Project Background and Problem Statement

Access to justice and ensuring women’s rights in Bangladesh are critical in the fight against domestic violence. The Combating Domestic Violence against Women Project is a critical social initiative addressing one of the most pervasive issues in Bangladesh. Domestic violence, rooted in patriarchal norms and cultural stigmas, disproportionately affects women across all strata of society. Despite constitutional guarantees of equal rights, systemic inequality and societal acceptance of abuse continue to hinder progress. Women face challenges such as dowry-related violence, physical abuse, marital rape, and limited access to justice, which directly impact their women’s rights in Bangladesh.

Building on the success of the first and second phases, FAIR initiated the Combating Domestic Violence against Women Project – Phase III to create sustainable, community-driven solutions. This phase continues FAIR’s commitment to empowering women’s rights in Bangladesh, engaging communities, and strengthening local systems to combat domestic violence effectively. The project is implemented in partnership with the Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association (BNWLA) and financially supported by Manusher Jonno Foundation in Kushtia.

Rationale

Despite progress in Phases I and II, significant gaps remain in combating domestic violence and ensuring women’s rights in Bangladesh. Challenges include cultural resistance, inadequate legal enforcement, and societal norms that normalize abuse. Phase III of Combating Domestic Violence against Women aims to:

• Institutionalize grassroots efforts to ensure long-term impact.
• Empower communities to take collective action against domestic violence and uphold women’s rights in Bangladesh.
• Enhance access to legal support for survivors through local systems.

The project emphasizes sustainability, focusing on education, awareness, and strengthening community-driven mechanisms that support women’s rights in Bangladesh.

Objectives

The primary goal of the Combating Domestic Violence against Women Project is to empower communities to take proactive roles in preventing domestic violence and strengthening women’s rights in Bangladesh. Specific objectives include:

1. Empower Women: Equip women with knowledge of their rights and access to legal support.
2. Engage Communities: Foster a collective responsibility to prevent and address domestic violence while advocating for women’s rights in Bangladesh.
3. Strengthen Local Mechanisms: Enhance the capacity of local organizations, committees, and leaders to combat domestic violence.
4. Promote Behavioral Change: Address cultural norms that perpetuate domestic violence through education and advocacy for women’s rights in Bangladesh.

Target Groups

The project focuses on:

• Vulnerable Women and Children: Marginalized Poor Women and Children.
• Local Communities: Grassroots organizations, leaders, and families.
• Educational Institutions: Students from 12 high schools in project areas.
• Stakeholders: Lawyers, Union Parishads, journalists, and activists.

Geographical Coverage:

• Majompur, Haripur, Uzangram, and Ailchara Unions in Kushtia Sadar Upazila.

Project Duration:

• June 2010– July 2013

Development Partnership with:

• Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association (BNWLA) and with financial support from Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF).

Project Activities Description

1. Community-Based Interventions

• Formation and Strengthening Committees: Established 52 Paribaric Nirjaton Protirodh Committees (PNPCs), engaging 1,300 members (59 men and 1,241 women). Reorganized existing groups to improve functionality.
• Vigilance Teams: Trained teams to mediate disputes, conduct fact-finding missions, and provide early intervention in cases of domestic violence, ensuring women’s rights in Bangladesh.
•  Student Action Groups: Formed 8 groups in local schools to engage youth in advocacy and prevention efforts.
• Community Counseling Centers (CCCs): Operated in collaboration with Union Parishads, providing mediation, legal aid, and counseling services to protect women’s rights in Bangladesh.
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2. Awareness and Education

• Moral Classes: Delivered moral class sessions in schools, focusing on gender equality and the consequences of domestic violence.
• Theater Shows: Performed dramas in rural areas to challenge harmful cultural norms and promote dialogue.
• Special Day Observations: Celebrated International Women’s Day and other events with debates, campaigns, and cultural programs.
• Media Campaigns: Used local media to spread awareness about legal rights and support systems for survivors.

3. Capacity Building

• Training Programs: Training Programs: Educated teachers, committee members, and local leaders on domestic violence laws, mediation techniques, and counseling strategies to protect women’s rights in Bangladesh..
• Coordination Meetings: Regular meetings to assess progress, address challenges, and strategize future actions.

4. Service Delivery

• Complaint Filing, Legal Assistance, and Counseling Services: Victims could file complaints at CCCs, where trained counselors and legal professionals provided emotional and legal support.
• Fact-Finding and Mediation: CCC staff conducted detailed investigations into reported cases to collect evidence and offer mediation services aimed at conflict resolution. If mediation failed, the cases were referred for legal action.

Achievements and Impact

The Combating Domestic Violence in Bangladesh against Women Project has reached remarkable milestones:

• Community Empowerment: trengthened grassroots organizations, vigilance teams, and committees, fostering collective responsibility for women’s rights in Bangladesh.

•  Increased Awareness: Reached thousands through educational programs and media campaigns, creating a shift in societal attitudes.
• Support for Survivors: CCCs provided holistic support, enabling survivors to regain dignity and independence.
• Youth Engagement: Mobilized students to challenge gender-based violence and advocate for women’s rights in Bangladesh.

•  Cultural Shift: Initiated a change in attitudes towards domestic violence, promoting respect and equality within families and communities.
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Lessons Learned

1. Involve Men: Engaging men as allies is crucial for addressing domestic violence effectively.
2. Education Drives Change: Continuous awareness programs are essential for shifting societal norms.
3. Community Collaboration Works: Partnerships with local leaders and organizations enhance the project’s impact.
4. Sustainability Requires Planning: Institutionalizing efforts is key to ensuring long-term success.

Challenges Faced

• Cultural Resistance: Societal norms that normalize domestic violence remain a barrier.
• Resource Limitations: Financial and infrastructural constraints hinder expansion.
• Barriers to Justice: Survivors face logistical and social challenges in accessing legal support.

Recommendations for the Future

1. Expand Outreach: Extend the project to underserved regions for broader impact.
2. Enhance Legal Access: Establish additional CCCs and improve legal aid services.
3. Strengthen Collaborations: Partner with national and international organizations for advocacy and resource sharing.
4. Engage Men: Develop targeted programs to involve men as proactive allies in preventing violence.
5. Institutionalize Efforts: Integrate project activities into local governance structures for sustainability.

Conclusion and Future Directions

The Combating Domestic Violence against Women (3rd Phase) Project has made remarkable strides in raising awareness, empowering communities, and providing essential support to survivors. Despite these successes, sustained efforts are required to address cultural challenges and ensure the long-term protection of women’s rights.

Future Directions:

Future Directions:

• Expand project initiatives to additional unions and districts to enhance women’s rights in Bangladesh.
• Advocate for gender-sensitive legal reforms that strengthen women’s rights in Bangladesh and improve access to justice.
• Develop comprehensive training programs for community leaders to promote women’s rights in Bangladesh and equip them with the tools to combat domestic violence effectively.

By fostering a culture of equality, justice, and respect, this initiative aspires to eliminate domestic violence and establish a safer, more inclusive society where women’s rights are upheld and protected.

Call to Action

Join us in combating domestic violence and advancing women’s rights in Bangladesh. Get involved with FAIR today to contribute to this vital cause and help create lasting change!