Gender relations in Bangladesh have undergone a process of considerable transformation over the last two decades, positively affecting women’s livelihoods. But gender discrimination is still widespread within society, and vulnerability to poverty continues to have concrete gender dimensions. Women’s participation in political structures remains low, despite their increasing numeric representation. Women elected at all tiers of government face problems of discrimination, limited resources and large constituencies. However, women want to be active in political parties and are engaged in mobilising voters, particularly women.

Disadvantaged and poor women improve their well-being through women political empowerment.

Elected women representatives (EWR), potential elected women representatives, poor and disadvantaged women and men

Local Government Institutions (LGIs), Local Government Division, NILG, MoWCA

Male councillors of LGIs, Male Parliament Members, Policy Makers, Govt. officials.

Outcome1: EWRs and P-EWRs influence LGIs and local level decision making process

Outcome 2: GoB took initiatives to reform gender responsive policies, laws and directives

Outcome 3: EWRs use information, technical and advisory support provided by APARAJITA project and LGIs.

Principaux résultats attendus:  

• EWRs and P-EWRs are performing their responsibilities as per LG Acts, Rules and Regulations
• EWRs and P-EWRs taking leadership role in different forums and networks to influence decisions in favour of women, poor and disadvantaged
• EWRs and P-EWRs’ participation increased in general and reserve seat at LGIs election
• Elected Women Representatives roles, responsibilities are defined in policies
• EWRs and PEWRs getting regular information as per their needs to strengthen capacity
• More community people are using Union Digital Center

Principaux résultats antérieurs:  

• Leadership quality of the EWRs, PEWRs enhanced.
• Participation of Aparajita candidates increased in Local            Government Institutions.  Small increase in participation of women (1%) compared to a major national decrease in women’s participation (48%) since the last upazila elections in 2009.
• More and effective engagement of EWRs, PEWRs’ in        local government (especially in the Education, Health, and Salish).
• A total of 927 women leaders (EWRs and PEWRs) are involved directly in different party politics .

Other SDC projects in the area of local governance: SHARIQ, Upazila Governance,  LOGIN

Phase 2 01.12.2015 - 31.10.2017   (Completed)