Empowering the Dalit Community: FAIR’s Participatory Action Research for Sustainable Change in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, the Dalit community and other marginalized groups, such as the Harijan, have long faced systemic discrimination, social exclusion, and lack of opportunities. Despite the country’s constitutional guarantees of equality, these communities continue to struggle for access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, and employment. To address these challenges, FAIR (Friends Association for Integrated Revolution) has pioneered a Participatory Action Research (PAR) initiative aimed at empowering the Dalit community. This initiative is a crucial step in breaking the cycle of poverty and discrimination and fostering sustainable social change.

The Beginnings of FAIR’s Engagement with the Harijan Community

The inspiration for FAIR’s Participatory Action Research for the Dalit Community began with an eye-opening experience by the Director of FAIR. While walking by a Harijan colony in Kushtia, located near the director Dewan Akhtaruzzaman’s residence, the sight of Harijan individuals sitting idly at street corners in the mornings—engaged in petty disputes or simply loitering without clear purpose—struck a chord. This moment led to a deep reflection on the dire circumstances of the community and the realization that something needed to be done.

In 2001, FAIR initiated its first project in Kushtia, focused on the intellectual development of marginalized children. This effort targeted four colonies, including the GK Harijan Colony, and involved fostering children’s talents through cultural activities such as drama, poetry recitation, and singing. Through this initiative, FAIR discovered the immense hidden potential in the Harijan children. Within a short period, the children performed remarkable pieces of art, presenting their work at the Kushtia District Council Auditorium, before local representatives and respected community members. The success of this cultural initiative solidified FAIR’s commitment to working with the Harijan community and spurred the desire to understand and address the systemic challenges they faced.

Building on this experience, in 2001, FAIR conducted a survey to understand the issues facing the Harijan community more comprehensively. By 2003, FAIR launched its Participatory Action Research project, focusing on finding solutions to the community’s systemic challenges through active engagement and participation.

What is Participatory Action Research for Dalit Community?

Participatory Action Research (PAR) for the Dalit community is an innovative approach that involves members of the community directly in the research process. Rather than just being passive subjects, Dalit community members actively participate in identifying problems, finding solutions, and taking action. This methodology empowers them to not only understand their challenges but also to develop the skills and confidence needed to advocate for their rights. PAR offers a transformative approach, as it goes beyond academic research to create tangible, community-driven solutions.

The Role of FAIR and RIB in the Dalit Empowerment Process

FAIR has played a pivotal role in implementing Participatory Action Research for the Dalit community in Bangladesh. With the financial and strategic support of RIB (Research Initiatives, Bangladesh), FAIR has been able to support the Dalit and Harijan communities in identifying their own problems and finding solutions through a structured participatory process. RIB’s commitment to supporting research initiatives in marginalized communities has ensured that these communities are not only heard but also have the tools to improve their living conditions.

Through this collaboration, FAIR has successfully created a platform for Dalit community members to voice their concerns and take proactive steps towards their empowerment. FAIR’s approach focuses on involving the Dalit community in every step of the process, from research design to implementation, ensuring that their voices and experiences shape the outcomes of the research.

The Importance of Participatory Action Research for Dalit Community

The Dalit and Harijan communities in Bangladesh have historically been marginalized and oppressed, often facing discrimination based on their caste. This exclusion is deeply rooted in the country’s social fabric, where caste-based biases still play a significant role in determining access to education, healthcare, and employment. This exclusion is not just social; it is institutionalized through policies and practices that keep Dalit communities at the periphery of mainstream development.

Participatory Action Research for the Dalit community is important because it allows members of these communities to engage directly with the issues that affect them. Rather than being the object of research, Dalit individuals become active participants in the process, which leads to a greater sense of ownership and agency in addressing their challenges. By engaging in PAR, Dalit community members not only gain a deeper understanding of their situation but also develop practical solutions that are rooted in their own lived experiences.

Key Objectives of FAIR’s Participatory Action Research for Dalit Community

1. Empowering the Dalit Community: The primary objective of FAIR’s Participatory Action Research for the Dalit community is to empower Dalit individuals by giving them the tools to understand and address the challenges they face. Through this initiative, Dalit community members are given a platform to discuss their problems, share their experiences, and work together to find solutions.
2. Identifying Systemic Barriers: Through PAR, Dalit communities are able to identify the systemic barriers that prevent them from accessing basic services such as education, healthcare, and employment. These barriers are often deeply ingrained in the social, economic, and political structures of Bangladesh.
3. Promoting Social Inclusion: FAIR’s PAR initiative focuses on social inclusion by advocating for the rights of Dalit communities at the local, regional, and national levels. By engaging Dalit community members in the research process, FAIR helps to amplify their voices and ensure that their concerns are heard by policymakers and other stakeholders.
4. Fostering Long-Term Change: One of the key goals of FAIR’s PAR initiative is to create sustainable, long-term change. By involving Dalit community members in the research process and encouraging them to take ownership of the solutions, the initiative helps create a foundation for ongoing social, economic, and political empowerment.

How Participatory Action Research for Dalit Community Drives Change

The process of Participatory Action Research for the Dalit community involves several key stages:

1. Identification of Issues: The first step in the PAR process is to identify the key issues facing the Dalit community. Through group discussions, surveys, and interviews, Dalit community members themselves highlight the challenges they face in areas such as education, employment, and social stigma.
2. Data Collection: Once the issues have been identified, data collection begins. This is done through a variety of methods, including surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews. The community members actively participate in this process, ensuring that the data accurately reflects their experiences.
3. Analysis and Reflection: After data is collected, the next step is analysis and reflection. Dalit community members engage in discussions to analyze the data and reflect on the root causes of the problems they face. This stage helps to identify the most pressing issues and develop actionable strategies for addressing them.
4. Action and Implementation: With the analysis complete, the next step is to take action. Community members work together to implement the solutions they have developed through the research process. This might include organizing advocacy campaigns, establishing community-based organizations, or engaging with local authorities to address policy gaps.
5. Evaluation and Feedback: The final step in the PAR process is evaluation. This involves assessing the impact of the actions taken and identifying areas for improvement. Community members provide feedback on the process, which helps to refine the approach for future initiatives.

The Impact of FAIR’s Participatory Action Research for the Dalit Community

FAIR’s Participatory Action Research for the Dalit community has had a profound impact, addressing key issues of discrimination, exclusion, and social marginalization. Through this research, numerous daily challenges faced by the Harijan and Dalit communities were brought to light, particularly regarding the social and governmental inequalities they endure. It was revealed that the communities face entrenched social stigmas, hatred, and systemic barriers that hinder their progress. Additionally, it was identified that a significant reason behind their marginalization is the caste-based discrimination they face, rooted deeply in religious and cultural biases.

Another key finding from the research was the absence of education and leadership within the Harijan community. The absence of strong platforms for the Dalit community at the national level further exacerbates their situation, as their issues are often unheard by the government. Without a unified voice, their struggles are left unaddressed.

This research illuminated these issues, not only for the Harijan community in Kushtia but across Bangladesh, where similar challenges persist in different regions. The findings contributed to raising awareness and informing policy changes, as it highlighted the urgent need for government intervention and inclusive measures for the Dalit and Harijan communities.

Following this, the research outcomes played a significant role in influencing government policy. It also prompted the Dalit community to organize, come together, and raise their collective voice to demand their rights, which led to tangible changes in their legal and social recognition. Through this empowerment, Dalit individuals have been able to engage with the government, advocating for their rightful place in society. The Participatory Action Research not only exposed the systemic discrimination but also acted as a stepping stone toward sustainable change and inclusion for Dalit communities in Bangladesh.

Challenges and Barriers Faced

Despite the success of the project, there have been several challenges and barriers. These include:

• Social Stigma: Dalit communities continue to face significant social stigma, which makes it difficult for them to access mainstream services and participate fully in society.
• Cultural Barriers: Traditional cultural practices and beliefs can be a barrier to change, as some community members may resist new ideas or interventions.
• Resource Constraints: While the project has made significant progress, limited resources have constrained its ability to reach all Dalit communities in need.

Conclusion: The Future of Participatory Action Research for the Dalit Community

FAIR’s Participatory Action Research for the Dalit community has proven to be a powerful tool for social change. By giving Dalit community members the opportunity to lead the research process and develop their own solutions, the project has empowered them to overcome the barriers they face. While there are still challenges to address, the initiative has laid the foundation for ongoing change and social inclusion.

Future efforts will focus on expanding the reach of the project to more Dalit communities, strengthening partnerships with other organizations, and advocating for policy changes that ensure the rights of Dalit people are recognized and protected. With continued support and participation, the Dalit community can continue to make strides toward full inclusion and equality in Bangladesh.

Call to Action: Join us in supporting Participatory Action Research for the empowerment of Dalit communities.

Join us in supporting the Dalit community’s journey toward empowerment. Your involvement in initiatives like FAIR’s Participatory Action Research can help break the cycle of discrimination and exclusion, fostering a more inclusive and just society for all.

Contact us today to learn more about how you can help make a lasting impact.