Context:

Participatory Action Research (PAR) highlights the lived realities of the Harijan and Dalit communities in Bangladesh, who have long faced systemic exclusion and discrimination, resulting in severe socio-economic disadvantages. Historically marginalized due to caste-based inequalities, they have been confined to menial, low-status occupations like sanitation work, burdened by social stigma, and denied access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and dignified employment. These deeply ingrained challenges have made the Harijan and Dalit communities one of the most deprived sections of society.

In Kushtia, the Harijan community, particularly, has been living in several colonies for generations, playing a vital role in maintaining municipal cleanliness. Despite their contributions, they remain deprived of basic human rights, including access to quality education, healthcare, housing, and employment. Social stigma, discrimination, and internal division within the community further hinder their development.

Recognizing these persistent issues, FAIR (Friends Association for Integrated Revolution), with financial support from Research Initiatives, Bangladesh (RIB), conducted a Participatory Action Research (PAR) study to empower the Dalit community. This project aimed to identify the root causes of poverty and discrimination within the community and find solutions based on their active participation. By involving the Harijan community in the research process, this approach helped them understand their problems and take initiatives for self-empowerment.

Research Objectives:

The primary goal of this Participatory Action Research (PAR) project was to bring out the voices of the Dait community and identify the core issues of poverty and discrimination they face. The objective was to explore participatory solutions for improving their quality of life. Through this approach, the community learned to address their problems and find solutions collectively.

• In-depth exploration of the Harijan community’s inhumane living conditions, sources of deprivation, and social position.
• Identification of barriers to poverty alleviation and empowerment and the development of strategies to overcome them.
• Raising awareness on rights and knowledge, ensuring that the Harijan community is aware of their opportunities.
• Building confidence and self-worth by creating a participatory research model that fosters empowerment.
• Turning the research into a learning example for society at large.
• Changing societal views on the Harijan community and challenging prevalent negative stereotypes.

Research Methodology:

This study was conducted using Participatory Action Research (PAR), a research method that emphasizes active community engagement. The process ensured that the Harijan community was not merely respondents of the research but active contributors in identifying their own problems and formulating solutions. The research was led by FAIR’s Director, Dewan Akhtaruzzaman, whose leadership provided strategic direction and methodological guidance. A total of ten researchers participated, among whom eight were from the Harijan community. These eight were mostly semi-educated and newly SSC-passed youths who served as animators, facilitating dialogue and advancing the research process. Through regular group discussions led by these animators, participants critically reflected on their long history of exclusion, examined the root causes of their challenges, and collectively explored pathways to overcome them.

Key methods used during the study:

• Baseline Survey: To understand the context of the Harijan community, a primary survey was conducted. Researchers worked on designing, testing, and refining the survey tools.
• Focus Group Discussions (FGD): Regular discussions with different age and gender groups helped identify the community’s problems and explore solutions. These discussions provided insights into the community’s needs.
• In-depth Interviews: Animators visited Harijan families, explaining the research purpose and encouraging them to participate in community development.
• Cultural Activities: Activities like drama, songs, and painting were organized to enhance intellectual development, creativity, and rights awareness among children. Youth groups formed theater teams to express their issues through plays.
• Seminars, Workshops, and Advocacy: Various workshops and seminars aimed to raise awareness about the Harijan community’s issues and foster a positive outlook in society.

Identified Issues within the Harijan Community:

Through the Participatory Action Research process, several critical issues were identified within the Dalit community. These issues are not limited to Kushtia but reflect the broader reality of Harijan communities across Bangladesh:

• Inhumane Occupational Dependence: The Harijan community has been dependent on sanitation and manual labor for generations but remains deprived of dignity, security, and financial stability.
• Housing Crisis and Poverty: Living in overcrowded, unsanitary colonies without property rights, they face severe poverty and poor living conditions.
• Lack of Interest and Opportunity for Education: The absence of quality education is a major factor contributing to the Harijan community’s deprivation. Many children drop out of school due to discrimination and hostile environments.
• Lack of Leadership and Organizational Structures: There is no strong national or local organization advocating for the community’s rights, and there is a lack of leadership within the community to organize their demands.
• Discrimination and Dependency of Women: Women in the community are especially marginalized, with limited opportunities for economic independence or empowerment.
• Unemployment and Financial Instability: Due to educational constraints and social identity, many Harijan youths face limited employment opportunities, leading to frustration and, in some cases, criminal activity.
• Social Stigma and Exclusion: The Harijan community is often considered “untouchable,” and they face discrimination in various social and religious contexts.
• Internal Leadership Crisis and Division: Internal conflicts, mistrust, and lack of clear leadership further hinder the community’s growth and development.
• Ignorance of Rights: Many Harijan people are unaware of their rights, especially regarding education, healthcare, and government services.
• External Authority and Fear: Some external influences attempt to control the Harijan community and hinder discussions on their issues.
• Religious Superstitions and Narrowness: Certain religious practices contribute to wasting time and resources, further hindering girls’ education.

Research Results:

The Participatory Action Research resulted in significant positive changes in the Dalit community. These changes were visible through consistent discussions, cultural activities, skill development, and experience sharing:

• Development of Self-Identity and Confidence: The Harijan community began to think and talk about their issues and rights, which helped raise their self-esteem and dignity.
• Enhanced Critical Thinking and Analytical Abilities: Regular group discussions enabled participants to identify and analyze social problems, which had previously been absent in their community.
• Identification of Problems and Initiatives: The community identified issues like poverty, discrimination, addiction, unemployment, and lack of leadership, and began taking steps to address these problems.
• Cultural Awakening and Creativity: Involvement in drama, songs, and art helped children express their thoughts and raised awareness about their rights.
• Building Connections with Other Parts of Society: Through seminars, workshops, and performances, a positive perspective about the Harijan community was fostered in the local administration, elected officials, teachers, and the general public.
• Leadership Development in Research: Leadership qualities were developed among participants, empowering them to play a leading role in the community’s development.
• Open Discussion on Internal Problems: The Harijan community began discussing internal issues like leadership and division, taking active steps toward resolving these problems.

Challenges Encountered in the Participatory Action Research:

Despite the effectiveness of Participatory Action Research, some significant social and organizational challenges were faced during the research. These barriers arose due to long-standing deprivation, neglect, and social complexities.

Key challenges included:

• Reluctance to take new initiatives due to detachment from mainstream development.
• Lack of self-confidence because of ongoing social stigma and negative attitudes.
• The fatalistic mindset that hindered belief in personal and collective change.
• Reluctance from some men to participate, as they preferred spending time in social settings like tea shops.
• Fear of speaking up during discussions due to the fear of retribution.
• Limited space for group discussions in overcrowded colonies.
• Distractions caused by external noise and frequent religious ceremonies.
• Internal conflicts and mistrust within the community.
• Obstruction from external influential figures who attempted to hinder the research process.

Despite these challenges, the Dalit community’s collaboration, consistent participation, and the support of trusted animators made the research process successful.

Key Learnings:

The research yielded several key learnings:

• Active community participation is essential for sustainable change. Discussions rooted in the community’s thoughts and issues sparked confidence and responsibility.
• Problems can be effectively addressed through dialogue. Group discussions and cultural activities opened new avenues for thinking and awareness.
• The lack of education, organization, and leadership is a major barrier to progress. Identifying and addressing these gaps will facilitate change.
• Engaging children through cultural activities like drama, songs, and art helps shape the next generation of leaders.

Recommendations:

Based on the research findings, the following recommendations were made:

• Strengthen leadership at national and local levels and create powerful organizations to advocate for Harijan issues.
• Integrate Harijan communities into national development policies and create specific programs for them.
• Increase access to free education and scholarships for Harijan children.
• Provide skill training and self-employment opportunities for unemployed youth and women.
• Incorporate cultural programs like drama into community development strategies.
• Promote positive stories of the Harijan community’s achievements and struggles in the media.
• Improve housing conditions and access to basic facilities.

Conclusion:

This Participatory Action Research project proved that while the Dalit community faces multiple challenges, they are not merely passive recipients of aid. They can understand, analyze, and take action on their problems. Their issues are not due to a lack of knowledge but because of a lack of opportunities and recognition. With the right guidance, training, and platforms, this community can secure a dignified position in society. This research is not merely about data collection—it is a process that empowers people to become agents of change in their own lives.