Empowering the Dalit Community in Bangladesh | FAIR Initiative

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Empowering the Dalit Community in Bangladesh | FAIR Initiative

Empowering the Dalit Community in Bangladesh | FAIR Initiative

Background and Problem Statement

The Empowering the Dalit Community in Bangladesh initiative aims to address the systemic exclusion and discrimination faced by the Harijon community. Historically marginalized and subjected to social, economic, and political challenges, this community predominantly engages in sanitation and cleaning services. Despite their crucial role in urban sanitation and health, they continue to face caste-based stigma, which limits their access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

One of the most pressing issues is the absence of a unified platform to effectively represent their rights at both local and national levels. The Harijon community is deprived not only of social dignity but also of the chance to achieve financial stability and access welfare benefits or alternative livelihoods. To address these persistent challenges, the “Empowering the Harijon Community through Involvement in Development” project was designed. This project seeks to provide the community with tools for self-advocacy, education, and skill-building, creating a platform for sustainable growth and socio-economic resilience.

Project Goal

The primary goal is to mainstream the Harijon community by safeguarding their human rights and integrating them into the broader social and economic framework, thus enhancing their dignity and standing in society.

Project Objectives

  1. Strengthen Advocacy: Activate and strengthen the Bangladesh Harijon Oikko Parishad (BHOP) to create a national platform advocating for Harijon rights.
  2. Improve Access to Services: Mobilize and unite the Harijon community to create demand and gain access to services in health, education, and social protection.
  3. Enhance Social Dignity: Sensitize the broader society to raise respect and empathy toward the Harijon community.
  4. Promote Alternative Livelihoods: Provide pathways for Harijons to pursue diverse employment opportunities through vocational training and microfinance support.

Target group: Dalit community people of Bangladesh

Project duration: March 2008-July 2013

Working Area: Kushtia, Pabna, Chuadanga, Nator and Rajbari district of Bangladesh.

Development Partnership with: Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF)

Project Activities: Empowering the Dalit Community in Bangladesh

The Empowering the Dalit Community in Bangladesh project encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at fostering social inclusion, economic empowerment, and self-advocacy within the Harijon community. Through initiatives focused on education, community mobilization, leadership development, and access to alternative livelihoods, the project strives to create lasting change, enabling individuals to overcome historical discrimination and thrive in society.

1. Strengthening BHOP

Objective: To ensure BHOP serves as a robust platform for Harijon advocacy, uniting members across regions and empowering leaders.

  • Technical and Structural Support: Assistance provided to Central and Zilla committees of BHOP included organizing meetings, information dissemination, and strategic planning.
  • Leadership and Organizational Training: Residential workshops for 100 committee members strengthened skills in leadership and organizational management.
  • Regional Planning: Divisional workshops focused on strategic planning, allowing leaders to develop actionable plans for community advocacy.

2. Community Mobilization and Service Access

Objective: Mobilize community groups to foster leadership, unity, and advocacy within the Harijon community.

  • Formation of Colony Unnayan Committees (CUC): Colony-based committees were established, promoting local leadership, awareness meetings, and monthly coordination.
  • Advocacy Groups and Child Forums: Advocacy Groups collaborated with CUCs to raise community awareness. Child Forums encouraged youth engagement in community initiatives, nurturing future leaders.

3. Educational and Awareness Programs

Objective: Improve awareness of human rights and build foundational skills for future economic stability.

  • Awareness Sessions: Door-to-door visits and community meetings educated members on reproductive health, human rights, and financial planning.
  • Human Rights Training: CUC and community members participated in human rights workshops, fostering self-advocacy skills.
  • Savings Initiative: Eight savings groups were formed, enabling 50 members to open savings accounts and establish financial stability.

4. Child Animation Centers (CACs)

Objective: Provide a safe, educational environment for Harijon children to thrive.

  • Academic and Extracurricular Support: CACs supported children with academic assistance and extracurricular activities to foster balanced development.
  • Educational Resources: CACs were equipped with resources like painting supplies and recreational games to create a positive learning environment.

5. Engaging Panchaet Councils

Objective: Involve traditional Panchaet leaders in the project to encourage inclusive community development.

  • Counseling with Panchaet Leaders: FAIR provided regular counseling to align traditional practices with community progress.
  • Quarterly Meetings: Meetings between Panchaet and Advocacy Group members fostered transparency, reducing cultural and social barriers within the community.

6. Cultural and Social Integration Initiatives

Objective: Promote social cohesion by bridging gaps between the Harijon and wider communities.

  • Observing International Days: Events like International Human Rights Day raised awareness and encouraged interaction.
  • Theater and Cultural Competitions: Engaging performances and competitions provided a platform to celebrate Harijon heritage and foster societal empathy.

7. Alternative Livelihood Initiatives

Objective: Provide alternative career pathways beyond traditional occupations.

  • Vocational Training: Training in skills such as tailoring and handicrafts enabled Harijon individuals to pursue alternative professions.
  • Revolving Loan Fund: Small loans were offered to support entrepreneurial ventures, helping trainees start small businesses.

Project Outcomes and Impact:

The Empowering the Dalit Community in Bangladesh initiative has made remarkable progress in enhancing the socio-economic status and promoting the inclusion of the Harijon community. Through effective advocacy, comprehensive policy changes, educational programs, and financial empowerment strategies, this project has played a pivotal role in improving access to essential services and opportunities for a more equitable and dignified life.

  • BHOP Committees Reform: Both national and Zilla committees were reformed and strengthened, with committee members trained in organizational development. BHOP successfully presented their five-point demand letter to the government, which led to significant policy changes. On May 29, 2012, the Prime Minister instructed relevant ministries to ensure Dalit and Harijon community welfare. Following this, the Department of Relief and Rehabilitation issued a notification mandating Harijon inclusion in safety net programs, and the Ministry of Public Administration reserved an 80% job quota for Harijons in sweeping and cleaning roles.
  • Increased Access to Services: Due to active advocacy, service accessibility for the Harijon community improved significantly, with many individuals benefiting from health, social, and educational services.
  • Increased School Enrollment: School enrollment among Harijon children rose by 100%, with a significant drop in dropout rates by 95%, showing progress toward inclusive education.
  • Financial Stability: With savings groups and microfinancing initiatives, Harijon members gained financial independence, laying the groundwork for alternative employment.
  • Social Recognition and Dignity: National discussions and awareness events promoted Harijon inclusion, reducing stigma and generating empathy among the general public.

Challenges Faced: Empowering the Dalit Community in Bangladesh

In the journey of Empowering the Dalit Community in Bangladesh, several challenges have arisen, particularly when working with marginalized groups such as the Harijon community. These challenges are crucial to understand, as they shape both the current strategies and the future roadmap for meaningful change.

Key Challenges Faced:

  1. Inter-Tribal Divisions:
    One of the significant hurdles in the Harijon community is the division between factions over the identification of their group as “Dalit” or “Harijon.” These internal differences created fragmentation, which made it difficult to implement the project effectively across all segments of the community. Addressing this division required careful mediation and efforts to unite various voices under a common cause.
  2. Conservative Mindsets:
    Some community members, adhering to more traditional or conservative beliefs, were initially hesitant to engage in progressive initiatives. This resistance affected the project’s participation rate and slowed down the momentum for change. Overcoming this challenge required culturally sensitive approaches and building trust through consistent dialogue.
  3. Persistent Social Stigma:
    The deeply ingrained social stigma faced by the Harijon community, due to caste-based discrimination, continues to be one of the toughest barriers to overcome. Even with efforts to create awareness, societal acceptance remains a slow process. Addressing this stigma requires long-term cultural and social shifts, coupled with continuous public awareness campaigns.
  4. Resource Constraints:
    Limited funding and resources posed a significant challenge in scaling up vocational training programs and providing financial support to community members. The constraints in resources often meant that the scope of opportunities for economic empowerment was restricted, requiring a more efficient and resource-conscious approach to deliver maximum impact.

Despite these challenges, FAIR continues to push forward with determination and a focus on empowering the Dalit community in Bangladesh through self-advocacy, education, and economic inclusion.

Lessons Learned and Recommendations:

The Empowering the Dalit Community in Bangladesh project has provided valuable lessons that highlight both the challenges and successes of empowering marginalized communities. These insights are crucial for future initiatives aiming to create lasting social change and break the cycle of discrimination and exclusion.

Key Lessons Learned:

  1. Emphasis on Self-Advocacy:
    Empowering Harijon members to lead their own advocacy efforts was essential for promoting sustainable change. Community-led initiatives tend to be more resilient and impactful, as the community itself drives the momentum towards progress.
  2. Integration of Social and Economic Initiatives:
    A holistic approach, combining economic empowerment, education, and community awareness, is vital for addressing the complex social issues faced by marginalized communities. This integrated strategy ensures that no aspect of a person’s development is overlooked.
  3. Importance of Consistent Public Engagement:
    To effectively combat caste-based biases and social exclusion, public engagement must be an ongoing process. Regular, community-wide awareness campaigns help maintain momentum, build trust, and challenge negative stereotypes, fostering long-term social change.
  4. Expanded Vocational Training:
    Including digital skills and modern trades in vocational training programs will better prepare Harijon youth for an evolving job market. This expansion of skill development will equip them with the tools needed to achieve financial independence and increase their chances of securing quality employment.

Conclusion and Future Directions

This project has successfully laid the groundwork for Empowering the Dalit Community in Bangladesh, offering opportunities for the Harijon community to reintegrate into society through advocacy, educational support, and livelihood programs. The emphasis on self-advocacy and collaboration with national leaders will drive long-term social change, helping the community to achieve greater inclusion.

Future Directions include:

  • Broadening vocational training programs for enhanced skill development
  • Strengthening the Bangladesh Harijon Oikya Parishad (BHOP)‘s national advocacy efforts
  • Establishing a dedicated helpline for the Harijon community to provide immediate assistance
  • Expanding partnerships with healthcare providers and educational institutions to improve access

Call to Action: Support the Harijon Community

We invite you to be a part of the movement to uplift the Harijon community. By joining us, you can contribute to building a society where every individual, regardless of caste, is given the opportunity to flourish. Together, we can create lasting change that will provide a future of equality, dignity, and empowerment. Connect with us today to take the first step toward making a meaningful difference.