In the face of societal prejudice and limited participation in community decision-making, individuals from vulnerable groups harbour untapped talents and the potential to become catalysts of change within their communities. This truth is vividly demonstrated in Rayenda Union, Bangladesh, where a remarkable group comprised of women and people with disabilities emerges as change-makers, bridging the gap for marginalized individuals and providing them access to life-enhancing opportunities.
A Promising Journey
In an unexpected turn of events, the participation of women and individuals with disabilities in the Strengthening Resilience in South and South-East Asia by Integrating Risk Management, Social Inclusion, and Socio-Economic Development Program has yielded remarkable results. The collaborative initiative, led by the Center for Disability in Development (CDD) and Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) in Indonesia and the Philippines, has sparked the formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) that promise transformative change in the lives of its members.
Equipped with newfound knowledge gained through a series of capacity-building trainings, three SHGs consisting of persons with disabilities and one SHG for marginalized women have established a monthly meeting. This gathering serves as a platform for knowledge-sharing, brainstorming innovative ideas, and crafting action plans to address the overlooked challenges faced by their community.
Moreover, these SHGs actively identify and support initiatives led by persons with disabilities and marginalized women within their community. By connecting these vulnerable groups with a multitude of services provided by governmental and non-governmental organizations, their objective is to provide unwavering support, mitigate risks, and ultimately transform the lives of their fellow members.
Upholding the principles of inclusivity, every individual is granted an equal opportunity to express their opinions and contribute to the decision-making process. The SHGs consistently encourage active participation from each member, including in the selection of group representatives. This preferred approach ensures that decisions are made based on the valuable insights gathered within the group.
Forging Connections
Recognizing the importance of collaboration in achieving their goals, the SHG team regularly visits government agencies such as the Social Welfare Service, Agriculture Service, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Service, and Youth Development Service. Additionally, SHG approaches non-governmental organizations involved in disaster risk reduction, such as JJS (Jagrata Juba Sangha), Nabolok Parishad, CODEC, SMKK, and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. These visits aim to build communication, gather essential information about available services, and seek their involvement and support for the at-risk groups in their community.
During discussions and negotiation processes, the SHG team ensures that both government offices and non-government organizations have a clear understanding of the unique needs, potentials, and necessary support required to develop the SHG community members. The goal is to effectively integrate identified potential beneficiaries with service providers, leaving no one behind.
To strengthen trust with service provider institutions and obtain timely support, SHG maintains positive and regular communication. Additionally, the team diligently keeps records of each process, including documents for submitting applications and filing claims for services and support from various departments, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Transforming Lives
The relentless advocacy efforts of the community bore fruitful results. The Upazila Social Service Office granted a monthly allowance to two individuals with disabilities and provided five people with VGD cards, ensuring monthly assistance of 30 kilograms of rice per household to combat food insecurity.
Through their proactive approach, the SHG successfully fulfilled the aspirations of Shamim Hawlader, a person with a physical disability, to become an entrepreneur. Utilizing a BDT 17,000 ($156) loan with low-interest rates and a one-year repayment period from the Upazila Service Office, the SHG cashier set up a small trading business. This venture not only provides Shamim with an opportunity for personal growth but also enables him to contribute to the welfare of his community.
A similar opportunity emerged from the Upazila Agriculture Office. Acknowledging the vital role of agriculture in improving community welfare, the SHG took the initiative by submitting data on persons with disabilities in need of support for cultivation businesses. As a result, ten individuals received rice seeds tolerant to salt and chemical fertilizers, enhancing food security while increasing their income.
In addition to government aid, the SHG obtained further support from non-governmental organizations for its twelve members. This empowering assistance focuses on income generation and reducing livelihood-related risks through activities such as livestock and poultry raising, as well as household-scale gardening.
In the healthcare sector, SHG forged collaborations with the Dristidan Eye Hospital and the Upazila Health Complex in Sarankhola. This partnership led to the establishment of a free eye care camp at Rayenda Union, providing eye examination services, free medical treatment, and essential medications to thirteen individuals with disabilities. Moreover, the camp offers free cataract surgery opportunities for non-disabled individuals in need.
Recognizing the transformative power of education, SHG dedicated significant effort to advocating in this field. As a result, two children with disabilities were successfully enrolled in an educational program and are entitled to a monthly allowance from the Ministry of Education.
These achievements stand as proof that marginalized women and people with disabilities possess the ability to become agents of change, creating a brighter future for their communities. These accomplishments pave the way for inclusive progress and transformation.
