Project/Programme Title: WEDI Project (Women Empowerment and Disability Inclusion Project)
Funded by: DanChurchAid (DCA)
Implemented by: Unite Theatre for Social Action (UTSA)
Goal: Women empowerment and disability inclusion
Objectives: To promote women rights, and the rights of persons with disabilities through creating awareness and structured activities to prevent gender-based violence.
Project duration: April 1 – September 30, 2022
Location of the Project: Camp 4 under Ukhiya upazila and Cox’sBazar Sadar Upazila, Cox’sBazar district, Bangladesh.
Target Group: Rohingya women, men, girls and boys from FDMN communities and persons with disabilities (student with disabilities) in the host communities.
Project Summary/Background: In August 2017, a surge of violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, an estimated 745,000 Rohingya refugees fled to Cox’s Bazar, increasing the total number of Rohingya refugees to more than 920994 to neighbouring Bangladesh[1]. They settled in Cox’s Bazar District, joining around 200,000 Rohingya already seeking shelter in one of Bangladesh’s poorest and most disaster-prone districts. The total number of people in need is estimated at 1.2 million people, and three years on, protection risks are paramount in this protracted crisis. Below is a basic summary of the specific problems related to the sectors of gender-based violence, MHPSS and inclusion of persons with disabilities around which UTSA wants to undertake interventions.
Key Activities:
| C 1.1.1 | 4 batches (60 persons in each batch) of women have been sensitized on gender-based violence core concepts, social & life skill issues (3 days). |
| C 1.2.1 | Formation of 4 women support groups (8-10 persons in each group). |
| C 1.2.2 | Organize training for support group members on GBV core concepts, decision making, leadership skills and expressive psychotherapy. |
| C 1.2.3 | Organize bi-monthly sharing and reflection meeting with women support group members. |
| C 2.1.1 | Train community based stakeholders’ groups (total 8 groups) with women, men, girls and boys on GBV core concepts, women rights and rights of persons with disabilities. |
| C 2.1.2 | Organize awareness sessions and campaigns through IPT shows on GBV issues with community people. |
| C 2.1.3 | Staff Capacity Development training. |
| C.3.1.1 | Persons with Disabilities Student Forum (PSF) formation with 20 persons with disabilities (students with disabilities). |
| C.3.1.2 | Organize 4 (2 day-long) training with the PSF on UNCRPD, national law and policy on disability and mental health, Gender, leadership and advocacy. |
| C.3.1.3 | Conduct orientation sessions with targeted teachers and management committee/governing body members to ensure disability-inclusive educational institutions. |
| C.3.1.4 | Distribute assistive devices among the most vulnerable persons with disabilities. |
| C.3.1.5 | Organize monthly study circle and meeting with PSF members. |
| C.3.1.6 | Organize day observation (International Literacy Day, International Day for Persons with Disabilities & World Mental Health Day) with community members, duty bearers and students of educational institutions. |
Expected Results:
Output 1: Women and girls are benefited from life skills interventions.
Output 2: Women and girls are participating in decision making process in household as well as community level.
Output 3: Community stakeholders are trained and aware on GBV core concepts, women rights, and rights of persons with disabilities.
Output 4: Persons with disabilities are getting access into educational institutions (persons with disability friendly).