 2012. In this program, we invited three young girls as guest to know their experiences –

1. Farzana Yesmin, Student of Eden College – She made an example in society with protesting dowry in her own marriage. 2. Nazma Ara Begum Popy (Handicap), Coordinator, ADD – Though she is blind, she has completed her education, doing jobs and able to move alone and work independently. She also organized handicap women for their rights.

3. Nishat Chakrabarty – She is the 1st women of Bangladesh who victory the highest hill of the World Mount Everest.

Discussion Meeting with Home Economics College, Azimpur, Dhaka

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad as leading organization of Women Movement in Bangladesh, included in the syllabus of department of Child Development and Social Relation of Home Economics College. So 4th Year students of the relevant department of Home Economics College come to visit and know regarding Bangladesh Mahila Parishad and its activities, every year to fulfill their partial study.

Table 3.24 List of Participants of Home Economics College

Serial No. Date Name of the College No. of Participants 1. 1. 13/05/2012 National college of Home Economics 26 2. 2. 17/06/2012 Home Economics College (Govt.) 40 3. 3. 16/10/2012 Bangladesh Home Economics College 26 92

5.4.7 Research Analysis on Incidents of VAW

Research Analyses on incidents of VAW is continuous process. Data is collected from daily Newspaper (14) of 2012 and then all data is coded in Coding Framework. Then it will be analyzed. After the completion of coding (till December) all of the data will be accumulated to analyze.Research report on incidents of VAW of 2011, published in 2012 and the title of the report was ‘Situation of Sexual Harassment, Assault and Violence in Bangladesh 2011’. Data was collected from 14 daily newspapers. Research report has been distributed among all district branches, journalist, Social science dept. (12) of Dhaka University, Members of Social Action Committee, various research organizations, like - BIDS, RIB and NGOs & INGOs like UNWomen, Unicef, TIB etc.- who work on women and child issues.

5.4.8 Conduct Subjective Research Study

Subjective Research Study is on the process and the subject of the Research is “Dowry”. Dr. Ainoon Naher, Professor, Dept. of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University and member of Training, Research and Library Sub-committee, is working as Principal Researcher. In this research data will be collected from 210 people and 50 case study will be conducted. In initial stage, literature is reviewing and data is collected from branch level to select study are.

5.4.10 Certificate/diploma course on Gender, Women Empowerment and Development [time duration 3 months]

Certificate course on Gender, Women Empowerment and Development has been implemented successfully for 2nd time. The Programme has been started from 4thOctober 2012 and continued till 17thJanuary 2013. On 17th January certificate was provided among the participants of the course. Eminent Educationist & Researcher Dr.Rownak Jahan was present as Chief Guest and President of BMP, Ayesha Khanam presided the program.

Total 24 participants were attended in this year and all of them were professionals except 1 student. Participants were from some leading organization, like, Action Aid Bangladesh, Ain O Salish Kendro, Room to Read, SME Foundation etc.

Teachers of University of Dhaka and Jahagirnagar University, Researchers of BIDS & CPD, Women Activist and Professionals, that means, experts on relevant areas are the resource persons of certificate course.

5.4.11 Collect books and journals, equipment of library:

Number of the books bought in the year 2012 is 46. The books are regarding the issues of development, women development etc and from national and international publications. Besides, journals, books, reports which got from different organizations are preserved in reference section. In 2012, number of reference is 101.

Table 3.25: Number of Study Circle & Participants, 2012

Conducted Area No. of Study Circle No. of Participants Central level 5 92 District level 22 311 Total 27 403

Table 3.26 Date, Place, Issue& Participants of Study Circle

No. of Date Place Issue Participants 17/01/2012 BMP Auditorium Open Discussion 18 31/01/2012 Do Do 11 01/03/2012 Do Do 09 29/05/2012 Do Do 08 26/06/2012 National Home Economics Do 46 College, Lalmatia, Dhaka 12/01/2012 Faridpur Importance of Language Movement 14 09/02/2012 Do Do 14 01/03/2012 Do International Women’s day - 14/01/2012 Sawrupkathi Literature of Begum Rokeya 25 23/01/2012 Jessor Uniform Family Code 40 15/01/2012 Bagerhat Organizational Memorandum & 26 Declaration. 17/04/2012 Madhukhali Movement Against Slavery 11 08/05/2012 Do Stop Sexual Harassment & Stalking 15 03/06/2012 Do Biography of Sufia Kamal 15 06/06/2012 Do Do 15 19/04/2012 Faridpur Foundation day and Activities of BMP - 17/06/2012 Do Biography of Sufia Kamal - 17/04/2012 Rangpur Biography of Sufia Kamal And - Movement Against VAW

20/04/2012 Dinajpur CEDAW - 24/05/2012 Do Biography of Sufia Kamal 13 11/05/2012 Narayanganj Organizational Memorandum & 10 Declaration. 19/05/2012 Tangail  Organizational Memorandum & 30 Declaration.  International Women’s Movement  Biography of Sufia Kamal and Begum Rokeya 18/06/2012 Jessor Biography of Sufia Kamal 27 27/06/2012 Swarupkathi Biography of Sufia Kamal 16 21/04/2012 Kawkhali Sufia Kamal 10 25/05/2012 Do Women’s Health for Safety 15 21/06/2012 Do Sufia Kamal 15

5.4.12 Research Publication

BMP published a report on International Fortnight to Resist Violence Against Women, 25 November 10 December 2011 in 2012. It published the second edition of report on Nari Nirjatan: Protirodh and Ain Shayata Karjakram Protibadon (Gender Violence: Resistance and Legal Aid Activities) in October 2012.

Chapter IV

Interventions beyond Planned Outputs

lthough it is not unusual to experience variations in achieving the targets of a project, BMP has particularly focused on this issue considering the fact that objective conditions in A Bangladesh have forced the organization to undertake new measures to achieve the larger goals of the organization. Obviously, these measures were undertaken beyond the planned outputs. 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 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 2012. In this context, some critical factors may be briefly introduced to understand the scenarios against which women development and empowerment issues are pursued in Bangladesh. First, it is widely recognized that although the women movement has achieved its success in the past 100 years, women continue to suffer from unequal power relations between men and women in public and private life. Empirical studies violence against women clearly demonstrates that it occurs within the broad context of unequal power relations. Second, patriarchy and men’s control over women play a crucial role in sustaining an environment of discrimination and exploitation. It is observed that male dominance has ideological and material bases while there is a pervasive presence of women’s subordination. In the society men use violence when male authority is threatened. Third, culture and social practices exacerbate the conditions of violence against women. The politicization of culture in religious “fundamentalisms” poses serious challenges to women’s rights. Forms of harmful traditional practices such as polygamy and polyandry, witch hunting, child marriage and forced marriage, unmatched marriage, practices whereby women of low status are born into prostitution, dowry-related death, human trafficking, and forced commercial sexual exploitation of the girl child and women become widely visible in the society. Fourth, economic inequalities play a critical role behind gender discrimination in Bangladesh. Women cannot enjoy equal rights and opportunities in real life although the Constitution of Bangladesh recognizes the same. Women are generally discriminated in employment, work places and asset ownership. Restrictions on women’s control over economic resources constitute a form of family violence. Finally, causal and risk factors for subordination of women include use of violence in conflict resolution, legal doctrines of privacy of the home and family, state inaction, social and economic status, individual histories of exposure to violence and individual types of behavior. Empirically speaking, Bangladesh has been witnessing a rising trend in various forms of VAW in the recent times. The BMP study based on 64 districts and 15 national newspapers shows that violence against women and murders of women have increased in 2012. During January-December 2012, 5616 women had been subject to VAW. Seventeen women committed suicide while 106 women were murdered after rape. Victims of Fatwa, trafficking of women, acid burn, torture in police custody, and torture on maid servants also took place. The failure to ensure direct election to women members of the National Parliament and to increase researve seats of women to one-third of total number of MPs have also deprived women from taking part activey in the national policy making process. Above all, grassroots realities reveal that women are being faced with different obstacles from legal to cultural to establish their rights and dignity in the society. It must be mentioned Bangladesh has also achieved positive changes in some social indicators such as enrolment rate at elementary level, infant mortality, and maternal health, the overall context remains challenging for women in Bangladesh.

Identifying the Gaps between planned and actual outputs

Against this backdrop, BMP has implemented the planned programmes of its project for women’s empowerment and development in Bangladesh. In implementing the project activities, the organisation has achieved a considerable degree of success in every component. It has achieved all planned outputs in component one and component two of the project activities.In most cases BMP fully implemented all programmes and activities it planned throughout the year. It has been observed that the organization has even achieved more than those of planned. For example, in many cases it achieved 200% of its targets. However, while observing the relationship between the planned and actual outputs, one may find some gaps in terms of achievements of targets.

Component 3 Intensifying Women’s Human Rights Movement through Networking

BMP has shown some difficulties in achieving targets in all areas of intervention under this component. It has not been able to implement all activities planned in few areas of intervention such as empowerment and encouragement of young girl in sexual and reproductive health, reviewing status of maternal health, sharing meetings, and programme aiming for prevention of sexual diseases specially HIV/AIDS. BMP has been particularly successful in strengthening linkage and networking with global and international platforms.

Component 4 Effective Functioning as Lobby and Advocacy Agent

BMP achieved almost all planned outputs planned in 2012 under this component. It has undertaken several programmes and activities to play an effective role as lobby and advocacy agent. However, it fell short of achieving the targets in interventions such as awareness campaign, publishing supplements in national dailies on political / economical/ social empowerment of women, and producing TV spot.

Component 5 Improving Organizational Capacity

BMP implements a large number of planned programmes and acitivities in each year of the project in order to improve its organizational capacity. In 2012 BMP achieved the targets in a wide ranging areas of interventions. However, BMP could not achieve targets in few sub-sectors of interventions. It has not been able to publish Legal Aid Update Module regularly. It lags behind UFC publication, update volume. It has achieved 50% targets in organizing sharing meetings for district conferences and awareness and motivational programme with young women at grass-roots level. It could not finish financial and office management trainings for the staff.

Unplanned activities

With increasing expansion of BMP, the organisation strengthened its presence all over the country. Given the changing socio-economic conditions the organisation moved beyond the planned programmes and activities in 2012. The major unplanned activities are mentioned in this section. Beyond the project planned activity, the mass media subcommittee actively organised different programme/movement by the central committee of BMP such as International Women’s Day celebration, birth and death anniversary of poet Sufia Kamal, International Human Rights Day, Safe Motherhood Day etc. To celebrate these memorable days, mass media subcommittee collected write ups from district branches of BMP which were subsequently published in local and national newspapers. Mass media subcommittee regularly communicated with both print and electronic journalists as well as prepared and sent press releases to cover all the programme news by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.

Realisation of Dower, Maintenance and Other expenses

BMP has been able to realise Tk. 5,227,901 as dower, maintenance and other expenses for divorced women through different district branches of Bangladesh. It has also realised Tk. 1,452,450 for the same purpose through the grassroots branches of BMP.

Social Welfare

The Health, Environment and Social Welfare Sub-Committee undertook several programmes and activities in 2012 for raising awareness and supporting people in crisis. BMP involved in social welfare activities in 2012 in providing winter cloths to the poor, helpless and marginalized women in different parts of Bangladesh. It covered 6 district branches to distribute winter cloths, which are – Barisal, Jessore, Rajshahi, Dinajpur, Pirojpur and Narshindi.

Table 4.1 Social Welfare Activities of BMP

Date Places Items 20.01.2012 Kawkhali Distribution of cloths, blankets, medicines 31.01.2012 and arranging health checkups. 26.02.2012 10.03.2012 19.05.2012 06.02.2012 Jessore Distribution of blankets December 2011 Rajshahi Distribution of blankets to February 2012 31.12.2012 Dinajpur Distribution of blankets 22.01.2012 Pirojpur Distribution of winter cloths Narshingdi

Human Resource Management

Human Resource Management is the dynamic process of competency through knowledge, skills, talents, creative abilities and capacities of the people in the organization over a period of time. It also needs continuous improvement to keep pace with the changes in context and forces external to the organization. Approved recruitment rules, promotion procedures, leave rules, service rules and other related rules and regulations are followed, implemented, monitored and updated in developing Bangladesh Mahila Parishad as a transparent, democratic and sustainable institution.

Recruitment

In recruiting capable, talented and sincere people with high potential to become dedicated and disciplined worked force, BMP constituted a high powered recruitment board comprising of President, Vice President, General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary, Secretaries and technical experts. The process of recruitment includes advertisement in the national dailies for attracting competent people, scrutinizing, and short listing. Prior to selection different aptitude tests and in- depth interviews are done and people are recommended to be employed. Based on Recruitment Board’s recommendation Central Committee approves all recruitments. During the reporting period the vacant position mentioned below were filled up as per BMP recruitment rule:

Central Office

1. Chief Accountant 2. Accountant (Roving) 3. Program Officer (Facts Finding) 4. Program Officer (Organization) 5. Research Officer 6. Senior. Lawyer 7. Jr. Officer 8. Program Officer (Networking) 9. Program Officer (Organization) 10. Jr.Program Officer ( Organization) 11. Jr. Program Officer 12. Documentalist/Librarian 13. In Charge-IG(Assistant Officer) 14. Receptionist 15. Store keeper 16. Tutor (Rokeya Sadan) 17. Driver 18. Guard 19. Cook 20. Assistant Cook

District Branch Offices

1. Program Executive for Branch- Rangamati 2. Program Executive for Branch- Chittagong 3. Program Executive for Branch- Kumarkhali 4. Program Executive for Branch- Belabo

5. Program Executive for Branch- Rajbari 6. Program Executive for Branch- Sunamgonj 7. Program Executive for Branch- Barishal 8. Program Executive for Branch-Pirojpur

Administrative Capacity Building

1. Monthly Meeting on Administrative issues before monthly staff meeting: eight meetings have been held during the reporting period. 2. Monthly Staff Meeting: Nine meetings have been held during the reporting period. 3. Half Yearly Staff Meeting: One meeting has been held during the reporting period. 4. Regular Morning Meeting 5. Orientation Meeting: Two meetings have been held during the reporting period. 6. Staff Supervision 7. Annual and periodical Evaluation

Staff Capacity Building

Training:

1. Three months Certificate Course on Gender, Women Empowerment and Development had been arranged and five staff participated in this with outside participants. 2. Three trainings on Financial Management have been arranged in Central Office and another was arranged at divisional level in Rajshahi District.

To establish a good coordination between concerned members and officials towards implementing a well managed administration Central Committee has assigned a team of seven members comprising organizational members and officials.

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 any laps identified by the external auditor in BMP’s accounting system, BMP has been working acutely to implement the recommendations put forward by External Auditors. BMP has adopted the Accountings Software (Tally).

Financial Governance

Financial Governance, being sensitive area, was viewed to be of more 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 Accounting Department to prepare financial planning and to monitor all financial activities in a timely manner. Finance committee sits regularly at least once in a month to discuss and monitor the monthly progress of accounting and financial activities. BMP maintains budgetary control over all sorts of expenditures. Variances are also analyze in a timely manner giving further efforts to Financial Management Process.

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.

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.

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 administrative 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 must ensure that items procured conform to the requirements of the Project and that the guidelines and the procedures of BMP and development partner.

Mid term Review

Mid term review of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has been commissioned by Norad. The review was carried out from 17th Novenmber to the 1st of December 2012 by three consultants, Salma Akhter, University of Dhaka, Nurul Wahab, Partner Wahab & co, and Marit Haug, team leader. The team carried out a number of group interviews and focus group discussions, in small and large groups, with volunteers, members and staff of BMP, as well as with stakeholders in the human rights field nationally and locally in Sunamganj and Belabo. The report has made many good suggestions and recommendation and BMP chalked out an implementation plan and strategy to implement those recommendations.

Chapter V

Impact of BMP Programmes and Activities in Bangladesh

MP has made a great impact on the society through its multifarious programmes and activities. The organization has substantially contributed to women’s empowerment and B justice in Bangladesh, which has transformed BMP into a pioneer and frontline women organizationand movement in the country. The history of women’s movement in Bangladesh is the history of BMP. Over the years, BMP has created a solid profile of social activism for millions of women in Bangladesh. The implications of programmes and activities are clearly visible in differentspheres primarily in socio-political, economic and cultural contexts.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 violence, to the national level. It is argued that as a result of constant campaigning of BMP, the issue of violence against women and the need to protect women from violence have come to the fore. Concomitantly, it plays a critical role in changing their mind-sets regarding gender issues and women’s situation. The specific implications of BMP activities have been explained in the following section.

V.1 Civil society engagement

Bangladesh is widely known to the world as a state where civil society has been strong, vibrant and extensive largely due to its role in microcredit, education and health. Historically, this has not been 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.

As a result, BMP was able to successfully egage 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, finanacial experts in fianancial capacity building, researchers and activists in desgining course on gender development, mass women in advocacy and lobby and media. The number of organizations of Social Action Committee (A platform initiated by BMP) is now about 67 and they are playing visible role on different Women’s Human Rights issues. 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 organizationsjointly drafted and advocated on Domestic Violence Act, Hindu Marriage Registration Act, and prepared UPR Report on HR.

V.2 Empowerment and Capacity-building

The activities and programmes of BMP have brought about positive changes in empowerment and capacity building of millions of women in Bangladesh. Particularly, political empowerment of women in the country is quite visible over the years in which BMP has an important contribution. It is widely argued that the declaration of National Women’s Development Policy in 2011 was the outcome of demands by BMP and other organizations since 2004. BMP also gave input to update the policy. BMP, Social Action Committee, cross section of people, media strongly stand for NWDP 2011 against violent reaction of religious fundamentalists group.National Plan of Action prepared for implementation by MOWCA in consultation with BMP and Women Human Rights organization. Another significant area of impact is growing presence of women in decision-making positions in Administration, Judiciary, Law Enforcing Agency, Peacekeeping Mission, Bank and Corporate during this period. It is notable that 25 Ministries placed Gender Responsive Budget in 2012.

Women representation in the national parliament has substantially increased over the years. The number of women parliament members elected directly is 19 while 50 members are nominated in reserved seats out of total 350. It is worthwhile to mention that the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Leader of the Parliament, Deputy Whip, Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee, MOWCA, Members of Different Parliamentary Standing Committee are also women in Bangladesh. Women lead the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Telcom, State Minister MOWCA, and Ministry of Labour. Local government has also seen increased representation of women. Women mayor was elected for the first time in Narayangonj with the support of civil society, not political party. Legal aid services of BMP have ensured alternate dispute resolution and gender justice. It has increased access to justice for a large number of victims of violence. Through its mediation services, BMP helped the victims to recover a total of Tk. 85,67,901.00 in 2011 and TK. 85,2900.00 in 2012 as dower money and maintenance costs.Women are now getting opportunities to become financially self-reliant as BMP helps them collect dower and alimony. BMP also runs training programs for women.BMP was successful in developing collective leadership, especially in those districts where coordination and understanding among the core organizers are high. Besides, the number of organizers with good leadership potential has also increased over time. Researchers, students, professionals and others do have access in library for their study. The number of visitors in library has been increasing day by day signifying the importance of BMP for their capacity building.

V.3 Networking

Networking is both the end and means of BMP activities and programmes. It plays a key role in political, economic and social changes for women in Bangladesh. 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 years BMP representative attended and actively participated in 54 and 56 CSW session and UN CEDAW meeting in Geneva in 2011. 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. BMP representative participated ICW- CIF Fifth Asia-Pacific Regional Council Seminar and Training Workshop held in Nadi, Fiji in 2011. BMP representative participated KOICA Training Programme on ‘Gender and Development’ in Seoul (10-26 September, 2012). 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.

V.4 Government and Societal Response and Recognition

BMP has ensured increasing attention from the government and the society for its works in women and gender issues and concerns in Bangladesh. The organisation 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. These laws include Domestic Violence (Deterrence & Protection) Act 2010; Optional Hindu Marriage Registration Act (Proposed) 2012; New Citizenship Act; Deoxyribonucleic Acid Act (2010); and Human Trafficking Prevention and Control Act 2012. Besides, it also contributed to the verdict of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court against issuing Fatwa (2011) and verdict of the High Court against Stalking and Sexual Harassment (2010).Unlike the past, the Government has increased its response to the correspondence of BMP on the incidents of VAW. In 2012 the administration replied on 167 occasions against 215 letters sent by BMP. This is almost 78 percent of total queries, which shows a positive impact. Rokeya Sadan of BMP is working as a partner organization with the Victim Support Center of Bangladesh police. Victimized women and children are regularly being sent by the court and the police to BMP’s shelter center “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.It also participated in social awareness and multi-sectoral programme against VAW by MOWCA. 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.

Similarly, the primary asset of this organization is social acceptability. BMP has successfully attracted the attention of women from different walks of life. Young people are showing interest to get involved in activities related to protesting violence against women as a result of regular awareness raising campaign by BMP. BMP’s alternative dispute resolution through arbitration 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, which manages it through the Arbitration Board. This process is done in lieu with alternative dispute resolution procedure declared by Government of Bangladesh. By settling dispute through arbitration, BMP has helped women to collect a total of 85, 67,901.00 taka as dower and alimony. Of the total amount, Tk. 33, 01,700 were collected centrally, Tk. 24, 44,501 were collected by 12 district committees and 7 local units collected Tk. 28, 21,700. BMP has been involved in awareness raising programmes with students and teachers, sharing meetings with people, media campaign, consultation with different section of civil society members.) Voice of BMP is taken into consideration by all sectors due to its sustained long-term activities in national and grass-root level and global exposure to Women’s Human Rights Movement.

V.5 Strong sense of volunteerism in the society particularly in the youth community

BMP’s programmes and activities have created a strong sense of volunterrism in the society particularly among the millions of youth people who constitute the most active segment of population in Bangladesh. In resisting VAW specifically in the cases of sexual harassments, torture and cruel behaviour, BMP has inculcated critical perceptions about how the views of young girls are formed and how the sense of responsibility is created in their behaviour while they are exercising their individual freedoms. Study circles attract young generation to work on gender issues. More students join the study circlesas participants in college campuses that contribute to change their traditional views. Members of study circles also work hard to organize study circles in different places including college campuses. This also builds a network with students, teachers as well as educational institutions. The growing interests of people in social movement for women’s empowerment and justice reflect in their increased participation in BMP activities. It may be mentioned that 92,940 people participated in BMP activities in 2012 while 55,964 in 2011. Thus, it becomes evident that BMP has created a very positive impact on the people about their social commitment in the society.

V.6 Institutional efficiency

As an organization BMP has also achieved remarkable institutional efficiency through different capacity building activities and training programmes. Training and research both are important for building and enhancing institutional capacity. Awareness among the organizers, volunteers and employees about the importance of training to gain efficiency is now much higher than any time before. In 2012, the number of training programmes and trainees was increased by 46%and 50% respectively. Number of trained organizers has also increased. Moreover, Training programmes at district branches were conducted in accordance with central training module. It resulted in higher quality training programmes. The certificate course on gender, women empower and development has built a bridge between the academics and the organization, as the faculty members of this course were university teachers, researchers, and women leaders. Efficient financial management is very important for smooth running of an organization. Executives of the district committees were given training to increase their efficiency in office and financial management. In addition, the introduction of accounting software also contributed to the enhancement of the quality of the financial management. Participants are now more confident that they can apply gathering knowledge in professional level and also in personal and social life.

Indeed, the programmes and activities in improving organizational capacity of BMP have led to a number of positive outcomes. First, gender awareness of organizers has visibly increased over the years. Participants in different training programmes clearly understood gender issues, which assisted them to increase their efficiency and make them more active, and devoted for the organization as well as for women empowerment. Through TOT there has been improvement of their capacity and confidence to provide training in grass root level. TOT also exposed them to the Specialist in national level.Grass root level organizers in the divisions became involved with central level training through direct training from central level organizers.Eminent personsfrom lawyers, teachers, and activists, in district level became interested regarding Bangladesh Mahila Parishad and remain as trainers in grass root training, which increased networking between grass root organizers and resource persons.

Chapter VI

Challenges and Future Plans

angladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) achieved its project goals and objectives and implemented planned outputs in 2012 against the changing scenarios at domestic and B international contexts. The changed circumstances of domestic and global politics have always led to reorient programme strategies and activities. BMP has been continuing its movement for the last forty-two years with the slogans of ‘Women’s Emancipation is Human Emancipation’ and ‘Women’s Rights are Human Rights’. The long route to success of BMP as women movement and organisation has never been a smooth journey, rather a trying path that BMP has been moving ahead. The organisation has now reached in a position of strength and respect in the society when Bangladesh has earned reputation from the global community for its notable achievements in women empowerment and development.

Challenges to BMP’s performance as an organization and more specifically for implementing the project activities and programmes emanate from the fact that society is still widely marked by gender discrimination and violence on the one hand, misgovernance, corruption and political crisis, on the other. Essentially, any intervention for women empowerment and development in Bangladesh suffers from three vital factors –lack of favourable political environment, insecurity of women and existing patriarchal mindsets. As a non-government entity, BMP has been facing a number of challenges, which are structural, originatefrom the societal gender relations dynamics and some are related to organizational level. This section attempts to look into major challenges confronted by BMP ahead and to provide recommendations overcoming these challenges.Based on observations from different stakeholders within BMP, one can identify the following challenges or threats to better performance of BMP.

VI.1 Societal/Structural dynamics

(i) The first and foremost challenge that largely affects the programmes and activities of women advancement is social stereotypical attitudes and norms about the roles and responsibilities of women and men in Bangladesh society. As a result, a kind of traditional social prohibitive attitudes and perceptions exist in the society that significantly undermines women’s ability and performance; i.e. in a way about half of the total populationto some extent remain excluded or ignored in mainstream development activities. These largely cause social backwardness and patriarchal mode of thinking and keeping women’s agenda as a low priority issue at both private and public spaces.

(ii) The second crucial challenge that affects BMP activities promoting women rights in Bangladesh is increasingly use of religion and fundamentalism about the women’s status by a group of people. For women, increasing influence of religion and fundamentalism in Bangladesh is a threat to already limited rights and freedoms currently they have. Women

rights and development are already affected by gender-biased social norms. In such case, fundamentalist attitudes towards women affect women rights and successfully exclude and marginalize them in the society. There are examples of biased mentalities that do not recognize women as equal citizens in Bangladesh. Many fundamentalist groups already have shown their activities and commitment to reviving religious doctrines on women’s status. Protests against National womens Development policy and equal women rights over family property are the example of that revival. BMP has already experienced that kind of challenges in organization of activities in different grass-root and district levels, and consider it as crucial threat to promote women rights and dignity in the society.

(iii) The third potential challenge is the non-compliance of national and international legal documents/obligations about women rights and empowerment. This directly affects BMP activities, as women issues are subject to national and international legal regimes, such as Constitutional clauses, national laws, CEDAW provisions and citizen initiatives and other UN Conventions, Covenants and Treaties related to women affairs. Bangladesh is not party or has shown reservation to many international documents, initiatives and provisions. For example, the implementation of CEDAW remains a challenge as the government has reservation to adopt two articles. This also affects the implementation of BMP’s core mandate about women rights through international and national cooperation.

(iv) The fourth potential challenge is the limited or non-availability of sex-segregated data in Bangladesh. This significantly affects to the effective and sustainable implementation of national and international policies and strategies towardswomen’s advancement. The UN CEDAW often expresses concern about the lack of sex-segregated data about violence against women, unequal employment, poor working conditions and unequal practices of wages, etc. As a result, Bangladesh, adopts traditional approaches on gender statistics. Consequently, the issues those are important to women are frequently overlooked in the society.

(v) Another structural challenge is the in-built lack of political and social commitment regarding women’s rights and development. The political and social forces are heavily influenced by political and social agenda and often overlook issues related to promoting women rights in the society. As BMP works with different societal stakeholders at the local and national levels, lack of political and social commitment affects implementation of different women development projects and activities.

(vi) A vital challenge is the feminization of poverty; women suffer the most and bear the burdens of a poor economy in Bangladesh. About 70 percent of women in Bangladesh are illiterate, compared to men 45 percent. The feminization of poverty and economic insecurity of women have caused the low status of in the society. Consequently, women are devalued in the social process and increasingly affected by violence against women, mostly in the form of trafficking, attack, rape, fatwa, desertion, divorce, physical harassment, and killing. This has impact on the quality participation of women in different programmes and activities organized by BMP and other related organizations.

(vii) Lack of networking among women, improper education, poor health facilities, etc. largely affects women’s mobilizing about their rights and empowerment in Bangladesh.

(viii) A common societal challenge the organizers of BMP faces is to ensure greater participation of male in programmes and activities organized particularly at the grassroots level. This is largely due to the pre-conceived notion that gender is a concern for women only.

VI.2 Organizational challenges

From organizational perspective, BMP also faces a number of internal challenges in its programmes and activities. Most of the organizational challenges are related to implementation capacity, inadequite number of leadership, programmes, finance, bottom-up participation, etc. However, some of the challenges are as follows:

(i) As the organization and its programme mainly based on voluntarism, it remains a challenge to develop organizational capacity to implement projects efficiently. Technological advancement especially the introduction and application of accounting software at district and local units has not been completed yet. There is a general lack of evaluation of performance in a systematic way, which may be a barrier to efficient running of organization. As a result, there are specific challenges at the grassroots level. Instances are- poor logistics to conduct training in grass root level, limited initiative to introduce grassroots training and organizing study circle in various districts. (ii) Leadership is also a big challenge for BMP to promote its core mandates. There is limitation and lack of continuous initiative to build new leadership capable of advancing the cause of women and leading the organization. In some cases, old leadership of the organization has shown lapses in promoting collective leadership. Lacks of uptodate knowledge about current womens movement also have negative implications for moving forwards. (iii) Grassroots level or district level capacity to immediate initiate or response against incidents of VAW is inadequate District branches are not well equipped to address immediate challenges about the violation of women rights. Strengthening the central and district level monitoring mechanism is a big challenge for the organization.

VI.3 Suggested Measures

New ideas and measures can further energize and strengthen Bangladesh Mahila Parishad as an organisation and movement. Although BMP has established a solid profile through its unwavering commitment and massive engagement at all levels – from village to city over the past forty two years, it requires to cope with changed contexts of society and state. The organisation is in need to find ways to overcome the above-mentioned challenges to pursue its goals and objectives.It must be mentioned that some of the challenges are beyond the purview of BMP as they are linked with larger political and social structures and milieu in Bangladesh. It depends on response of the state, market and society to prevailing gender inequality and injustice. Moreover, global initiatives such as CEDAW, UN, and Women’s feminist movements can also play a significant role for women development and empowerment. However, the following measures may be suggested for future plans of BMP as an organisation and a civil society movement. \ (i) Volauntarism: Volauntarism is the driving factors of the organizaton. To support and uphold the spirit of voluntarism motivational program to be continued and expanded from central to grass root level among all section of women in a innovative way.

(ii) Leadership: Building Leadership has always been a crucial issue in a volentary organization like BMP. Leaders are important for the success of any organization or movement. Specific course of action should be taken to develop leadership at all levels.The central leadership of BMP will have to play a supportive role and at the same

time, there is a need for enhancement of quality of leadership with better conceptual knowledge, good will and time management. In this context, divisional workshop programmes are in demand for leadership development.

(iii) Organizers: Organisers are the key forces of BMP as a voluntary and network institution. Professional skills of organisers need to be enhanced. BMP should take initiatives to make policymakers and administration gender sensitized.Organizers must set example by their honesty, transparency, accountability and commitment. They should always be updated about the current situation of women’s movement in devising strategy, and planning and implementing programmes. BMP should take steps to involve women from different professions with women’s movement. Organizers need to take special steps to overcome the weakness related to the programme evaluation and delay in report sending. BMP needs to be vigilant because lack of transparency, accountability and good governance are the foremost national problems in Bangladesh. A simple monitoring system to be developed.

(iv) Programmes: BMP programmes provide direction to the organisation about its impact on the society in terms of improving conditions for women empowerment and development. There is a scope to think anew about programmes of BMP.BMP needs to be more active in creativeness and strategic in rapid pace. Programmes (such as study circles) for young women of the organisation should be continued and increased in number over the coming days. Program addressing emerging challenged faced by the young generation to be undertaken.Special focus on VAW is necessary. A unified course of action needs to be taken from district level to the centre in order to accelerate the movement against VAW. In addition, more innovative approach should be adopted in planning and implementing programmes related to the prevention of violence against women and children. In general, BMP should expand the magnitude of its movement against gender disparity by organising increased number of meetings, client workshop, trainings, workshops, rallies, human chains and exchange of views to raise awareness, as regards violence against women, for political empowerment, against fundamentalism, communism, amongst the various stakeholder groups.

(v) Training and Skills: Training and skill development programmes are continuous process and vital for human resources development. Number of trainings and workshops with updated module, as part of organisational capacity building, should be increased in BMP. Activists of the organisation should be motivated in a way as to participate in such training programmes with due sincerity. Financial, organizational and official management of the organization must be done with efficiency, professionalism and there should be accountability and transparency at all levels. The accounts section of the organization should be fully computerized. Officials of the organization should be given training in financial and office management. Result Based Management (RBM) training programme should be introduced at all levels from Central to Local.

(vi) Advocacy, lobby and networking: BMP should further strengthen advocacy and lobby for achieving its goals and objectives as well as implementing programmes under different component. For example, the demand for one-third reserved seats for women in the parliament, implying that movements for mainstreaming women in the country’s political system should be geared up. Networking with like-minded organizations should be increased. It must facilitate GO-NGO collaboration at both national and regional levels,

and strengthen national process to review the progress as regards full implementation of the Vienna World Conference on Human Rights (1993), CEDAW, CRC, BPFA and the Beijing+5 and Beijing+10 Declarations. BMP should continue strong advocacy lobby for withdrawal of reservations to Article 2 and Article 16.1(c) of UNCEDAW and its domestication to establish state responsibility for promoting equality and eliminating discrimination in all spheres including both public and private. Mobilizing mass opinion and carry out advocacy lobby for equal rights to property and resources.

(vii) Centre and local linkage: Over the years BMP has developed close connection between the centre and local in imprementing its countrywide activities and programmes. Measures should be taken to strengthen the relations between center and local. As a rural and semi-urban society there is a need for special focus on local context. The policy makers, for that matter the leadership of BMP, must give special consideration to local dynamics both at structural and situation levels.

(viii) Financial arrangement and capacity: Strong monitoring mechanism is necessary in order to oversee financial issues. Performance of district branches needs to be considered as they are the prime forces for implementing BMP programmes.

(ix) Inclusiveness: As a movement BMP needs to take further initiatives for becoming inclusive in participation of people in terms of gender, age, occupation and location. Men and women from all strata of society should be motivated on some of the key issues relating to gender and development like VAW, political empowerment of women and human rights. Planned activities should be designed to engage more women, men, young men and young girls in the movement for gender equality. Particularly, participation of men in different programmes at rural/grassroots level is a key. There should be more efforts on the part of the organisers at divisional and district levels to involve men in the activities of BMP.

(x) Institulaization: For sustainability efforts to be given on institulization of the organization.Measure to be taken for Capacity building of staffs and volaunteers towards proffesionalism.

Bibliography

BMP, Annual Report 2011, March 2012 Mahila Samachar, various issues in 2012 Mahila Parishad Journal, First Issue, June 2012 Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Bangladeshe Jowna Hairani Nipiran o Nirjatan Paristhiti 2011: A Social Research, Dhaka, BMP, June 2012. Phamlets Posters

Annex II

Table 1 Number of Violence against Women [January-December, 2012]

Type of Number Of Violence To- SL Violence Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec tal 1 Rape 42 38 52 46 35 54 35 40 68 35 40 23 508 2 Gang Rape 13 10 15 12 15 16 16 8 14 13 14 11 157 3 Murder after Rape 11 10 13 8 11 13 10 5 8 5 6 6 106 4 Attempt to Rape 12 11 12 14 11 16 21 9 10 7 6 4 133 5 Sexual Assault 16 8 16 17 28 18 18 13 21 24 11 15 205 Sexual 6 8 5 1 - 5 1 5 2 10 1 - 3 41 Harassment 7 Paternal Demand 1 - 1 2 - - 1 - 1 1 - 1 8 8 Acid Burnt 3 2 5 4 9 8 4 5 8 6 7 5 66 Death by Acid 9 ------1 1 Burnt 10 Burnt by fire 2 2 3 1 - 6 1 2 2 2 2 4 27 Death by fire 11 3 7 1 1 2 4 2 2 - 2 1 5 30 Burnt 12 Kidnapping 18 12 9 9 15 12 10 4 10 9 7 14 129 Women & Child 13 1 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 3 - 2 1 19 Trafficking 14 Sale to Brothel 2 2 3 3 - 1 1 - 1 - - 1 14 15 Murder for dowry 20 26 32 19 31 39 30 24 23 19 19 13 295 Torture for 16 23 21 27 16 29 26 22 20 24 26 14 15 263 Dowry 17 Physical Assault 33 35 32 38 45 37 23 39 37 31 28 30 408 18 Violence to Maid 2 3 8 2 5 5 6 2 3 2 - - 38 19 Murder of Maid 2 4 3 1 5 4 3 3 3 7 3 3 41 20 Suicide of Maid - 1 2 3 3 - 4 2 1 - 2 - 18 21 Murder 76 59 66 58 80 79 81 100 88 72 75 66 900 Attempt to 22 4 6 6 10 7 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 63 Murder 23 Suspicious Death 15 11 15 8 7 17 17 14 14 16 20 11 165 24 Suicide 29 37 40 38 47 41 31 42 43 35 32 20 435 Attempt to 25 1 1 1 4 3 1 2 2 1 5 - 2 Suicide 23 Provocation to 26 5 3 1 3 9 7 1 1 4 1 4 7 Suicide 46

27 Stalking 63 73 51 58 45 67 64 39 64 51 41 29 645 Suicide for 28 stalking 1 1 3 1 2 1 - 1 3 1 1 2 Harresment 17 29 Refusal in Love 6 3 2 2 3 8 2 - 3 1 3 4 37 30 Fatwa 1 3 2 5 3 5 1 2 8 7 6 1 44 31 Child Marriage 6 7 1 6 9 10 8 6 7 16 8 4 88 Torture by 32 4 4 3 5 3 7 4 5 8 8 5 3 Police 59 Forced 33 ------Marriage - 34 Others 62 37 49 65 60 54 32 32 49 57 58 32 587 Total 485 445 475 462 527 562 458 431 544 465 420 342 5616

Source: Paper clippings of 14 National Dailies of BMP. These include: The Bangladesh Observer, The Independent, The Daily Star, Daily New Age, Daily Ittefaq, Daily Sangbad, Daily Prothom Alo, Daily Janakantha, Daily Bhorer Kagoj, Daily Jugantor, Daily Manabjamin, Daily Samakal, Daily Inquilab & Daily Destiny.

Annex III

Graph 1: Monthly Occurance of VAW in Bangladesh in 2012

Jan Feb mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

600 562 527 544 485 475 500 445 462 458 465 431 420

400 342

300

200

100

0 Monthly Occurance of VAW in Bangladesh in 2012

Chart 1: Major Forms of VAW in Bangladesh in 2012

Annex IV

Table 2 Celebrating International Fortnight Resisting VAW at the District Level (2012)

Name of SL. Activity by BMP District Branch i) Sharing Meeting for awareness building regarding the resistance of 1. Jessore VAW – 1 2. Netrokona i) Press Conference – 1 i) Discussion Meeting to resist VAW – 1 ii) Awareness Building Discussion Meeting at the grassroots – 1 iii) Human Chain – 1 iv) Press Conference – 1 3. Pirojpur v) Awareness Building Discussion Meeting with the youth to resist VAW – 1 vi) Cultural Programme – 1 vii) Councelling & Mediation Meeting at the grassroots – 1 i) Human Chain – 1 ii) Courtyard Meeting at the grassroots & Discussion Meeting – 1 4. Magura iii) Discussion Meeting at the grassroots – 1 iv) Discussion Meeting – 1 i) Human Chain – 1 ii) Press Conference – 1 iii) Cultural Programme – 1 5. Narayangonj iv) Sharing Meeting with the youth regarding the revision of law – 1 v) Sharing Meeting with the youth regarding awareness building – 1 vi) Paralegal Training of the youth – 1 i) Sharing Meeting with the youth – 1 ii) Human Chain – 1 iii) Press Conference – 1 6. Dinajpur iv) Sharing Meeting with the administration, lawyers & professionals – 1 v) Discussion Meeting with the legal aid receivers – 1 vi) Paralegal training of the Youth – 1 vii) Cultural Programme – 1 7. Kurigram i) Sharing Meeting with the youth (female) – 1 i) Discussion Meeting – 1 ii) Awareness Building Discussion Meeting with the youth at the 8. Barisal grassroots – 1 iii) Human Chain – 1 i) Cultural Programme – 1 9. Chittagong ii) Awareness Building Discussion Meeting to resist VAW – 1 i) Paralegal Training – 1 10. Faridpur ii) Discussion Meeting with the youth – 1

iii) Discussion Meeting – 1 iv) Gathering & Rally – 1 iv) Workshop – 1 v) Sharing Meeting with young Lawyers regarding the review of law – 1 vi) Sharing Meeting with the Women at grassroots – 1 vii) Human Chain – 1 i) Paralegal Training – 1 ii) Awareness Building Discussion Meeting with the youth – 1 iii) Sharing Meeting on Problems & Solutions of Teenagers – 1 11. Kalmakanda iv) Workshop – 1 v) Sharing Meeting with Penal Lawyers regarding the review of law – 1 vi) Press Conference – 1 vii) Human Chain – 1 i) Paralegal Training of Youth – 1 ii) Sharing Meeting (with civil society, administration, lawyers & professionals) – 1 12. Tangail iii) Human Chain – 1 iv) Awareness Building Discussion Meeting at Grassroot – 1 v) Cultural Programme – 1 i) Roundtable Meeting with the lawyers – 1 ii) Sharing Meeting – 1 13. Modhukhali iii) Discussion Meeting – 1 iv) Sharing Meeting with the Marriage Registrer on child marriage, dowry & divorce – 1 i) Discussion Meeting – 1 ii) Awareness Building Discussion Meeting at Grassroot – 1 iii) Sharing Meeting with the students – 1 14. Rajshahi iv) Study Circle – 1 v) Grassroots Training (with committee members) – 1 vi) Human Chain – 1 i) Press Conference – 1 ii) Paralegal Training (for the youth) – 1 15. Kaukhali iii) Client Workshop – 1 iv) Human Chain – 1 v) Discussion Meeting & Cultural Programme – 1 i) Press Conference – 1 ii) Sharing meeting with the youth – 1 16. Kushtia iii) Human Chain – 1 iv) Discussion Meeting – 1 i) Discussion Meeting – 1 17. Belabo iii) Human Chain & Rally – 1 iv) Sharing Meeting – 1 i) Rally – 1 ii) Discussion Meeting – 1 18. Savar iii) Paralegal Training – 1 iv) Sharing Meeting – 1 v) Cultural programme – 1

i) Press Conference – 1 19. Khulna ii) Human Chain – 1 iii) Rally & Discussion Meeting – 1 20. Shwarupkathi i) Cultural Programme & Discussion Meeting – 1 i) Workshop – 1 ii) Sharing Meeting – 1 21. Bagerhaat iii) Paralegal Training – 1 iv) Human Chain & Street Meeting – 1 v) Human Chain & Discussion Meeting – 1 22. Raipura i) Discussion Meeting – 1 23. Rangamati i) Discussion Meeting – 1 i) Discussion Meeting – 2 24. Magura ii) Human Chain & Rally – 1 iii) Courtyard Meeting – 1 i) Begum Rokeya Day – 1 ii) Paralegal Training – 1 25. Kumarkhali iii) Essay competition on Begum Rokeya’s work and life, and prize giving ceremony on the occasion of Internatinal Human Rights Day – 1 i) Paralegal Training – 1 26. Tongi ii) Street Drama – 3 iii) Discussion & Cultural Programme on mobile truck – 4

Annex V

Table 3 Observance of CEDAW Day at District Level (2012)

Sl. District Event Date, Venue Participants President Mymensing Discussion 3rd September, Ferdous ara 1. Participant:35 Branch Meeting BMP office Mahmuda Kushtia Discussion 3rd September, 2. Participant:44 Fatema Begum Branch Meeting BMP office Shorupkathi Discussion 3rd September, 3. Participant:30 Najnin Murshida Branch Meeting BMP office Kumarkhali Discussion 3rd September, 4. BMP members Branch Meeting BMP office Discussion 3rd September, 5. Rajshjahi Branch Participant:22 Rehana Begum Meeting BMP office Discussion 5th September, 6. Jessore Branch Participant:18 Habiba Shefa Meeting BMP office Chittagong Discussion 6th September, 7. Participant:25 Roma Mohori Branch Meeting BMP office Discussion 3rd September, 8. Pirojpur Branch Participant:62 Manika Mondol Meeting BMP office Discussion 3rd September, 9. Kaukhali Participant:25 Jahanur Begum Meeting BMP office Discussion 3rd September, Begum 10. Tangail Branch Paraticipant:50 Meeting Auditorium Shamsunnahar Discussion 3rd September, 11. Bagerhat Branch BMP members Farida Rahman Meeting BMP office Human 3rd September, 12. Rangpur Branch BMP members Chain BMP office Rally & Narayangonj 3rd September, 13. Discussion Participant:29 Anjuman Ara Aksi Branch BMP office Meeting Kurigram Discussion 3rd September, 14. BMP members Nandita Chakrabarty Branch Meeting BMP office Discussion 3rd September, 15. Tangi Branch BMP members Anwar Begum Meeting BMP office Discussion 3rd September, 16. Magura Branch BMP members Lipika Dutta Meeting BMP office Brahamanbaria Discussion 8th September, Sayeed Samsun 17. Participant:29 Branch Meeting BMP office Nahar Discussion 10th September, 18. Borguna Participant:40 Baby Das Meeting BMP office Rally & 3rd September, 19. Khulna Discussion BMP members Delwar Begum BMP office Meeting

Annex VI

Table 4 Observance of Safe Motherhood Day at District Level (2012)

Sl. District Event Date, Venue Participants President Discussion 28th May, 1. Pirojpur Branch 40 Monika Mondol Meeting Pirojpur BMP office Discussion 28th May, Begum Samshun 2. Tangail Branch 45 Meeting Library Auditorium Nahar Discussion 28th May, 3. Mymensingh 28 Rafat Parveen Meeting Branch office Discussion 28th May, 4. Barishal 42 Anjoly Roy Meeting Branch office Discussion 28th May, 5. Kaukhali Branch 70 Jahanur Begum Meeting District Auditorium Discussion 28th May, 6. Rangpur Branch Marhamatunnessa Meeting Branch office Kumarkhali Discussion 28th May, 7. 50 Hosne ara Ruby Branch Meeting Branch office Discussion 28th May, 8. Munshiganj 28 Jebun Nahar Begum Meeting Shilpocola Discussion 28th May, 9. Rajshahi Branch 47 Meeting Branch office Discussion 28th May, 10. Norshindi Ashalata Saha Meeting Branch office Modhukhali Discussion 28th May, 11. Shimu Rahman Branch Meeting Branch office Discussion 28th May, 12. Faridpur Branch Shipra Roy Meeting Branch office Rally & th 28 May, 13. Pabna Branch Discussion Gaziul Alam Branch office Meeting Discussion 28th May, 14. Rajbari Branch 47 Laily Nahar Meeting Branch office Discussion 28th May, 15. Dinajpur Branch Mahbuba Khatun Meeting Library Auditorium Discussion 28th May, 16. Kushtia Branch 42 Fatema Begum Meeting Branch office Narayanganj Discussion 28th May, 17. 68 Monowara Begum Branch Meeting School Shorupkathi Discussion 28th May, 18. 28 Hena Begum Branch Meeting Branch office Discussion 28th May, 19. Bagerhat Branch 26 Farida Rahman Meeting Branch office Kolomokanda Discussion 28th May, 20. 61 Sabiha Akhter Branch Meeting BRDB Auditorium Discussion 28th May, 21. Magura Branch Lipika Dutta Meeting Branch office Brahmanbaria Discussion 28th May, 22. 60 Parveen Begum Branch Meeting Branch office

Annex VII

Table 5

Grassroots Training in 2012

-

Sl. Date of Branch Subject Facilitator

No. training

pants Partici Planned  Sharifa Khatun, Secretary, Organization, Rajshahi  Structure of University Branch Organization.  Momena Jinat Beauty, Rajshahi  Organizatiomal 1. 08/01/2012 Secretary, Social Welfare, 46 University Memorandum Rajshahi University Branch  Declaration of  Madhuri Ray Chowdhury, Organization Secretary, Legal Aid, Rajshahi University Branch  Dr. Tanzina Yesmin, General  Organizational Secretary, Rajshahi University Memorandum & Branch Declaration.  Madhuri Ray Chowdhury, Secretary, Legal Aid, Rajshahi University Branch 2. 26/01/2012 do  Financial 41 Management of  Sharifa Khatun, Secretary, Organization Organization, Rajshahi  Role of Organizers to University Branch prevent VAW  Ruma, Member, Para  Muslim Familt Law Committee, Rajshahi University Branch  Declaration and Voluntarism of the  Dr. Mahbuba Kaniz Keya, Organization Member, Ventral Committee.  Rules of Muslin  Madhuri Ray Chowdhury, Marriage in the Secretary, Legal Aid, Rajshahi perspective of exist 11-13 Feb, University Branch 3. do Family Law 58 2012  Sharifa Khatun, Secretary,  Consistency of the Organization, Rajshahi factual Act of BMP University Branch  Total Activities and  Latifa Akter, Member, Rajshahi Financial University Branch. Management of BMP  Paralegal  Dr.habiba Haider Lichu, 4. 1/3/2012 do 22  Gender Member, Rajshahi University

 Duties & Branch Responsibilities to  Madhuri Ray Chowdhury, prevent VAW Secretary, Legal Aid, Rajshahi  Methods of the University Branch activities of BMP  Dr. Mahbuba Kaniz Keya, Member, Ventral Committee.

 Organizational  Sunanda Samaddar, General secretary, Kawkhali Branch Memorandum &  Shahida Haque, Secretary, Declaration. Legal Aid, Kawkhali Branch  Women’s Movement  Rashida Parvin, Secretary, 5. 15/01/2012 Kawkhali 30 in Bangladesh & Training Unit, Bangladesh Mahila Kawkhali Branch Parishad  Shamim Aara Begum, Member,  Women Kawkhali Branch Empowerment  Organizational  Sunanda Samaddar, General Memorandum & secretary, Kawkhali Branch Declaration.  Sabita Ghosh, Co- General  Roles of Organizer secretary, Kawkhali Branch. & activist for 12/02/2012  Rashida Parvin, Secretary, sustainability of the Training Unit, 6. do organization and 30 Kawkhali Branch Unite women to  Lila Ray, Secretary, establish Human Organizatin, Kawkhali Branch Rights  Mukul Begum, Secretary,  CEDAW: In the Movement unit, Kawkhali perspective of Branch Bangladesh  Sunanda Samaddar, General secretary, Kawkhali Branch  Sabita Ghosh, Co- General  Roles of members secretary, Kawkhali Branch for sustainability of  Rashida Parvin, Secretary, the organization Training Unit,  Women’s Movement Kawkhali Branch 7. 09/03/2012 do in Bangladesh & 25  Lila Ray, Secretary, Bangladesh Mahila Organizatin, Kawkhali Branch Parishad  Mukul Begum, Secretary,  Women Movement unit, Kawkhali Empowerment Branch  Shahida Haque, Secretary, Legal Aid, Kawkhali Branch  Founding History of  Rabeya Begum Santi, the Organization and President, Rajarbag initial increase efficiency branch, Belabo branch 8. 05/03/2012 Belabo 35 of the activist in  Nazrin Haque Hena, General present perspective Secretary, Belabo branch  What and Why is the  Hasna Hena Member, Vice-

Organization and the President, Belabo branch declaration & actual act  Roles of Organization and Organizer to prevent VAW  History of Women’s Movement.  Women’s Movement in Sub-continent.  Bangladesh Mahila Parishad &Women’s Movement in Bangladesh and it’s  Sathi Chowdhury, General involvement with Secretary, Brhamanbaria international branch. women’s movement.  Shamima Sikdar Dina,  Gender Inequality Member, Brhamanbaria branch. 9. 30/03/2012 Brhamanbaria and Women’s 18  Ambia Begum, Secretary, empowerment. Movement, Brhamanbaria  Role of organizers in branch. the light of  Asma Khanam, Secretary, memorandum & Finance, Brhamanbaria branch. declaration.  Empowerment of Women & Concepts of Gender.  Prevent Violence against women and Consecutive tangible effort  Matowara Begum Tully,  Activities of Secretary, Organization unit, Bangladesh Mahila Pirojpur Branch 10. 09/05/2012 Pirojpur Parishad 27  Hena Rashid, Secretary,  Activities to prevent Training, Research & Library VAW Unit, Pirojpur Branch  Activities of  Hena Rashid, Secretary, Bangladesh Mahila Training, Research &Library 11. 18/05/2012 do Parishad Unit, Pirojpur Branch 28  Activities to prevent  Mita Majumdar, Member, VAW Pirojpur Branch  Declaration &  Begum Samsunnahar, Convention and President, Tangail Branch Mission & Vision of  Professor Nazir Hossain, BMP Renounced Politician, Poet 12. 11/05/2012 Tangail 65  Implementation of  Shahnaj Khan Nargis, General Organization’s Secretary, Tangail Branch Activities  Rahima Katun Ruby,  Characteristics of Secretary, Organization,

Efficient Organizer Tangail Branch  Role of BMP to establish Women Rights and empowerment  Memorandum &Declaration and principle of BMP  Begum Samsunnahar,  Mission & Vision of President, Tangail Branch BMP and  Professor Nazir Hossain, characteristics of Renounced Eminent, organizer Politician, Poet 13. 18/05/2012 do 45  Implementation of  Shahnaj Khan Nargis, General the activities of Secretary, Tangail Branch Organization  Rahima Katun Ruby,  Political and Secretary, Organization, Economic Tangail Branch Empowerment of Women  Movement for Women Empowerment: Role  Rizia Hassain, Vice -President, of BMP Madhukhali Branch  Memorandum &  Samsunnahar, Secretary, 14. 19/04/2012 Madhukhali Declaration. and Organization, Madhukhali 30 principles of BMP Branch  Violence Against  Suraia Salam, President, Women: Prevention Madhukhali Branch & contagious Implemented work  Concept of Gender and Political Empowerment of Women  Manjuara Salam, Secretary,  Existent Law and Movement unit, Madhukhali Constitution Branch Preservation Law in  Adv. Sakhawat Hossain, Bangladesh -2010 Gorge court, Faridpur.  Roles and  Adv. Aliuzzaman Khokon, 15. 27/04/2012 do Responsibilities of 45 Gorge court, Faridpur. Organizer to  Samsunnahar, Secretary, implement Organization, Madhukhali organizational Branch activities, in various step  Suraia Salam, President, Madhukhali Branch  Fundamentalism, and Communalism: In the Perspective ofBangladesh  Memorandum  Selina Banu, Secretary, 16. 16/05/2012 Rajshahi 24 &Declaration and Finance, Rajshahi Branch

Convention of BMP  Kalpana Ray, General  Empowerment of Secretary, Rajshahi Branch Women  Anjana Sarker, Secretary,  CEDAW, Women Rajshahi Branch Development Policy Organization, & Constitution  Women’s Movement  Rawshan Ara Chowdhury, in the perspective of General Secretary, Kurigram National & branch International Level  Protima Chowdhury, 17. 19/05/2012 Kurigram  Gender & Secretary, Finance, Kurigram 35 Empowerment of Branch Women  Subrata Ray, Secretary,  CEDAW, Women Organization, Kurigram Development Policy Branch  Rajesh Kumar Odhikari, Area  Gender in different Manager, TIB perspective and  Ruby Afroz, Convener,Training, 18. 18/05/2012 Dinajpur mainstream Gender Research & Library Unit, 40  CEDAW Dinajpur Branch  Constitution  Rubina Akter, Member, Dinajpur Branch  Empowerment of Women  Rummana, Programme  Importance to Officer, Practical Action increase efficiency of Bangladesh Organizer  Kamrun Nahar Joshna,  Factual Method to Secretary, Training, research provide Legal Aid 19. 26/05/2012 Pabna & Library Unit, Pabna branch 40  Tangible effort to  Soheli siddique, Assistant prevent violence General Secretary, Pabna against women branch  Women’s Movement  Salma Kabir, Secretary, Legal in Bangladesh & Aid, Pabna branch Bangladesh Mahila Parishad  Empowerment of Women  Rummana, Programme  Importance to Officer, Practical Action increase efficiency Bangladesh of Organizer  Kamrun Nahar Joshna,  Factual Method to Secretary, Training, research provide Legal Aid 20. 28/05/2012 do & Library Unit, Pabna branch 40  Tangible effort to  Soheli siddique, Assistant prevent violence General Secretary, Pabna against women.l branch  Women’s Movement  Salma Kabir, Secretary, Legal in Bangladesh & Aid, Pabna branch Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.

 Roles of Organizer to implement organizational  Laboni Jaman, General activities. Secretary, Magura branch  Role of BMP to  Suria Parvin, Secretary, Legal 21. 03/06/2012 Magura prevent VAW. Aid, Magura branch 32  Concept of Gender,  Sonia Islam, Secretary, Empowerment of Movement, Magura branch Women &Women’s Movement and CEDAW.  Women’s Movement in Sub-continent & Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.  Concept of Gender, Empowerment of Women &Women’s Movement.  Dr. Mobaraka Siddiqqe,  Movement to Assistant General Secretary, establish political Rajshahi University branch empowerment,  Akter Jahan, Secretary, International Publication unit, Rajshahi Initiatives to University branch establish women’s  Dr. Mahbuba Kaniz Keya, right and CEDAW. Member, Central Committee Rajshahi 22. 18/05/2012  Women’s Right in  Dr. Shahin Johora, Member, 57 University the constitution and Rajshahi University branch law and Consecutive  Kalpana Ray Voumik, tangible effort to Secretary, Training, Research prevent violence & Library unit, Rajshahi against women. University branch  Differential  Sadeka Banu, Member, activities of Rajshahi University branch Bangladesh Mahila Parishad in the light of declaration and constitution.  Activities of the organization and Consecutive tangible effort.  Women’s Movement  Dr. Mobaraka Siddiqqe, in Sub-continent & Assistant General Secretary, Bangladesh Mahila Rajshahi University branch Parishad.  Dr. Mahbuba Kaniz Keya, 23. 06/06/2012 do  Concept of Gender, Member, Central Committee 70 Empowerment of  Rebeka Asad, member, Women &Women’s Rajshahi University branch Movement.  Tanzira rahman, Member,  Movement to Rajshahi University branch

establish political  Sharifa Khatun, Secretary, empowerment, Organization, Rajshahi International University branch Initiatives to establish women’s right and CEDAW.  Differential activities of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad in the light of declaration and constitution.  Activities of the organization and Consecutive tangible effort.  Concept of Gender and CEDAW.  Empowerment of Women, Human Rights of Women  Momtaz Begum, President, and Legal Aid. Kumarkhali branch  History of Women’s  Hosna Ara Ruby, Vice- 24. 09/06/2012 Kumarkhali Movement and President, Kumarkhali branch 50 establishment of  Sajeda Khatun, Member, BMP, It’s Mission & Kumarkhali branch Vision.  Advocacy, Lobby and Women’s Health: Bangladeshi Women.  Activities and  Sunanda Samaddar, General Principles of BMP in secretary, Kawkhali Branch the light of  Sabita Ghosh, Assitant General Organizational secretary, Kawkhali Branch Memorandum &  Rashida Parvin, Secretary, Declaration. Training Unit,  Role of Organizer to 25. 06/04/2012 Kawkhali Kawkhali Branch 25 implement the  Lila Ray, Secretary, activities of Organizatin, Kawkhali Branch Organization.  Mukul Begum, Secretary,  Prevent Violence Movement unit, Kawkhali against women and Branch. Consecutive tangible

effort.  Activities and  Sunanda Samaddar, General Principles of BMP in secretary, Kawkhali Branch the light of  Rashida Parvin, Secretary, 26. 18/05/2012 do 54 memorandum & Training Unit, declaration. Kawkhali Branch  Role of Organizer to  Lila Ray, Secretary,

implement the Organizatin, Kawkhali Branch activities of  Mukul Begum, Secretary, Organization and the Movement unit, Kawkhali characteristics of Branch efficient organizer.  Nasima Akter, Member,  Duties to increase Kawkhali Branch the efficiency of organizers and organization.  Organizational  Sunanda Samaddar, General Memorandum & secretary, Kawkhali Branch Declaration.  Rashida Parvin, Secretary,  CEDAW in the Training Unit, perspective of Kawkhali Branch Bangladesh.  Lila Ray, Secretary, 27. 08/06/2012 do 30  Uniform Family Organizatin, Kawkhali Branch Code.  Mukul Begum, Secretary,  Prevent Violence Movement unit, Kawkhali against women and Branch Consecutive tangible  Naznin Akter, Member, effort. Kawkhali Branch  Rowshan Ara, General  History of Women’s Secretary, Kumarkhali branch Movement.  Hosna Ara, Secretary, Finance,  Gender Kumarkhali branch 28. 25/06/2012 Kumarkhali  CEDAW  Samsun Nahar, Secretary, 40  Advocacy & Lobby Legal Aid, Kumarkhali branch  Memorandum &  Shamima Parvin, Secretary, declaration of BMP. Organization, Kumarkhali branch  Nurjahan Begum, General Secretary, Nawgaon branch 29. 24/06/2012 Nawgaon  Sexual Harassment  Jesmin Kibria Akter Tonu, 50 Secretary, Movement unit, Nawgaon branch  To establish equal  Nurjahan Begum, General Rights in every Secretary, Nawgaon branch 30. 27/06/2012 do aspect in the  Momtaz Begum, Secretary, 50 perspective of Legal Aid, Nawgaon branch Patriarchy. 31. 30/03/2012 Brhamanbaria  History of Women’s  Sathi Chowdhury, General 18 Movement. Secretary, Brhamanbaria  Women’s Movement branch. in Sub-continent.  Shamima Sikdar Dina,  Bangladesh Mahila Member, Brhamanbaria branch. Parishad &  Ambia Begum, Secretary, Women’s Movement Movement, Brhamanbaria in Bangladesh and branch. it’s involvement  Asma Khanam, Secretary, with international Finance, Brhamanbaria branch.

women’s movement.  Gender Inequality and Women’s empowerment.  Role of organizers in the light of memorandum & declaration.  Empowerment of Women & Concepts of Gender.  Prevent Violence against women and Consecutive tangible effort  Roles of declaration and constitution to carry on the activities of the  Shahida Khatun, Secretary, 32. 13/07/2012 Swarupkathi organization. Organization, Swarupkathi 33  Bangladesh Mahila branch. Parishad &Women’s Movement in Bangladesh  Roles of declaration and constitution to carry on the activities of the  Nasira Rekha, General 33. 19/07/2012 do organization. 44 Secretary, Swarupkathi branch.  Bangladesh Mahila Parishad &Women’s Movement in Bangladesh.  Memorandum &  Shilpi Samaddar, General declaration. Secretary, Bagerhat branch.  Empowerment of  Chitra Rahman, Secretary, 34. 27/06/2012 Bagerhat Women Organigation, Bagerhat branch. 40  Activities to prevent  Mahbuba Rahman Piya, VAW. Program Excecutive, Bagerhat branch.  Women’s Movement  Shilpi Samaddar, General in the Sub-continent Secretary, Bagerhat branch. & Bangladesh  Chitra Rahman, Secretary, Mahila Parishad. Organigation, Bagerhat branch.  Memorandum & 35. 30/06/2012 do  Adv Pervin Ahmed, Asst. 40 declaration. General Secretary,  Activities to prevent Bagerhat branch. VAW & Bangladesh  Rehana Pervin Rinu, Secretary, Mahila Parishad. Movement, Bagerhat branch.  Vastness of

Organization & Implementation of Activities.  Lobby & Advocacy.  Activities of Organization &Consecutive tangible effort.  Women’s Rights in the existing  Marufa begum, Secretary, constitution and law Organization, Dinajpur branch. &Prevent Violence  Ruby Afroj, Secretary, 36. 13/07/2012 Dinajpur against women and Training, Research & Library Consecutive tangible Unit, Dinajpur branch. effort.  Rubina Akter, Member,  Different activities Dinajpur branch. of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad in the light of declaration and constitution.  Memorandum & declaration.  Kalpana Roy, General  Women’s Secretary, Rajshahi division. Empowerment  Anjana Sarker, Secretary, (Familial, Political, Organization, Rajshahi 37. 16/06/2012 Rajshahi 45 Economic, Social). division.  Role of Bangladesh  Selina Banu, Secretary, Mahila Parishad in Finance, Rajshahi division. women empowerment.  Women’s Movement & Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.  Women’s Political Empowerment.  CEDAW  Nurjahan Begum, General declaration. Secretary, Barishal branch.  Bangladesh Mahila  Puspo Chakrabortee, Asst. Parishad in the light General Secretary, Barishal 38. 19/07/2012 Barishal of declaration and branch. 35 constitution.  Malina Mandal, Secretary,  Uniform Family Organization, Barishal branch. Code.  Pratima Sarker, Secretary,  National Women Legal Aid, Barishal branch. Policy.  Consecutive tangible effort to Prevent Violence against women.

 Consecutive tangible effort of the Organization.  Concepts of Gender, Women’s Empowerment &Women’s Movement.  Consecutive tangible  Asa Rani Devi, Treasurer, effort of BMP to Rajshahi University branch. Prevent Violence  Madhury Roy Chowdhury, against women. Secretary, Legal Aid, Rajshahi  CEDAW declaration University branch. Rajshahi & Perspective of  Dr. Tanzima Yesmin, General 39. 20/07/2012 36 University Bangladesh. Secretary, Rajshahi University  Different activities branch. of Bangladesh  Sharifa Khatun, Secretary, Mahila Parishad in Organization, the light of  Sadeka Banu, member, declaration and Rajshahi University branch. constitution.  Activities of the Organization &Consecutive tangible effort.  Memorandum & declaration.  Dr. Purnima Datt, General  Activities of the Secretary, Rajbari branch. 41. 07/06/2012 Rajbari 50 Organizational  Devahuti Chakrabarti, Member, consecutive tangible Rajbari branch. effort.  Memorandum & declaration.  Dr. Purnima Datt, General  Activities of the Secretary, Rajbari branch. 42. 23/06/2012 do 33 Organizational  Devahuti Chakrabarti, Member, consecutive tangible Rajbari branch. effort.  History of Women’s  Rabeya Begum Shanti, Movement. President, Belabo branch.  Increases  Najmunnahar Amena, 43. 21/09/2012 Raipura Professionalism in 31 Secretary, Legal Aid, Belabo Voluntarism. branch.  Rules to be active in

Organization.  Social & Cultural  Selina Akter, Member, Savar aspects of Gender. branch.  VAW is violation of  Aysha Jahan Manna, Member, 44. 18/07/2012 Savar 20 Human Rights: Un Savar branch. declaration against  Rini Reza, Member, Savar VAW. branch.

 Concept of Advocacy & Lobby and the activities of BMP.  Women’s Movement in Sub-continent and Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.  Memorandum & declaration of the Organization.  Importance of  Laily Nahar, President, Rajbari Training regarding branch. increasing awareness  Dr. Purnima Datt, General and efficiency. Secretary, Rajbari branch. 32 45. 13/09/2012 Rajbari  Obstacle of  Mir Mahfuza Khatun Moly, 0 Women’s Economic Vice President, Rajbari branch. Empowerment &  Ferdous Sultana Maya, way to overcome. President, Rajbari sdar thana  Obstacle of Committee. Women’s Political Empowerment &way to overcome.  Memorandum & declaration of the  Ajanta Haldar, Secretary, Organization. Organization, Khulna branch.  Women’s Movement  Adv. Popy Banerji, Secretary, in Sub-continent and Legal Aid, Khulna branch. 46. 15/06/2012 Khulna Bangladesh Mahila 39  Almas Ara, Secretary, Finance, Parishad. Khulna branch.  Obstacle of  Khadija Kabir Tuli, Secretary, Women’s Political Movement, Khulna branch. Empowerment & way to overcome.  Memorandum & declaration of the Organization.  Rasu Akter, Genaral Secretary,  Women’s Movement Khulna branch. in Sub-continent and  Adv. Popy Banerji, Secretary, 47. 18/06/2012 do Bangladesh Mahila Legal Aid, Khulna branch. 40 Parishad.  Adv. Nomita Goldar  Obstacle of  Hosna ara, Women’s Political  Kaniz Rokeya Empowerment & way to overcome.  National Women Policy.  Joyashree Shaha, Secretary, 48. 13/07/2012 Narshindi  Uniform family Movement, Narshindi branch. 45 Code.  Adv. Sultana Afroz Pakhi.  CEDAW

 Gender Budget.  Prevent Child Marriage.  Actions to prevent VAW.  Gender Budget.  Prevent Child  Hafeja Begum, Vice President, Marriage.  Joyashree Shaha, Secretary,  Actions to prevent Movement, VAW. 49. 27/07/2012 do  Shamsunnahar Begum, 40  Women’s Political & Departmental secretary, Economic  Shanaj Parvin, Empowerment.  Sultana Rajia,  National Women Policy.  Importance of  Khadiza Begum Moni, General Women Education to Secretary, Faridpur branch. achieve women  Jesmin Kabir, Secretary, empowerment. Organization, Faridpur branch. 50. 07/07/2012 Faridpur  CEDAW. 34  Shamima Shimu, Asst. General  Actions to prevent Secretary, Faridpur branch. VAW.  Shipra Roy, Vice President,  Uniform family Faridpur branch. Code.  Sunonda Sammadar, General  Memorandum & Secretary, Kawkhali branch. declaration of the  Lila Roy, Secretary, Organization. Organization, Kawkhali branch.  Women’s Movement  Rashida Parvin, Secretary, 51. 06/07/2012 Kawkhali in Bangladesh and Training, Kawkhali branch. 45 Bangladesh Mahila  Mukul Begum, Secretary, Parishad. Movement, Kawkhali branch.  Women  Shamim Ara Begum, Secretary, Empowerment. Social Welfare, Kawkhali branch.  Memorandum &  Sunonda Sammadar, General declaration of the Secretary, Kawkhali branch. Organization.  Sabita Gosh, Asst General  CEDAW Secretary, Kawkhali branch.  Women’s Movement  Lila Roy, Secretary, 52. 24/08/2012 do 30 in Bangladesh and Organization, Kawkhali branch. Bangladesh Mahila  Rashida Parvin, Secretary, Parishad. Training, Kawkhali branch.  Women  Mukul Begum, Secretary, Empowerment. Movement, Kawkhali branch.  Roles of declaration  Sunonda Sammadar, General and constitution to Secretary, Kawkhali branch. 53. 13/09/2012 do carry on the  Sabita Gosh, Asst General 30 activities of the Secretary, Kawkhali branch. organization.  Lila Roy, Secretary,

 CEDAW: In the Organization, Kawkhali branch. perspective of  Rashida Parvin, Secretary, Bangladesh. Training, Kawkhali branch.  Role of members,  Shahida Haque, Secretary, employee Legal Aid, Kawkhali branch. &organizers to prevent sexual harassment.  Women’s Movement in the subcontinent.  Recent effort of Women’s Movement  Sunonda Sammadar, General in Bangladesh. Secretary, Kawkhali branch.  Women’s Movement  Lila Roy, Secretary, in Bangladesh and Organization, Kawkhali branch. Bangladesh Mahila  Rashida Parvin, Secretary, Parishad. Training, Kawkhali branch. 54. 06/10/2012 do 50  Women  Shahida Haque, Secretary, Empowerment:  Mukul Begum, Secretary, Familial Movement, Kawkhali branch. Empowerment.  Naznin Akter, Member of  Role of Organizers Active Committee, Kawkhali & activist to branch. implement the activities of the Organization.  Memorandum &  Lipika Dutt, President, Magura declaration. branch.  Consecutive tangible  Labonnee Jaman, General 55. 02/11/2012 Magura effort Prevent 30 Secretary, Magura branch. Violence against  Surya Parvin, Magura branch. women.  Sonia Islam, Magura branch.  CEDAW  Continuity of Women’s Movement in Bangladesh.  Rehana Siddique, General  Consecutive tangible Secretary, Netrokona branch effort Prevent  Kohinur Begum, Secretary, Violence against Training, Netrokona branch. women.  Syeda Beauty, Secretary,  Consecutive tangible Movement, Netrokona branch. 56. 16/10/2012 Netrokona effort of BMP.  Samsunnar Jahan, Secretary, 35  Activities of BMP in Organization, Netrokona the light of branch. memorandum &  Afroja Chowdhury, Secretary, declaration. Legal Aid, Netrokona branch.  Women’s Political  Taheja Begum, Asst General Movement. Secretary, Netrokona branch.  Women’s Movement in the subcontinent.

 Consecutive tangible  Mahmuda Khanam, Secretary, effort Prevent 58. 19/10/2012 Jessor Training, Research & Library 66 Violence against unit, Jessor branch. women.  Khadeja Begum Moni, General  Memorandum & Secretary, Faridpur branch. declaration.  Hosna Ara Khanam, Secretary,  Women’s Political, Training, research & Library 59. 22/10/2012 Faridpur 38 Economic & Social Unit, Faridpur branch. Empowerment.  Hafiza Khatun, Secretary,  Resist VAW. Social Welfare, Faridpur branch.  Memorandum & declaration. 60. 07/07/2012 Kustia  50  History of Women’s Movement.  Concepts of Gender 10 61. 20/07/2012 do & Women  0 Empowerment.  History of Women’s Movement.  Women’s Movement in the Bangladesh & BMP and recent  Nely Akter, Vice President, Women’s Brahmanbaria branch. movement.  Sathi Chowdhury, General  Concepts of Gender Secretary, Brahmanbaria 62. 20/07/2012 Brahmanbaria 20 & Women branch. Empowerment.  Sajedul Islam, President, CPB,  Women’s Political Brahmanbaria.district (Guest) &Economic  Adv. Nasir Mia, Panel Lawyer. Empowerment.  Women’s Rights in existing law and constitution.  History of Women’s Movement, Women’s  Sathi Chowdhury, General Empowerment and Secretary, Brahmanbaria Gender Inequality. branch. 63. 14/09/2012 do  CEDAW and 15  Sajedul Islam, President, CPB, Women’s Rights in Brahmanbaria.district (Guest) existing constitution.  Adv. Nasir Mia, Panel Lawyer.  Activities to resist VAW Consecutive tangible effort.

64. 10/11/2012 Munshiganj  Hamida Khatun, Vice 35  Women President, Munshiganj branch. Empowerment.  Adv. Nasima Aker, General  BMP Secretary, Munshiganj branch.  Memorandum &  Bilkis Sultana, Secretary, declaration. Organization, Munshiganj  Existing Law, like, branch. sexual harrasement,  Salma talukdar, Secraetary, in favor of Women. Legal Aid, Munshiganj branch.  Hamida Khatun, Vice President, Munshiganj branch.  Women  Adv. Nasima Aker, General Empowerment. Secretary, Munshiganj branch.  BMP  Adv Samsunnahar Shilpi, 65. 23/11/2012 do  Memorandum & 37 Member, Munshiganj branch. declaration.  Adv. Rozina Yesmin,  Existing Law in Munshiganj branch. favor of Women.  Jebunnahar begum, Munshiganj branch.  Role of Efficient  Professor Shelly De, Vice &Aware Organizers. president, Chittagong branch.  Economic  Sitara Shamim, Asst general Empowerment of Secretary, Chittagong branch 66. 17/11/2012 Chittagong 40 Women.  Satty Pal, Secretary, T, r & L  Women’s Movement unit, Chittagong branch. in Bangladesh &  Purba Das, Secretary, Finance, BMP Chittagong branch.  Women’s Movement in the subcontinent  Rehana Siddique, General and BMP. Secretary, Netrokana branch.  Movement to protest  Taheja Begum, Asst General VAW: Bangladesh Secreatary, Netrokona branch. perspective  Kohinur Begum, Secretary, 67. 09/11/2012 Netrokona  CEDAW & National 35 Training, Netrokona branch. Women Policy 2011.  Syeda Beauty, Secretary,  Activities to resist Movement, Netrokona branch. VAW Consecutive  Afroja Chowdhury, Secretary, tangible effort. Legal Aid, Netrokona branch.  Women’s political empowerment.  Women’s Movement  Rowshan Ara Chowdhury, in the National & General Secretary, Kurigram international branch. perspective.  Fawmida Alam Laz, Secretary, 68. 21/11/2012 Kurigram  Gender & 36 T, R & L unit, Kurigram Empowerment of branch. Women.  Pratima Chowdhury, Secretary,  Women Policy & Finance, Kurigram branch. CEDAW.

 Women’s Movement & Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.  Women’s Political Empowerment.  CEDAW declaration.  Bangladesh Mahila  Nurjahan Begum, General Parishad in the light Secretary, Barishal branch. of declaration and  Puspo Chakrabortee, Asst. constitution. 41 69. 24/11/2012 Barishal General Secretary, Barishal  Uniform Family branch. Code.  Pratima Sarker, Secretary,  National Women Legal Aid, Barishal branch. Policy.  Consecutive tangible effort to Prevent Violence against women.  Consecutive tangible effort of the Organization.  Social & Cultural aspects of Gender.  Women’s Rights: Existing law  Monira Begum Anu, General &constitution of Secretary, Mymensing branch. Bangladesh.  Sajeda Begum Saju, Secretary,  Women’s Movement Organization, in the subcontinent  Lila Roy, Secretary, Legal Aid, 41 70. 30/11/2012 Mymensingh & Bangladesh Mymensing branch. Mahila Parishad.  Kazi Shirin Bahar, secretary,  VAW is the Fin.ance, Mymensing branch. violation of Human  Adv Emdadul Haque, Panel Rights: UN Lawyer, Mymensingh. declaration & CEDAW.  Declaration and constitution.  History of Women’s Movement.  Women’s Rights: Existing law &  Monira Begum Anu, General Constitution of Secretary, Mymensing branch. 44 71. 03/12/2012 do Bangladesh.  Fahmida Yesmin Runa, Asst.  VAW is the General Secretary. violation of Human Rights: UN declaration & CEDAW.

 Various activities, movements &Consecutive  Rina Ahmed, Vice President, tangible effort to Narayanganj branch. Prevent Violence  Shahanara Begum, Asst 31 72. 12/07/2012 Narayanganj against women. General Secretary, Narayanganj of BMP. branch.  Efficiency&

Worthiness of Activities & Organizers.  History of Women’s Movement& Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.  Firoja Sultana, Secretary,  Movement & Finance, Natore branch. Component of  Pravati basak, Secretary, Legal Women Aid, Natore branch. 30 73. 08/11/2012 Natore Empowerment.  Bijlee Reza, Secretary,  Movement of political Movement, Natore branch. empowerment of  Tasmiara Begum, Secretary, T, women & Bangladesh R & Library, Natore branch. Mahila Parishad.  Characteristics of efficient organizers.  Raising Awareness  Shima Islam, Asst General of grassroots Secretary, Natore branch. 55 74. 12/11/2012 do organizers.  Tasmiara Begum, Secretary, T,  Role of efficient R & Library, Natore branch. organizers.  Activities &strategy  Goury Bhattacharya, General 45 75. 10/04/2012 Sunamganj of the organization Secretary, Sunamganj branch.  Movement of political empowerment of women.  Goury Bhattacharya, General 26 76. 08/06/2012 do  Role of organizers to Secretary, Sunamganj branch. implement the  Ripa Pal, Sunamganj branch activities of BMP of grassroots organizers.  Social & Cultural  Goury Bhattacharya, General aspects Gender. Secretary, Sunamganj branch.  Women’s Movement  Kuhelika Aarang, Member, in the Subcontinent. Sunamganj branch. 19 77. 13/07/2012 do  UN declaration of  Chrisanthimam, Member, Human Rights & Sunamganj branch. CEDAW.  Mollika Das, Member,  Resist VAW Sunamganj branch.

 Hamida Khatun, Vice  Women Empowerment President, Munshiganj branch. & BMP.  Adv. Nasima Akter, General  What is Organization? Secretary, Munshiganj branch.  Activities of 30 78. 22/12/2012 Munshiganj  Bilkis Sultana, Secretary, Organization. Organization, Munshiganj  Familial branch. Empowerment of  Salma Talukdar, Secretary, Women. Legal Aid, Munshiganj branch.  Strategy to  Professor Shelly De, Vice strengthen president, Chittagong branch. Organization.  Sitara Shamim, Asst general  Role of Efficient & Secretary, Chittagong branch Aware Organizers.  Satty Pal, Secretary, T, r & L 30 81. 28/12/2012 Chittagong  Economic unit, Chittagong branch. Empowerment of  Purba Das, Secretary, Finance, Women. Chittagong branch.  Women’s Movement  Nilufar Jahan Baby, secretary, in Bangladesh & Legal Aid, Chittagong branch. BMP.  Social & Cultural aspects of gender.  VAW is violation of  Kosko Asad, Secretary, Legal Human Rights: UN Aid, Savar branch. declaration against  Asma Akter, Member, Savar VAW. branch. 45 82. 12/12/2012 Savar  Concepts of  Jesmin Akter, Member, Savar Advocacy, Lobby & branch. the activities of  Aysha Jahan Manna, Member, BMP. Savar branch.  Women’s Movement in Bangladesh & BMP.  Women’s Movement in Bangladesh &  Helena Begum, Raipura branch. BMP.  Mahmuda begum, Raipura  Concepts of gender branch. 46 83. 21/12/2012 Raipura & Empowerment of  Pervin Akter, Raipura branch. Women.  Arefa Ferdous Chandana,  VAW: Sexual Raipura branch. Harassment & Essential Initiatives.  Sunanda Saddar, General  Principles & Secretary, Kawkhali branch. Activities of BMP in  Lila Ray, Secretary, the light of Organization, Kawkhali branch. 30 84. 23/11/2012 Kawkhali memorandum & declaration.  Rashida Pervin, Secretary, T, R & L unit, Kawkhali branch.  CEDAW declaration.  Mukul Begum, Secretary,  Uniform family code. Movement, Kawkhali branch.

 Memorandum & Declaration to implement  Sunanda Samaddar, General Organizational secretary, Kawkhali Branch Activities.  Sabita Ghosh, Co- General  Roles of Organizer to secretary, Kawkhali Branch. implement the  Rashida Parvin, Secretary, 30 85. 21/12/2012 do activities of the Training Unit, organization. Kawkhali Branch  UNCEDAW:  Lila Ray, Secretary, Bangladesh Organizatin, Kawkhali Branch Perspective.  Shahida Haque, Secretary,  Role of organizers, Legal Aid, Kawkhali Branch. activities & members to resist sexual harassment.  History of Women’s Movement, Gender Inequality and Women’s  Sathi Chowdhury, General empowerment. Secretary, Brhamanbaria  Political & branch. Economical  Sajedul Islam, President, CPB, Empowerment of 26 86. 25/12/2012 Bhramanbaria Brahmanbaria.district. Women.  Adv. Nasir Mia, Panel Lawyer.  Women’s Rights in  Asma Khanm, Secretary, the existing Finance, Brhamanbaria branch. constitution and law.

 Roles of organizer in the light of memorandum & declaration.  History of Women’s Movement, Women’s  Sathi Chowdhury, General empowerment and Secretary, Brhamanbaria Cultural aspect of branch. 26 87. 28/12/2012 do Gender.  Asma Khanm, Secretary,  UN declaration of Finance, Brhamanbaria branch. Human Rights and

CEDAW.  VAW is violation of Human Rights.  Goal & Objectives  Adv. Maya Bhowmik, General of BMP. Secretary, Kishorgonj branch.  Empowerment of  Atiya Hossain, Asst. General 44 88. 21/05/2012 Kishorgonj Women. Secretary, Kishorgonj branch.  Activities to resist  Chandra Sarker, Secretary, VAW. Organization, Kishorgonj  Activities and branch.

Strategy of the  Depaka Das, Secretary, Legal Organization. Aid, Kishorgonj branch.  Protiva Sil, Secretary, Culture, Kishorgonj branch.  Adv. Maya Bhowmik, General  Goal & Objectives Secretary, Kishorgonj branch. of BMP.  Atiya Hossain, Asst. General  Empowerment of Secretary, Kishorgonj branch. Women.  Chandra Sarker, Secretary, 34 89. 04/06/2012 Do  Activities to resist Organization, Kishorgonj VAW. branch.  Activities and  Depaka Das, Secretary, Legal Strategy of the Aid, Kishorgonj branch. Organization.  Protiva Sil, Secretary, Culture, Kishorgonj branch.  Adv. Maya Bhowmik, General  Goal & Objectives Secretary, Kishorgonj branch. of BMP.  Atiya Hossain, Asst. General  Empowerment of Secretary, Kishorgonj branch. Women.  Chandra Sarker, Secretary, 30 90. 20/12/2012 Do  Activities to resist Organization, Kishorgonj branch. VAW.  Depaka Das, Secretary, Legal  Activities and Aid, Kishorgonj branch. Strategy of the  Protiva Sil, Secretary, Culture, Organization. Kishorgonj branch.  Adv. Maya Bhowmik, General  Goal & Objectives Secretary, Kishorgonj branch. of BMP.  Atiya Hossain, Asst. General  Empowerment of Secretary, Kishorgonj branch. Women.  Chandra Sarker, Secretary, 20 91. 24/12/2012 Do  Activities to resist Organization, Kishorgonj VAW. branch.  Activities and  Depaka Das, Secretary, Legal Strategy of the Aid, Kishorgonj branch. Organization.  Protiva Sil, Secretary, Culture, Kishorgonj branch. Unplanned  Khadija Begum, General Secretary, Barguna branch.  Violence Against  Khaleda Islam Sweety, 40 1. 23/08/2012 Barguna Women. Member, Barguna branch.  Kanak Rany Das, Member, Barguna branch.  Nigar Sultana, Vice President,  Activities of BMP. Barguna branch.  Strategy to  Khadija Begum, General 26 2. 23/12/2012 Do strengthen Secretary, Barguna branch. Organization.  Israt Jahan, Headmistress, Adarsha Madhomik Bidhalya.

 Memorandum & Declaration. &Convention of BMP  Women’s Movement in Sub-continent & Bangladesh Mahila Parishad  Rita Brahma, Secretary,  Consecutive factual Movement, Tongi Branch work of  Zohora Mollah, Vice - Organization President, Tongi Branch  VAW: Sexual  Nurjahan, Secretary, 3. 09/06/2012 Tongi Harassment & our Organization, 28 duties  Adv. Badol, APP, Gazipur  Women’s Right in Court the constitution and  Sumona Sarker Jhumur, law and Consecutive Researcher, Dhaka Unicersity factual effort to prevent VAW  Concept of Gender, Women Empowerment and CEDAW in international standard  Women’s Movement in the subcontinent & BMP.  Principles of BMP in the light of  Anwara Begum, President, memorandum & Tongi branch. declaration.  Johora Mollah, Vice President,  Role of Organizers Tongi branch. 4. 06/11/2012 Tongi to implement the 30  Nurjahan, Secretary, activities of the Organization, Tongi branch. Organization.  Rita Brahma, Secretary,  Concepts of Gender, Movement, Tongi branch. International initiative & CEDAW to establish Women Empowerment & Women’s Rights.  Memorandum & Declaration.  Hasna Chowdhury, GS, &Convention of Rangpur branch. BMP  Tahera Islam, Secretary, 5. 31/08/2012 Rangpur  Role of Organizers Organization, Rangpur branch. 30 to implement the  Rummana Jaman Topa, activities of the Secretary, Social Welfare, Organization. Rangpur branch.  CEDAW

 Empowerment of Women.  Waziur Rahman rafel,  Memorandum &  Comrade Mizan hasan, ex Constitution of Chairman, Ramchandrapur BMP. Union.  Women Rights in  Hedaetul Islam,Journalist. existing law and  Adv. Shahadat Hossain Lucko, 6. 07/09/2012 Gaibandha 45 constitution and Panel lawyer. Consecutive factual  Amatur nur chara, president. work of  Riktu Prasad, General Organization Secretary.  Women’s Movement  Nazma Shawkat, secretary, in Bangladesh & the Legal Aid, Gaibandha branch. role of BMP.  Empowerment of Women.  Waziur Rahman rafel,  Memorandum &  Comrade Mizan hasan, ex Constitution of Chairman, Ramchandrapur BMP. Union.  Women Rights in  Hedaetul Islam,Journalist. existing law and  Adv. Shahadat Hossain Lucko, 7. 02/12/2012 do 85 constitution and Panel lawyer. Consecutive factual  Amatur nur chara, president. work of  Riktu Prasad, General Organization Secretary.  Women’s Movement  Nazma Shawkat, secretary, in Bangladesh & the Legal Aid, Gaibandha branch. role of BMP.  Memorandum & Constitution of BMP.  Rina karmakar, General 8. 27/11/2012 Sylhet 34  Women’s Movement Secretary. in the Sub-continent & BMP.  Memorandum & Constitution of BMP.  Rina karmakar, General 9. 28/12/2012 Sylhet 23  Women’s Movement Secretary. in the Sub-continent & BMP.  Memorandum & Constitution of 10. 19/01/2012 Chandpur BMP. 29  Empowerment of Women.  Women’s Movement in Bangladesh & the 11. 02/06/2012 Do role of BMP. 32  Empowerment of Women.

 BMP in the light of  Deepali Rani Roy, General Declaration. Secretary, Patukhali branch. 12. 17/11/2012 Patukhali  Consecutive tangible 26  Jahanara Begum, Secretary, effort of the Organization, Patukhali branch. organization.  Memorandum & Constitution of  Saraban Tahura, Member, BMP. Central Committee.  Consecutive tangible  Rabeya Khatun Shanti, 13. 12/10/2012 Gazipur effort to protest Member, CC. 28 VAW.  Kaniz Fatema Tagor, Secretary,  Women’s Movement Movement, Dhaka Mahanagar in the Sub-continent branch. &BMP.

Annex VIII

Table 6 Study Circles conducted in 2012

No. of Sl. Date Place Issue Participan N. ts Central Level (Planned) 1. 17/01/2012 BMP Auditorium Open Discussion 18 2. 31/01/2012 Do Do 11 3. 01/03/2012 Do Do 09 4. 17/04/2012 Do Do 07 5. 29/05/2012 Do Do 08 6. 26/06/2012 National College Do 46 of Home Economics, Lalmatia, Dhaka 7. 19/07/2012 Dhaka College, Do 134 New Market, Dhaka. 8. 07/08/2012 BMP Auditorium Do 07 9. 09/10/2012 Lalmatia Mahila Do 122 College 10. 14/10/2012 T & T University Do 59 college 11. 13/11/2012 BMP Auditorium CEDAW 13 12. 10/12/2012 Agrani School & Do 25 College District Level (Unplanned) 13. 10/01/2012 Madhukhali Concepts of Gender 11 14. 12/01/2012 Faridpur Freedom Fighting in Bangladesh 14 15. 14/01/2012 Sawrupkathi Literature of Begum Rokeya 25 16. 15/01/2012 Bagerhat Organizational Memorandum & 26 Declaration. 17. 23/01/2012 Jessore Uniform Family Code 40 18. 27/01/2012 Kawkhali Language Movement & Amar Ekushe 15 19. 09/02/2012 Faridpur Importance of Language Movement 28 20. 09/02/2012 Madhukhali Muktijudher Chetona 11 21. 14/02/2012 Savar Importance of Language Movement 28 22. 21/02/2012 Tongi Importance of Mother Language 18 23. 24/02/2012 Kawkhali Importance of International Women’s day 10 24. 01/03/2012 Faridpur International Women’s day -

25. 08/03/2012 Bhramanbaria International Women’s day 150 26. 08/03/2012 Sawrupkathi Assemble of Young girls - 27. 08/03/2012 Rangpur Assemble of Young girls 27 28. 08/03/2012 Dinajpur Assemble of Young girls 60 29. 09/03/2012 Madhukhali Women’s Day 11 30. 10/03/2012 Pirojpur International Women’s day 80 31. 17/03/2012 Narayanganj Biography of Sufia Kamal 21 32. 19/03/2012 Savar Importance of Freedom Day 28 33. 27/03/2012 Kawkhali Freedom Fighting of Bangali women 15 34. 31/03/2012 Chittagong Assemble of Young girls 60 35. 17/04/2012 Madhukhali Movement Against Slavery 11 36. 17/04/2012 Rangpur Ways to resist VAW - 37. 19/04/2012 Faridpur Activities of BMP - 38. 21/04/2012 Kawkhali Biography of Sufia Kamal 10 39. 21/04/2012 Dinajpur CEDAW - 40. 30/04/2012 Savar Cons of Sexual harassment 28 41. 02/05/2012 Tongi Goal & Objectives of BMP 12 42. 08/05/2012 Madhukhali Cons of Sexual Harassment & ways to end 15 43. 11/05/2012 Narayanganj Memorandum & declaration of BMP 10 44. 19/05/2012 Tangail Memorandum & declaration of BMP, 30 Roles of BMP for empowerment of women, Biography of Begum Rokeya & Sufia Kamal. 45. 24/05/2012 Faridpur Biography of Begum Rokeya 13 46. 25/05/2012 Kawkhali Protected Health of women 15 47. 25/05/2012 Savar BMP & Roles of Organizers 22 48. 03/06/2012 Madhukhali Biography of Sufia Kamal 15 49. 06/06/2012 Madhukhali Biography of Sufia Kamal 15 50. 17/06/2012 Faridpur Biography of Sufia Kamal - 51. 18/06/2012 Jessore Birth anniversary of Sufia Kamal 27 52. 21/06/2012 Kawkhali Biography of Sufia Kamal 15 53. 21/06/2012 Savar Biography of Sufia Kamal 42 54. 25/06/2012 Faridpur Biography of Sufia Kamal - 55. 27/06/2012 Swarupkathi Movement for delighting society & Sufia Kamal 16 56. 03/07/2012 Kumarkhali Sarakbaktrita of Sufia Kamal - 57. 03/07/2012 Madhukhali ‘Bijoyer Aaloy Dhekha Aamra Parajito 14 Noi’ By Monwara Manu 58. 12/07/2012 Faridpur National Women Policy-2011 - 59. 12/07/2012 Tongi Biography of Sufia Kamal 12 60. 21/07/2012 Rajshahi Biography of Hena Das 10 61. 26/07/2012 Kawkhali Articles of Hena Das written in Samachar 10 62. 05/08/2012 Savar Principles & goals of BMP 22 63. 07/08/2012 Madhukhali Memorandam & Delaration 15 64. 23/08/2012 Kawkhali CEDAW 10 65. 08/09/2012 RajshahiUniversity Significance of women in UN - 66. 13/09/2012 Munshiganj CEDAW 09

67. 13/09/2012 Faridpur Biography of Pritilata Waddedar 18 68. 16/09/2012 Madhukhali Leading role of women in Agriculture 11 69. 16/09/2012 Magura Biography of Sufia Kamal - 70. 20/09/2012 Kurigram Women’s Movement & Biography of Sufia 21 Kamal 71. 21/09/2012 Natore Activities of BMP & Biography of Sufia 100 Kamal 72. 22/09/2012 Kawkhali CEDAW 10 73. 24/09/2012 Rajshahi Roles of Organization to resist VAW - University 74. 09/10/2012 Madhukhali Rights of girl child 14 75. 11/10/2012 Faridpur Women’s Movement in Subcontinent & - BMP 76. 18/10/2012 Magura Adolescent period & Awareness of 65 Reproductive Health 77. 20/10/2012 Savar Biography of Sufia Kamal 22 78. 20/10/2012 Kawkhali Existing law against women 15 79. 05/11/2012 Savar Way to increase efficiency of the 22 organizers 80. 08/11/2012 Faridpur Biography of Sufia Kamal - 81. 22/11/2012 Tongi CEDAW 14 82. 28/11/2012 Magura Memorandum of BMP - 83. 04/12/2012 Rajshahi International Fortnight resist violence 16 against women & Human Rights Day 84. 09/12/2012 Savar ‘Aborodhbasini’ by Begum Rokeya 45 85. 09/12/2012 Munshiganj Biography of Begum Rokeya - 86. 13/12/2012 Dinajpur Biography of Begum Rokeya - 87. 22/12/2012 Rajbari Biography of Begum Rokeya 24 88. 23/12/2012 Raipura Open Discussion 33 89. 24/12/2012 Faridpur Biography of Begum Rokeya - 90. 24/12/2012 Munshiganj Biography of Begum Rokeya & 22 Memorandum & declaration of BMP 91. 26/12/2012 Chittagong Biography of Begum Rokeya 30 92. 27/12/2012 Barishal ‘History of Freedom Fighting’ by 17 Mohammad Zafor Iqbal 93. 29/12/2012 Kawkhali Contribution of women in freedom fighting 30 94. 31/12/2012 Brahmanbaria Article on Women’s Movement in the - Subcontinent & BMP

Unplanned  Khadija Begum, General Secretary, Barguna branch.  Violence Against  Khaleda Islam Sweety, 14. 23/08/2012 Barguna 40 Women. Member, Barguna branch.  Kanak Rany Das, Member, Barguna branch.

 Nigar Sultana, Vice President, Barguna branch.  Activities of BMP.  Khadija Begum, General  Strategy to 26 15. 23/12/2012 Do Secretary, Barguna branch. strengthen  Israt Jahan, Headmistress, Organization. Adarsha Madhomik Bidhalya.  Memorandum & Declaration. &Convention of BMP  Women’s Movement in Sub- continent & Bangladesh Mahila  Rita Brahma, Secretary, Parishad Movement, Tongi Branch  Consecutive  Zohora Mollah, Vice - factual work of President, Tongi Branch Organization  Nurjahan, Secretary,  VAW: Sexual Organization, 16. 09/06/2012 Tongi Harassment & our 28  Adv. Badol, APP, Gazipur duties Court  Women’s Right in  Sumona Sarker Jhumur, the constitution Researcher, Dhaka and law and Unicersity Consecutive

factual effort to prevent VAW  Concept of Gender, Women Empowerment and CEDAW in international standard  Women’s Movement in the subcontinent &  Anwara Begum, President, BMP. Tongi branch.  Principles of BMP  Johora Mollah, Vice in the light of President, Tongi branch. 17. 06/11/2012 Tongi 30 memorandum &  Nurjahan, Secretary, declaration. Organization, Tongi branch.  Role of Organizers  Rita Brahma, Secretary, to implement the Movement, Tongi branch. activities of the Organization.

 Concepts of Gender, International initiative & CEDAW to establish Women Empowerment & Women’s Rights.  Memorandum &  Hasna Chowdhury, GS, Declaration. Rangpur branch. &Convention of BMP  Tahera Islam, Secretary, Organization, Rangpur 18. 31/08/2012 Rangpur  Role of Organizers 30 branch. to implement the

activities of the  Rummana Jaman Topa, Secretary, Social Welfare, Organization. Rangpur branch.  CEDAW  Empowerment of  Waziur Rahman rafel, Women.  Comrade Mizan hasan, ex  Memorandum & Chairman, Ramchandrapur Constitution of BMP. Union.  Women Rights in  Hedaetul Islam,Journalist. existing law and  Adv. Shahadat Hossain Gaibandh constitution and 19. 07/ 09/2012 Lucko, Panel lawyer. 45 a Consecutive  Amatur nur chara, president. factual work of Organization  Riktu Prasad, General Secretary.  Women’s Movement in  Nazma Shawkat, secretary, Bangladesh & the Legal Aid, Gaibandha role of BMP. branch.  Empowerment of Women.  Waziur Rahman rafel,  Memorandum &  Comrade Mizan hasan, ex Constitution of Chairman, Ramchandrapur BMP. Union.  Women Rights in  Hedaetul Islam,Journalist. existing law and  Adv. Shahadat Hossain 20. 02/12/2012 do constitution and Lucko, Panel lawyer. 85 Consecutive  Amatur nur chara, president. factual work of  Riktu Prasad, General Organization Secretary.  Women’s  Nazma Shawkat, secretary, Movement in Legal Aid, Gaibandha Bangladesh & the branch. role of BMP.

 Memorandum & Constitution of BMP.  Rina karmakar, General 21. 27/11/2012 Sylhet  Women’s 34 Secretary. Movement in the Sub-continent & BMP.  Memorandum & Constitution of BMP.  Rina karmakar, General 22. 28/12/2012 Sylhet  Women’s 23 Secretary. Movement in the Sub-continent & BMP.  Memorandum & Constitution of 23. 19/01/2012 Chandpur BMP.  29  Empowerment of Women.  Women’s Movement in Bangladesh & the 24. 02/06/2012 Do  32 role of BMP.  Empowerment of Women.  BMP in the light of  Deepali Rani Roy, General Declaration. Secretary, Patukhali branch. 25. 17/11/2012 Patukhali  Consecutive  Jahanara Begum, Secretary, 26 tangible effort of Organization, Patukhali the organization. branch.  Memorandum & Constitution of  Saraban Tahura, Member, BMP. Central Committee.  Consecutive  Rabeya Khatun Shanti, tangible effort to 26. 12/10/2012 Gazipur Member, CC. 28 protest VAW.  Kaniz Fatema Tagor,  Women’s Secretary, Movement, Dhaka Movement in the Mahanagar branch. Sub-continent &BMP.

Annex VIII

Table 6 Study Circles conducted in 2012

Sl. No. of Date Place Issue No. Participants Central Level (Planned) 95. 17/01/2012 BMP Auditorium Open Discussion 18 96. 31/01/2012 Do Do 11 97. 01/03/2012 Do Do 09 98. 17/04/2012 Do Do 07 99. 29/05/2012 Do Do 08 100. 26/06/2012 National College Do 46 of Home Economics, Lalmatia, Dhaka 101. 19/07/2012 Dhaka College, Do 134 New Market, Dhaka. 102. 07/08/2012 BMP Auditorium Do 07 103. 09/10/2012 Lalmatia Mahila Do 122 College 104. 14/10/2012 T & T University Do 59 college 105. 13/11/2012 BMP Auditorium CEDAW 13 106. 10/12/2012 Agrani School & Do 25 College District Level (Unplanned) 107. 10/01/2012 Madhukhali Concepts of Gender 11 108. 12/01/2012 Faridpur Freedom Fighting in Bangladesh 14 109. 14/01/2012 Sawrupkathi Literature of Begum Rokeya 25 110. 15/01/2012 Bagerhat Organizational Memorandum & 26 Declaration. 111. 23/01/2012 Jessore Uniform Family Code 40 112. 27/01/2012 Kawkhali Language Movement & Amar Ekushe 15 113. 09/02/2012 Faridpur Importance of Language Movement 28 114. 09/02/2012 Madhukhali Muktijudher Chetona 11 115. 14/02/2012 Savar Importance of Language Movement 28 116. 21/02/2012 Tongi Importance of Mother Language 18 117. 24/02/2012 Kawkhali Importance of International Women’s day 10 118. 01/03/2012 Faridpur International Women’s day -

119. 08/03/2012 Bhramanbaria International Women’s day 150 120. 08/03/2012 Sawrupkathi Assemble of Young girls - 121. 08/03/2012 Rangpur Assemble of Young girls 27 122. 08/03/2012 Dinajpur Assemble of Young girls 60 123. 09/03/2012 Madhukhali Women’s Day 11 124. 10/03/2012 Pirojpur International Women’s day 80 125. 17/03/2012 Narayanganj Biography of Sufia Kamal 21 126. 19/03/2012 Savar Importance of Freedom Day 28 127. 27/03/2012 Kawkhali Freedom Fighting of Bangali women 15 128. 31/03/2012 Chittagong Assemble of Young girls 60 129. 17/04/2012 Madhukhali Movement Against Slavery 11 130. 17/04/2012 Rangpur Ways to resist VAW - 131. 19/04/2012 Faridpur Activities of BMP - 132. 21/04/2012 Kawkhali Biography of Sufia Kamal 10 133. 21/04/2012 Dinajpur CEDAW - 134. 30/04/2012 Savar Cons of Sexual harassment 28 135. 02/05/2012 Tongi Goal & Objectives of BMP 12 136. 08/05/2012 Madhukhali Cons of Sexual Harassment & ways 15 to end 137. 11/05/2012 Narayanganj Memorandum & declaration of BMP 10 138. 19/05/2012 Tangail Memorandum & declaration of BMP, 30 Roles of BMP for empowerment of women, Biography of Begum Rokeya & Sufia Kamal. 139. 24/05/2012 Faridpur Biography of Begum Rokeya 13 140. 25/05/2012 Kawkhali Protected Health of women 15 141. 25/05/2012 Savar BMP & Roles of Organizers 22 142. 03/06/2012 Madhukhali Biography of Sufia Kamal 15 143. 06/06/2012 Madhukhali Biography of Sufia Kamal 15 144. 17/06/2012 Faridpur Biography of Sufia Kamal - 145. 18/06/2012 Jessore Birth anniversary of Sufia Kamal 27 146. 21/06/2012 Kawkhali Biography of Sufia Kamal 15 147. 21/06/2012 Savar Biography of Sufia Kamal 42 148. 25/06/2012 Faridpur Biography of Sufia Kamal - 149. 27/06/2012 Swarupkathi Movement for delighting society & 16 Sufia Kamal 150. 03/07/2012 Kumarkhali Sarakbaktrita of Sufia Kamal - 151. 03/07/2012 Madhukhali ‘Bijoyer Aaloy Dhekha Aamra 14 Parajito Noi’ By Monwara Manu 152. 12/07/2012 Faridpur National Women Policy-2011 - 153. 12/07/2012 Tongi Biography of Sufia Kamal 12 154. 21/07/2012 Rajshahi Biography of Hena Das 10 155. 26/07/2012 Kawkhali Articles of Hena Das written in 10 Samachar 156. 05/08/2012 Savar Principles & goals of BMP 22 157. 07/08/2012 Madhukhali Memorandam & Delaration 15

158. 23/08/2012 Kawkhali CEDAW 10 159. 08/09/2012 Rajshahi Significance of women in UN - University 160. 13/09/2012 Munshiganj CEDAW 09 161. 13/09/2012 Faridpur Biography of Pritilata Waddedar 18 162. 16/09/2012 Madhukhali Leading role of women in Agriculture 11 163. 16/09/2012 Magura Biography of Sufia Kamal - 164. 20/09/2012 Kurigram Women’s Movement & Biography of 21 Sufia Kamal 165. 21/09/2012 Natore Activities of BMP & Biography of 100 Sufia Kamal 166. 22/09/2012 Kawkhali CEDAW 10 167. 24/09/2012 Rajshahi Roles of Organization to resist VAW - University 168. 09/10/2012 Madhukhali Rights of girl child 14 169. 11/10/2012 Faridpur Women’s Movement in Subcontinent - & BMP 170. 18/10/2012 Magura Adolescent period & Awareness of 65 Reproductive Health 171. 20/10/2012 Savar Biography of Sufia Kamal 22 172. 20/10/2012 Kawkhali Existing law against women 15 173. 05/11/2012 Savar Way to increase efficiency of the 22 organizers 174. 08/11/2012 Faridpur Biography of Sufia Kamal - 175. 22/11/2012 Tongi CEDAW 14 176. 28/11/2012 Magura Memorandum of BMP - 177. 04/12/2012 Rajshahi International Fortnight resist violence 16 against women & Human Rights Day 178. 09/12/2012 Savar ‘Aborodhbasini’ by Begum Rokeya 45 179. 09/12/2012 Munshiganj Biography of Begum Rokeya - 180. 13/12/2012 Dinajpur Biography of Begum Rokeya - 181. 22/12/2012 Rajbari Biography of Begum Rokeya 24 182. 23/12/2012 Raipura Open Discussion 33 183. 24/12/2012 Faridpur Biography of Begum Rokeya - 184. 24/12/2012 Munshiganj Biography of Begum Rokeya & 22 Memorandum & declaration of BMP 185. 26/12/2012 Chittagong Biography of Begum Rokeya 30 186. 27/12/2012 Barishal ‘History of Freedom Fighting’ by 17 Mohammad Zafor Iqbal 187. 29/12/2012 Kawkhali Contribution of women in freedom 30 fighting 188. 31/12/2012 Brahmanbaria Article on Women’s Movement in the - Subcontinent & BMP

Annex IX

Table 7 Networking at National/Local Level, 2012

Networking with Govt. Organization Sl Date Event Organized by Represented by Sharing Meeting on Draft Department of Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director 29 Module of Domestic Violence Women Affaires Legal Advocacy 01 January (Prevention & Protection) Act,2010 Meeting on ‘ Necessity of Ministry of Women Ayesha Khanam-President, multi-sectoral program (OCC) & Children Affaires Maleka Banu-General of Ministry of Women & and COMUNIKA Secretary, Ad, Masuda 29 Children Affaires’ Rehana Begum-Assistant 02 January General Secretary, Ad.Dipti Rani Shikdar-Senior Lawyer, Ad.Ram Lal Raha-Senior Lawyer Begum Rokeya Padak Ministry of Women Maleka Banu-General 31 awarding ceremony & Children Affaires Secretary, Ad. Masuda 03 January Rehana Begum – Assistant General Secretary Submission Domestic Ministry of Women Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director Violence (Prevention & & Children Affaires Legal Advocacy 16 Protection) Act,2011 (Draft) 04 February to State minister with presence of Drafting Committee Opening ceremony of Ministry of Home Maleka Banu-General Rangamati Victim support Affaires Secretary, Konika Borua,Shuli centre Chapa Chakma, Lotifa Kabir, 05 01 March Shugota Borua, Ad.Masuda Akhter-Director Legal Advocacy Discussion meeting on Ministry of Women Rekha Chowdhury-Movement 06 11 March International Women Day & Children Affaires Secretary Training program on Department of Ad.Masuda Rehana Begum – Domestic Violence Women Affaires Assistant General Secretary , 07 11 March (Prevention & Protection) Rakhi Das Purkayastha- Act,2010 Organization Secretary Training program on Department of Ad.Maksuda Rehana Begum – Domestic Violence Women Affaires Assistant General Secretary, 08 13 March (Prevention & Protection) Ad. Ram Lal Raha-Senior Act,2010 Lawyer Closing session of training Department of Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director 09 15 March program on Domestic Women Affaires Legal Advocacy

Violence (Prevention & Protection) Act,2010 Sharing Meeting on Gender Ministry of Women Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director 10 15 March based violence & OCC & Children Affaires Legal Advocacy, Ad.Toufikul Islam-Junior Lawyer Meeting for taking decision Department of Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director about content of training Women Affaires Legal Advocacy, Ad. Ram program on Domestic Lal Raha-Senior Lawyer 11 02 April Violence (Prevention & Protection) Act,2010(2nd Batch) Training program on Department of Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director Domestic Violence Women Affaires Legal Advocacy 12 09 April (Prevention & Protection) Act,2010 Training program on Department of Ad.Dipti Rani Shikdar-Senior Domestic Violence Women Affaires Lawyer 13 11 April (Prevention & Protection) Act,2010 Training program on Department of Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director Domestic Violence Women Affaires Legal Advocacy, Ad. Ramlal 14 12 April (Prevention & Protection) Raha Act,2010 Workshop on Climate Change Department of Kazi Ashiq Elahi-Junior 15 12 April Induced Gender Concerns and Women Affaires Program Officer (Networking) Way Forward Meeting to finalize training Department of Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director Module of Domestic Violence Women Affaires Legal Advocacy 16 09 May (Prevention & Protection) Act,2010;prepared for trainers Meeting Ministry of Women Ayesha Khanam,-President 17 28 May & Children Affaires Training program on Department of Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director Domestic Violence Women Affaires Legal Advocacy 18 29 May (Prevention & Protection) Act,2010; Training program on Department of Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director Domestic Violence Women Affaires Legal Advocacy 19 01 June (Prevention & Protection) Act,2010; Village Court Conference Ministry of Local Jona Goswami-Program 2010 Government, Rural Director Advocacy 20 10 June Development & Co- operatives Inauguration program of Department of Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director ‘Training program on Women Affaires Legal Advocacy, Ad. Ram Lal 21 13 June Domestic Violence Raha-Senior Lawyer (Prevention & Protection) Act,2012’ Training program on Department of Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director 22 13 June Domestic Violence Women Affaires Legal Advocacy

(Prevention & Protection) Act,2010 Training program on Department of Ad.Afia Akter-Senior Lawyer 13-18 Domestic Violence Women Affaires 23 June (Prevention & Protection) Act,2010 Training program on Ministry of Women Ad.Ram Lal Raha- Senior Domestic and Children Lawyer 24 15 June Violence(Prevention and Affaires Protection) act, 2010 Participant’s evaluation and Department of Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director training program on Domestic Women Affaires Legal Advocacy 25 16 June Violence (Prevention & Protection) Act,2010) Sharing meeting on Draft Ministry of Women Ayesha Khanam-President, National Women & Children Affaires Rekha Chowdhury-Movement 26 17 June Development policy 2012 Secretary, Shima Moslem - Secretary ,Training , research and Library Sub Committee Inauguration program of Ministry of Women Ad. Ram Lal Raha-Senior 27 19 June National Helpline Centre to & Children Affaires Lawyer resist violence against women Presentation on findings of Health Department Dr.Samina Chowdhury- two research work conducted Member of Health Sub – 28 20 June by Engender Health, Committee Bangladesh Sharing meeting on Draft Ministry of Women Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director Domestic Violence & Children Affaires Legal Advocacy, Ad. Masuda 29 26 June (Prevention & Protection) Rehana Begum –Assistant Act,2012 General Secretary Pre- Budget discussion Ministry of Finance Ayesha Khanam-President 30 28 June meeting Meeting to finalize Domestic Ministry of Women Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director 31 04 July Violence (Prevention & & Children Affaires Legal Advocacy Protection) Act,2012(Draft) 23th session of National Acid Ministry of Home Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director 32 15 July Control Council Affaires Legal Advocacy Meeting on National Women Ministry of Women Shima Moslem- Secretary 33 29 July Development Policy & Children Affaires ,Training , research and 2012(Draft) Library Sub Committee National Workshop on TOR Ministry of Women Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director 34 08 August Review and work plan & Children and Legal Advocacy UNICEF Meeting on 6th five year plan - Ministry of Ayesha Khanam,-President 12 implementation, monitoring Planning 35 September and evaluation related draft report View Exchange Meeting with Bangladesh Election Rekha Chowdhury – 13 civil society on delimitation of Commission Movement Secretary and Jana 36 September constituency Goswami-Program Director Advocacy

Sharing meeting on Draft Ministry of Women Ayesha Khanam,-President 01 National Plan-2012 of & Children Affairs 37 November National Women Development Policy Post Budget Discussion Ministry of Finance Ayesha Khanam,-President, Meeting & UN Women, Rakhi Das Purkayastha- 04 38 Bangladesh Organization Secretary, Jana November Goshwami-Program Director Advocacy Round Table Meeting on Bangladesh Ayesha Khanam,-President 06 CEDAW & its impact on National Parliament 39 November women’s life of Bangladesh & UN Women, Bangladesh Training program on Ministry of Women Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director 12 Domestic Violence & Children Affaires Legal Advocacy 40 November (Prevention & Protection) Act,2010 Meeting of Drafting Ministry of Women Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director Committee to finalize & Children Affairs Legal Advocacy 21 41 Domestic Violence November (Prevention & Protection) Act,2012 (Draft) Inauguration program of Ministry of Women Ayesha Khanam,-President countrywide Human Chain & Children Affairs Program to observe 27 42 International fortnight November camping to resist violence against women 2012 (25 November-10 December) Program on `Channel I Ministry of Women Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director 20 ‘International fortnight & Children Affairs Legal Advocacy 43 December camping to resist violence against women 2012’ Training program on Ministry of Women Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director 31 Domestic Violence & Children Affairs Legal Advocacy 44 December (Prevention & Protection) Act,2010 Networking with embassy & international organization Program on Addressing ICDDRB & UKAid Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director 01 Gender based Violence & Population Legal Advocacy, 45 February against Women and Girls in Council Bangladesh 40th Anniversary of Norway, Sweden Ayesha Khanam- President, recognition of Bangladesh and Denmark Maleka Banu-General Embassy Secretary, Ad.Masuda Rehana 04 Begum-Assistant General 46 February Secretary, Shima Moslem- Training , research and Library Secretary, Dil Afroj Begum-Finance Secretary 47 18 Program on 40th Anniversary Concern Worldwide Jona Goswami-Program

February of Concern Worldwide’ s Director Advocacy work in Bangladesh 27 56th Session of CSW CSW (Commission Ayesha Khanam,-President 48 February- on the Status of 9 March Women) Design Document Workshop UNFP Kazi Sufia Akhter-Mass on Developing Television Media Secretary and 49 04 March Drama Serial for Raising Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director Awareness on Violence Legal Advocacy Against Women (VAW) View Exchange Meeting on Plan Bangladesh Ad. Sultan Mahmud 50 06 March Baseline survey report on and Care Family Violence Bangladesh Seminar on Government’s UN Women Ad.Masuda Rehana Begum- responsibility about CEDAW Assistant General Secretary 51 20 March ,26 No. recommendation and and Ad.Ram Lal Raha-Senior about responsibility of govt. Lawyer to oversea female worker Work shop on ‘Human International Ad.Masuda Rehana Begum – Trafficking Prevention and Organization of Assistant General Secretary 52 28 March Control Act-2012’ Migration and Dipti Rani Shikdar-Senior Lawyer 236th anniversary of the US Embassy Ayesha Khanam,-President 53 30 May declaration of Independence of USA Discussion meeting on UN Women Ayesha Khanam-President, Promoting Women Politics Shima Moslem -Training , 54 30 May Leadership and Governance in research and Library Secretary India and South Asia Meeting for issues UN Women, Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director identification to taking Bangladesh Legal Advocacy 55 20 June advocacy work plan for resist Violence against women in 2012-2013 Survivors Convention 2012 USAID & Winrock Ad.Masuda Rehana Begum – Assistant General Secretary, 56 17 July Ad. Jannatul Nusrat Khushbu- Junior Officer Seminar on Help Seeking ICDDRB Kohinur Akter-Research 57 30 July behavior after sexual violence, officer globally and in Bangladesh Training program on Gender Koria International D.Mahbuba Kanij Keya- 10-26 58 and Development Co-operation Member of Central September Agency Committee Inauguration program of Safe International Jona Goswamy-Program 17 59 Migration Camping Organization for Director Advocacy September Migration (IOM) Inauguration program of CARE Bangladesh Ayesha Khanam-President , 25 60 workshop on cost of violence Jona Goswamy-Program September against women initiatives Director Advocacy 61 03 Program on `Bijoiya Embassy of India Ayesha Khanam,-President

November Convention’ Discussion meeting on ADB Maleka Banu-General 04 62 Gender Mainstreaming in Secretary November Bangladesh Meeting on Civil Society UN Women Ayesha Khanam-President 12 63 Advisory Group for Bangladesh November Bangladesh Seminar on `Australia & Australian High Ayesha Khanam-President 18 Bangladesh: Sharing Commission 64 December Experience in Protection Of Human Rights` Networking with Local organization CEDAW related activities Meeting of Drafting Steps Towards Jona Goswamy-Program committee about national Development Director Advocacy, Sahjadi 65 30 May seminar on CEDAW Shamima Afjali-Senior Research Officer CEDAW Compliance IWRAW-Asia Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director Framework (CCF) Advocacy Pasific and Nari Legal Advocacy 66 01 July Strategies Development Pakkha Workshop & Endorsement Meeting Meeting of Drafting Steps Towards Jona Goswamy-Program Committee of CEDAW Development Director Advocacy & Sahjadi 67 15 July Alternative Report Shamima Afjali-Senior Research Officer Experience sharing meeting Naripakkha Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director 68 23 July with Ivy Joshy-member of Legal Advocacy CEDAW Committee Meeting on status report on Citizen Initiatives Jona Goswamy-Program implementation of UN on CEDAW Director Advocacy, 69 24 July CEDAW Concluding Bangladesh Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director Observation 2011 Legal Advocacy, View exchange meeting on Citizen Initiatives Ayesha Khanam-President , Status of implementation of on CEDAW Maleka Banu-General UN CEDAW concluding Bangladesh Secretary, Ad.Masuda Rehana Observations 2011 Begum-Assistant General 70 31 July Secretary, Dil Afroj Begum- Finance Secretary, Rekha Shaha-International Secretary, Bula Osman-Education & Culture Secretary Workshop on Universal National Human Ayesha Khanam-President, Periodic Review and women’s Rights Commission Ad.George Chowdhury – human rights, Junior Lawyer ,Ad.Maksuda 71 04 August recommendation taking Akhter-Director Legal according to CEDAW in Advocacy, Bangladesh and follow-up Discussion meeting on Ayesha Khanam-President 21 72 CEDAW and its impact on October women of Bangladesh

Domestic Violence Act-related activities Meeting of drafting Citizen Initiatives Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director 04 committee on Domestic against domestic Legal Advocacy, Ad.Ram Lal 73 January Violence (Prevention & Violence Raha-Senior Lawyer Protection) Act,2012 Meeting of drafting Citizen Initiatives Ad.Maksuda Akhter -Director committee about draft against Domestic Legal Advocacy 16 74 training module on Domestic Violence January Violence(Prevention & Protection ) act, 2010 Meeting of drafting Citizen Initiatives Ad.Maksuda Akhter -Director committee to finalize draft against Domestic Legal Advocacy, Ad.Ram Lal 26 75 training module of Domestic Violence Raha- Senior Lawyer January Violence(Prevention & Protection ) act, 2010 Meeting of drafting Citizen Initiatives Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director committee to finalize draft against Domestic Legal Advocacy 76 05 March training module on Domestic Violence Violence(Prevention & Protection ) act, 2010 Meeting on ‘Reformation of Citizen Initiatives Ad.Maksuda Akhthar-Directer Domestic Violence Against Domestic Legal Advocacy, & Ad.Ram 77 31 May (Prevention & Protection) Violence Lal Raha- Senior Lawyer Act,2011’ Training program on Citizen Initiatives Ad.Maksuda Akhter- Director Domestic Violence Against Domestic Legal Advocacy, & Ad.Ram 78 31 May (Prevention & Protection) Violence Lal Raha-Senior Lawyer Act,2010 Indigenous Community related activities Program on Human rights Kapaeeing Jana Goswami-Program 09 79 Report-2011on Indigenous foundation Director Advocacy January People Discussion meeting on Kapaeeing Rekha Chowdhury-Movement implementation of Chittagong Foundation & Secretary , Jona Goswami- Hill Track treaty and ALRD Program Director Advocacy 80 04 March Government’s election pledge: Achievement and possibility First National Indigenous Kapaeeing Rekha Chowdhury-Movement 81 01 April Women Convention Foundation Secretary Human Chain to protest Bangladesh Jona Goswamy –Program 82 24 May against the rape of seven Adibashi Foroum & Director Advocacy , Ad.Afia years old indigenous girl Manusher Jonno Akter- Senior Lawyer Convention of Adibashi Nari Adibashi Nari Homaira Khatun-Member of 83 16 June Sangbadik Sangbadik Movement Sub-committee National Work shop on Society for Jona Goswamy-Program Identity of indigenous Environment & Director Advocacy 84 24 June community of Bangladesh, Human their number and mapping Development

Other activities Workshop on ‘Violence IWRAW-Asia Ad.Maksuda Akhter- Director 03 Against Women and work Pasific and Nari Legal Advocacy, Rehana 85 January plan on proposed agriculture Pakkha Yunus –Member of Central policy Committee Workshop on ‘Making TV Expression Limited Kazi Sufia Akhter-Mass 04 Drama about raising Media Secretary, Ad.Maksuda 86 January awareness to resist violence Akhter -Director Legal against women ’ Advocacy Meeting with Syeda Sajeda BMP, Central Ofice Ayesha Khanam-President, Chowdhury- Deputy Leader Maleka Banu-General 10 87 in the Parliament of Secretary, Rakhi Das January Bangladesh Purkayastha-Organization Secretary Meeting on review of Women IWRAW-Asia Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Directer 11 88 and Children Repression Pasific and Nari Legal Advocacy January Prevention Act Pakkha View Exchange meeting on Nagarik Uddag Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director 12 89 Hindu Marriage Act, Legal Advocacy, Ad.Ram Lal January 2011(Draft) Raha-Senior Lawyer Round Table meeting on Non- Muktijuddho Ayesha Khanam,-President, 16 retro activity of International Museum Ad.Ram Lal Raha-Senior 90 January Crimes Tribunal and Defining Lawyer the Crimes against Humanity 17 Meeting with civil society Mukti Juddho Ad.Ram Lal Raha- Senior 91 January Museum Lawyer Human Chain for speedy trail Shamprodaikota- Jona Goswami-Program of war criminals Jangibad Birodhi Director Advocacy, Kazi Asiq 19 92 Moncho (SJBM) Elahi-Junior Program January Officer(Networking), Ad.Sultan Mahmud Discussion meeting on trail of Leaders of Ekattorer Ayesha Khanam-President 19 93 war criminals Ghatak Dalal January Nirmul Committee Meeting on Hindu Marriage Manusher jonno Ayesha Khanam-President, 19 94 Law,2011 (Draft) Foundation Ad.Ram Lal Raha- Senior January Lawyer Memorial meeting of three Ain o Shalish Ayesha Khanam-President 22 95 founder member of Ain o Kendro January Shalish Kendro 10 TV Show ‘Apon Aloi’ BTV and BTV Ad. Maksuda -Director Legal 96 February World Advocacy, Akhter 21st Foundation day of Daily Daily Star Ayesha Khanam-President, 18 97 Star Maleka Banu-General February Secretary Meeting on modalities of National Human Ad. Maksuda Akhter-Director 20 98 investigation Rights Commission Legal Advocacy, Ad.Ram Lal February Raha-Senior Lawyer 23 Talk Show ‘Kholamone’ Mash ranga TV Ad. Maksuda Akhter-Director 99 February about trafficking of women Channel Legal Advocacy

and children 24 Radio program- ‘Mitha Kora’ ABC Radio Ad. Maksuda Akhter-Director 100 February about legal aid Legal Advocacy View exchange meeting on Kormojibi Nari Jona Goswami-Program 27 Problems of pro-poor farmers Director Advocacy 101 February to enter into social protection activities Convention of Bangladesh Bangladesh Jona Goswami-Program 27 102 Peshajibi Nari Shomaj Peshajibi Nari Director Advocacy February Shomaj Consultative Meeting for Bangladesh Centre Kohinur Akter-Research 29 Developing a capacity for Communication Officer 103 February Building Toolkit for Plan Program Bangladesh Workshop on Environment Bangladesh Paribesh Ad.Ram Lal Raha-Senior 104 4-8 March and environment related laws Ainjibi Shamity Lawyer Discussion meeting on CGS/CSRL Jona Goswami-Program 105 05 March Women farmer Director Advocacy Meeting on ‘Role of women Center for Global Rifat Binte Jia-Program 106 07 March in food security’ Change Officer (Mass Media) Discussion meeting on Transparency Nihar Ranjan Roy- participation of women International Coordinator, Kaniz Fatema 107 07 March representative in Local Togor-Member of Movement Government :problem, Sub-Committee possibilities and expectation Discussion Meeting Bangladesh Nari Rekha Chowdhury-Movement 108 09 March Tread Union Secretary Meeting of Drafting Nagorik Uddog Ad. Maksuda Akhter - Committee about Reform Director Legal Advocacy, & 109 15 March Hindu Marriage Law Ad.Ram Lal Raha-Senior Lawyer Discussion Meeting on trail of Sector Commands Maleka Banu- General war criminals Forum Secretary and Rekha 110 20 March Chowdhury-Movement Secretary Discussion meeting on Women for Women Jona Goswami-Program 111 20 March International Women day Director Advocacy TV show ‘Law and Order’ ATN Bangla TV Ad. Maksuda Akhtar 112 20 March about security of women and Channel child in family National Workshop on Bangladesh Law Ad. Masuda Rehana Begum- `Family Laws in Bangladesh’ Commission Ass. General Secretary, Rakhi 113 24 March Das Purkayastha – Organization Secretary TV show -‘Law and Order’ ATN Bangla TV Ad. Maksuda Akhthar- 114 27 March about security of women and Channel Directer Legal Advocacy, child in family 20th anniversary and 7th Action On Jona Goswami-Program convention of ADD (Action Disability in Director Advocacy 115 28 March On Disability in Development Development)

View Exchange meeting on Manusher Jonno Ad. Sultan Mahmud 116 28 March ’Citizen Initiatives Against Foundation Domestic Violence ’ Project closing ceremony PLAGE-II Dr. Fouzia Moslem-Vice 117 01 April President Discussion Meeting on ‘Spirit Shamprodaikota- Rekha Chowdhury-Movement of liberation war, justice of Jangibad Birodhi Secretary 118 03 April war criminals and future Moncho (SJBM) Bangladesh’ Discussion Meeting on Shomoi TV Channel Rakhi Das Purkayastha – 119 08 April ‘Hindu Marriage registration Organization Secretary law ’ Meeting on ‘Country Asian Development Maleka Banu- General 120 09 April Programming Mission 2012 ’ Bank Secretary Presentation and launching South Asian Ad.Ram Lal Raha-Senior ceremony of research report Institute of Advance Lawyer 121 10 April on ‘Muslim, Hindu and legal & Human Christian Family Laws’ Rights Studies(SAILS) Discussion Meeting on ‘Legal Ovibashi Kormi Ad.Dipti Rani Shikdar-Senior support for women oversea Unnoion Program Lawyer 122 12 April employee and arbitration for victim ’ Manual (for human rights Ain o Shalish Ad.Georg Chowdhury- Junior 123 16 April workers) launching ceremony Kendro Lawyer Seminar on ‘In absence of ADAB and Ayesha Khanam-President, boy child Girl child’s full Bangladesh Nari Ad. Maksuda Akhter-Directer 124 19 April right in inherited property’ Progoti Shongho Legal Advocacy, Ad.Afia Akter- Senior Lawyer Discussion Meeting NCDP Rakhi Das Purkayastha – 125 30 May Organization Secretary 8th anniversary of Doinik Doinik Shomokal Kazi Sufia Akhter Mass Media Shomokal Secretary, Rekha Shaha- International Secretary, Bula 126 31 May Osman- Education & Cultural Secretary, Rifat Binte Jia- Program Officer (Mass Media) Round Table meeting on Bangladesh Legal Ad.Masuda Rehana-Assistant Human Rights of women Aid & Cervices General Secretary Begum & 127 02 May prisoners Trust (BLAST) and Ad.Ram Lal Raha- Senior Prison Reform Lawyer International Discussion meeting on 83th Ghatok Dalal Bula Osman-Education & birthday of Shaheed Janani Nirmul Committee Cultural Secretary , Jona 128 03 May Jahanara Imam Goswami-Program Director Advocacy & Osru Vattachario- Meeting on Financing Center for policy Ayesha Khanam-President challenge in development dialogue and Rekha Chowdhury- 129 05 May activities under local Movement secretary government

Meeting on ‘information National Human Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director guide’ and ‘memorandum of Rights Commission Legal Advocacy & Ad.Ram understanding’ formation by Lal Raha- Senior Lawyer 130 09 May National Human Rights Commission and other organization Meeting to finalize the List of Human Rights Ad.Ram Lal Raha- Senior Concern Human Rights Issues Forum Lawyer 131 09 May for UPR report-2013 to send it ministry of foreign Affaires Meeting on ‘information National Human Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director guide’ and ‘Memorandum of Rights Commission Legal Advocacy, & Ad.Ram Understanding’ formation by Lal Raha- Senior Lawyer 132 09 May National Human Rights Commission and other organization Discussion meeting on The NGO Bureau Maleka Banu-General Foreign Donation (Voluntary Secretary Activities)Regulation 133 16 May Ordinance 1978 and The Foreign Contributions(Regulation) Ordinance 1982 Workshop on Issues selection Human Rights Ayesha Khanam-President, 19-20 to prepare UPR Report-2013 Forum Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director 134 May Legal Advocacy , Ad.Ram Lal Raha- Senior Lawyer Discussion Meeting National Human Ayesha Khanam-President 135 20 May rights Commission Discussion Meeting on North-south Ayesha Khanam-President Mainstreaming in politics, University 136 23 May Administration and NGO sector in Bangladesh Meeting on ‘information National Human Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director guide’ and ‘Memorandum of Rights Commission Legal Advocacy, & Ad.Ram Understanding’- formatted by Lal Raha- Senior Lawyer 137 23 May National Human Rights Commission and other organization Discussion Meeting on Bangladseh Nari Ayesha Khanam-President 138 24 May Gender Responsive Budget Progoti Shongho Round Table meeting on Dhaka University Ayesha Khanam-President 139 24 May Cyber crime & security of information Book (Disability Right Law: Bangladesh Legal Ad.Masuda Rehana Begum- 140 29 May guide for Lawyers) launching Aid and Cervices Assistant General Secretary program Trust Human Chain to protest The Hunger Project Rekha Chowdhury-Movement 141 30 May against woman abused by Secretary police in court area 142 02 June National Convention -2012 of Shocheton Nagorik Jona Goswamy-Program

Shocheton Nagorik Committee Director Advocacy Committee (SANAC) and (SANAC) and Youth Engagement & Support Youth Engagement (YES) & Support (YES) Publication of annual report of BRAC Jona Goswamy-Program 143 05 June BRAC Director Advocacy Discussion meeting about Pre- Steps Towards Rekha Chowdhury-Movement 144 10 June budget Development secretary Seminar on Workers’ wale Kormojibi Nari Jona Goswamy-Program 145 13 June fare Foundation law Director Advocacy View exchange meeting about CPD Rekha Chowdhury-Movement 146 16 June post-budget Secretary Human Chain Kapaeeing Jona Goswamy-Program 147 18 June Foundation Director Advocacy Discussion meeting on 18th Ekattorer Ghatok Bula Osman-Education & 148 26 June death anniversary of Shahid Dalal Nirmul Cultural Secretary Jononi Jahanara Imam Committee View Exchange meeting on BRAC Kazi Ashiq Elahi –Junior ‘Secured citizenship for Program Oficer (Networking ) 149 03 July Women’ Ad.George Chowdhury- Junior Lawyer Convention of Gender and Gender and Jona Goswamy-Program 150 08 July Development Alliance Development Director Advocacy Alliance Meeting on present women Shajher Maya Dr. Fouzia Moslem-Vice movement, expanding Precedent 151 12 July women leadership and enriching political spirit of future generation Human Chain-demanding 6 Kormojibi Nari Jona Goswamy-Program 152 12 July month maternity leave with Director Advocacy full salary Mass gathering demanding for Nagorik Shamaj Rakhi Das Purkayastha- recognition of endogenous Organization Secretary, Bula community of Bangladesh, Osman-Education and Culture violence against endogenous Secretary, Kaniz Fatema community, implementation Togor-Member of Movement of Chittagong Hill Tract Sub-committee, Nilufar 153 16 July Treaty and formulation of Akter- Member, Movement separate land commission for Sub-committee ,Kazi Ashiq plain area’s endogenous Elahi-Junior Program community. Officer(Networking), Rifat Binte Jia-Program Officer(Mass Media) Human Chain demanding for Peshajibi Nari Jona Goswamy-Program speedy trail of war criminals Shamaj Director Advocacy & Kazi 154 17 July Ashiq Elahi–Junior Program Officer(Networking ) Meeting with member of NCBP Jona Goswamy-Program 155 17 July steering committee to take Director Advocacy decisions for future work plan

Workshop on Role of Shalish Karitus Ad.Afia Akter- Senior Lawyer 156 21 July and traditional institution in Development rural area of Bangladesh Institute Meeting of Steering Human Rights Jona Goswamy -Program committee Forum, Bangladesh Director Advocacy & Sahjadi 157 22 July Shamima Afjali-Senior Research Officer Discussion meeting on 5 Ekattorer Ghatok Ayesha Khanam-President 158 26 July freedom fighters of Dalal Nirmul Chittagong Committee Workshop on UPR: National Human Ad.Ram Lal Raha- Senior Recommendation and follow- Rights Commission Lawyer 159 26 July up on institutional development Workshop on UPR: Human National Human Ad.Ram Lal Raha- Senior rights certificates of United Rights Commission Lawyer Nation, authorization of 160 28 July certificates, report submission, Recommendation and follow- up Workshop on Universal National Human Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director Periodic Review and Rights Commission Legal Advocacy 161 04 August recommendation for lag behind people and follow-up Workshop on Universal National Human Ad. Ram Lal Raha- Senior Periodic Review: Rights Commission Lawyer 162 07 August Recommendation on civilian and political rights and follow-up Workshop on Universal National Human Ad.Ram Lal Raha- Senior Periodic Review: Rights Commission Lawyer 163 07 August Recommendation on economic, social and cultural rights and follow-up View exchange meeting on Parbotto Oparna Chowdhury-Senior land related laws of Chottogram Program Officer 164 08 August indigenous community at Ancholik Parishad Chittagong hill tract Press conference on International Crimes Ayesha Khanam-President, requirement of tribunal for Trabunal Mancha, Jona Goswamy-Program trail of war criminals and role Sector Commanders Director Advocacy of government Forum’71 , Bangladesh Mohila 165 13 August Parishad, Projonmo’71 and Ekattorer Ghatok Dalal Nirmul Committee Sharing meeting on NCPB Women for Women Maleka Banu-General 166 13 August Secretary 167 13 August Sharing meeting on UPR- Human Rights Ad.Maksuda Akter-Director

2013 draft report and its’ Forum Legal Advocacy, Ad.Ram Lal presentation Raha- Senior Lawyer Workshop on National Human Ad.Ram Lal Raha - Senior recommendation on child Rights Commission Lawyer , Ad.Janantul Nusrat 168 29 August labor and human trafficking Khushbu-Junior Officer and follow-up Memorial meeting on 9th Rehana Yunus-Member of death anniversary of Nurjahan Central Committee 01 Murshid –one of the 169 September prominent activist in women empowerment Human Chain for celebrating Steps Towards Kazi Ashiq Elahi-Junior international women’s day Development Program Officer 03 170 (Networking), Ifrat Jahan- September Assistant Training and Research Officer 06 Discussion Meeting Shajher Maia Rekha Shaha-International 171 September Secretary 07 Book launching program Bangladesh Shishu Sayada Shamse Ara Hossain- 172 September Kollan Parishad Vice President 08 Seminar on International Shushashoner Jonno Jona Goswamy-Program 173 September Literacy Day Prochar Ovijan Director Advocacy General Meeting Bangladesh Civil Khurshid Jahan 08 Society Network for 174 September Scaling Up Nutrition View Exchange meeting with Ifrat Jahan- Assistant Training Maren Asse - research fellow, and Research Officer and 12 Dept. of Center for Kohinur Akter-Research 175 September Development and officer environment , Norway, Oslo University Seminar on Assessing the BRAC- Jona Goswamy-Program Performance of Gender Development Director Advocacy, Kohinur 12 176 Quality Action Learning Institute and Akhter-Research Officer, Ifrat September Program Gender, Justice, Jahan-Assistant Training and Diversity Section Research Officer Meeting of Steering Human Rights Ayesha Khanam-President, 16 committee to finalize UPR- Forum , Bangladesh Ad.Ram Lal Raha- Senior 177 September 2012 draft report of Human Lawyer Council of United Nation Discussion meeting on Bangladesh Legal Ad.Masuda Rehana Begum- 17 178 economic rights of married Aid and Services Assistant General Secretary September women Trust Dialogue on Economic CPD Ayesha Khanam-President 17 179 condition of Bangladesh :IMF September funded activities 180 18-19 Seminar on UPR National Human Ayesha Khanam- President, September Rights Commission Maleka Banu-General Secretary, Ad.Masuda Rehana

Begum-Assistant General Secretary, Rakhi Das Purkayastha –Organization Secretary, Shima Moslem- Training , research and Library Secretary, Ad.Maksuda Akter-Director Legal Advocacy, Jona Goswamy-Program Director Advocacy 20 View exchange meeting Nari Uddokta Jona Goswamy-Program 181 September Forum Director Advocacy 26 Sharing meeting on UPR Human Rights Ayesha Khanam-President 182 September report Forum Seminar on Inclusion of birth Gender and Jona Goswamy-Program 17 registration number or development Director Advocacy 183 October national ID number in Alliance marriage registration form Workshop on Women in Human Ayesha Khanam-President 18 Parliament: Process & Extent Development 184 October of Participation and Scope for Research Center Strengthening their Role (HDRC) Discussion meeting on Central committee Ayesha Khanam-President Women leadership in politics of Muktijoddha 23 185 of Bangladesh in the field of Jubo Comand October international women’s’ empowerment 23 Discussion meeting on World Bangladesh Ayesha Khanam-President 186 October Menopause Day Menopause Society Round Table meeting on Anti Awaaz Foundation Jona Goswamy-Program Harassment committee and Director Advocacy, Afia 25 187 violence prevention system in Aketr-Senior Lawyer October export- oriented Factory of Bangladesh Seminar on State of CDP Ayesha Khanam-President 05 Governance in the Banking 188 November Sector Dealing with Recent Shocks’ 23 Program on 14th birth Prothom Alo Ayesha Khanam-President 189 November anniversary of Prothom Alo Human Chain for protesting Kormojibi Nari Bula Osman- Education and against ‘Fire Incident’ in culture Secretary ,Sharna 27 Tazreen Fashion House Sharmin-Program Officer, 190 November Subrina Naz-Program Officer, Samira Noor Parna –Junior Program Officer Discussion meeting on Chandraboti Ayesha Khanam- President, women in liberation war Academy Maleka Banu-General 02 191 Secretary, Ad.Masuda Rehana December Begum-Ass.General Secretary, Rakhi Das

Purkayastha –Organization Secretary, Shima Moslem- Training , research and Library Secretary, Kazi Sufia Akhter-Mass Media Secretary, Dil Afroj Begume-Finance Secretary ,Bula Osman- Education and cultural Secretary, Dil Monoara Monu-Member of Central Committee Seminar on National National Human Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director 3-4 192 Consultation on South Asia Rights Commission Legal Advocacy December Human Rights Mechanism’ and Ain o Shalish Seminar on Women are Steps Towards Jona Goswamy-Program 06 193 moving ahead and so is Development Director Advocacy December Bangladesh Meeting on Training manual BRAC Ad.Maksuda Akhter-Director 17 about human rights to ensure Legal Advocacy 194 December fair justice and equal opportunity Roundtable meeting on Hindu Manusher Jonno Rakhi Das Purkayastha – 22 195 marriage registration Foundation & Organization Secretary December Prothom Alo Meeting on UPR Report- Human Rights Ayesha Khanam-President, 31 196 2012(Draft) of Human Rights Forum, Bangladesh Ad.Ram Lal Raha-Senior December Council of United Nations Lawyer

Annex X

Central Committee Members

SL. Name of the Member Designation 01 Ayesha Khanam President 02 Dr. Fauzia Moslem Vice President 03 Dr. Mukhduma Nargis Do 04 Khaleda Mahbub Do 05 Nargis Jafar Do 06 Hasna Banu Do 07 Edlin Malaker Do 08 Rina Helal Do 09 Dr. Nazmun Nahar Do 10 Nahar Ahmed Do 11 Dr. Shanara Hossain Do 12 Ajadi High Do 13 Syeda Samsay Ara Hossain Do 14 Maleka Banu General Secretary 15 Adv. Masuda Rehana Begum Asst. General Secretary 16 Dil Arfoz Begum Finance Secretary 17 Rakhi Das Purkayastha Organization Secretary 18 Rekha Chowdhury Movement Secretary 19 Shima Moslem Training, Research & Library Secretary 20 Shahana Kabir Legal Secretary 21 Aonjoly Talukder Rokeya Sadan Secretary 22 Kazi Sufia Akter Advertisement & Media Secretary 23 Laxmi Chokrabarti Publication Secretary 24 Dr. Laila Anjuman Banu Health & Environment Secretary 25 Bula Osman Education & Cultural Secretary 26 Rekha Saha International Secretary 27 Ummay Salma Begum Development & Project Secretary 28 Hena Das (Late) Member 29 Nasimun Ara Haque Do 30 Dr. Rawshan Ara Begum Do 31 Dil Monowara Monu Do 32 Nurjahan Khan (Chittagong) Do 33 Monika Mondal (Pirojpur) Do 34 Hasina Parvin (Bandar Narayangonj) Do 35 Pushpa Chakraborty (Barishal) Do 36 Rabeya Begum Santi (Belabo) Do 37 Ferdous Ara Mahamuda (Mymensingh) Do 38 Anwara Begum (Tongi) Do 39 Sharaban Tohura (Dhaka Mahanagar) Do

40 Habiba Shefa (Jessore) Do 41 Prof. Rasheda Akter Do 42 Adv. Debahuti Chakraborty (Rajbari) Do 43 Masuma Khanam (Dhaka) Do 44 Rina Ahmed (Narayangonj) Do 45 Mahabub Kaniz Keya (Rajshahi University) Do 46 Kaniz Rahman (Dinajpur) Do 47 Gouri Bhattacharya (Shunamgonj) Do 48 Rehana Younus (Dhaka Mahanagar) Do 49 Rehana Siddiki (Netrokona) Do 50 Konika Borua (Rangamati) Do 51 Shipra Roy (Faridpur) Do 52 Shunanda Shamaddar (Kaowkhali) Do 53 Nurul Wra Begum (Dhaka Mahanagar) Do 54 Rosu Akter (Khulna) Do 55 Humayara Khatun (Dhaka Mahanagar) Do 56 Nasrin Monsur (Dhaka Mahanagar) Do 57 Hannana Begum (Dhaka) Do 58 Hosne Ara Rubi (Kumarkhali) Do 59 Abeda Rayhan Buli (Rajshahi) Do 60 Parvin Islam (Savar) Do 61 Shayma Basak (Natore) Do

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