Background and Problem Statement

The Harijon community in Bangladesh, part of the broader Dalit group, is historically marginalized and subjected to discrimination and exclusion. Predominantly engaged in sanitation and cleaning services, they face significant social, economic, and political hurdles that restrict access to essential services like healthcare, education, and economic advancement. This community continues to experience social exclusion due to caste-based stigma, despite the crucial role they play in urban sanitation and health.

One of the root issues is the lack of a unified, empowered platform to represent their rights effectively at both local and national levels. The challenges they face extend beyond mere social ostracization, impacting their financial stability, access to welfare benefits, and opportunities for alternative livelihoods. In response to these longstanding barriers, the “Empowering the Harijon Community in Bangladesh through Involvement in Development” project was designed to address these needs. By focusing on self-advocacy, education, and skill-building, the project seeks to give the Dalit community a platform for sustainable growth and socio-economic resilience.

Project Goal

The primary goal is to mainstream the Harijon community in Bangladesh 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 Dalits 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.

Primary stakeholders:

• 3000 nos of Harijon Community people Kushtia and Pabna District.
• 150 nos of Bangladesh Harijon Oikko Parishad (BHOP) leader.

Secondary stakeholders:

Local Administration, local government institution, NGOs, Government hospital, vocational training institution, education officers, cultural organization, school managing Committee, teachers, students, journalists, CBOs, local elected members, local community leaders, religious leaders, Owners of factories/Mills etc.

Project Duration: May 2008-July 2013

Financial Partner: Manusher Jonno Foundation

Project Activities

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 Dalit 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

• 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

• Inter-Tribal Divisions: The Harijon community in Bangladesh is divided into factions due to differing opinions on identifying as “Dalit” or “Harijon.” These divisions posed challenges in project implementation.
• Conservative Mindsets: Some community members, adhering to conservative beliefs, hesitated to participate in progressive initiatives, affecting project participation and engagement.
• Persistent Social Stigma: Deep-rooted biases require ongoing efforts to foster broader societal acceptance.
• Resource Constraints: Funding limitations restricted the scope of vocational training and financial support available.

Lessons Learned and Recommendations

The project’s experiences yielded several critical insights and recommendations:

• Emphasis on Self-Advocacy: Empowering Harijon members to lead advocacy efforts was key in fostering sustained change. Community-led efforts prove more resilient and effective.
• Integration of Social and Economic Initiatives: A holistic approach that combines economic support, education, and community awareness is essential for addressing complex social issues.
• Importance of Consistent Public Engagement: Continued engagement is vital to counteract biases, and regular community-wide awareness campaigns are recommended to maintain momentum.
• Expanded Vocational Training: Including digital skills and modern trades in vocational training would better equip Harijon youth to adapt to an evolving job market.

Conclusion and Future Directions

This project has laid a strong foundation for Harijon empowerment, promoting their inclusion in society through advocacy, educational support, and livelihood programs. The focus on self-advocacy and collaboration with national leaders sets the stage for lasting social change.

Future Directions

• Broaden the scope of vocational training programs.
• Strengthen BHOP’s national advocacy capabilities.
• Establish a dedicated helpline for the Harijon community.
• Expand partnerships with healthcare providers and educational institutions.

Call to Action: Join us in supporting the Harijon community. Your support can foster a more inclusive society. Contact us to get involved.