DEMOCRACY & POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT:
Rupantar’s democracy and political empowerment program was launched in 1998 implemented in rural, semi-urban and urban areas. The aim of the program is to empower marginalized women in decision-making process, reduce gender inequality, improve governance, ensure legislation at local level, and build capacity of local elected bodies for providing better services to citizens. The objectives of the program are to improve local governance and increase transparency and accountability. We emphasize on stakeholders and beneficiaries mapping, mass awareness at local level, social media campaign, advocacy and hold dialogue with duty bearers, service providers and policy makers,
Strategic approaches
- Rupantar complements government of Bangladesh (GoB) effort in achieving the sustainable development goal (SDG).
- Inclusive in terms of gender parity.
- A broad based strategy that includes partnership with local government officials, civil society organization, religious leaders, journalist and community people.
- Program fits in to GoB goals.
Key achievements
- In Aparajita Khulna cluster, women in decision making process increased in local government institutions, political and civic institutions. There is an increase in support for women leaders in the community. The project has achieved 100% achievement.
- In Aparajita Barishal, there is an increase of women in decision making in local government institutions, political and civic institutions, and satisfaction of constituents in service delivery by elected and potentially elected women representatives. There is also an increase in support for women leaders in the community.