Basic Information of the EMPOWERMENT project:

Project Title: Enhancing Marginalized People’s Opportunities with Equity, Rights, Mentorship, and Engagement for Nation-building and Transformation (EMPOWERMENT).

• Technical Support by: GFA consulting group
• Project Duration:  December 15, 2024 to June 14, 2027
• Total budget: 773017717 BDT

Project Goal: “Increased voice, representation, recognition, and participation of CSOs, CBOs and marginalized groups in decision making, influencing, holding government to account, and seeking redress for violations.

Objectives: The project objectives are below-

• Raising awareness about the role of CSOs, CBOs, women, youth, and marginalised communities in promoting sustainable development and good governance.
• Ensuring transparency and engagement among stakeholders, including beneficiaries, government bodies, and the marginalised communities.
• Amplifying the voices of marginalised groups to promote inclusive policies, gender equality, and equitable access to resources.
• Strengthening partnerships and fostering collaboration with local government institutions, CSOs, private sector organisations, Strategic Partners and relevant stakeholders.
• Supporting advocacy efforts to influence policy reforms and enhance accountability in governance.

Project Aligned with SDGs goals-

• Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
• Promote peaceful & inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all & build effective, accountable & inclusive institutions at all levels

Project Approaches are-

• Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA)
• Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI)
• Leave No One Behind (LNOB)

Project Outcomes:

• Outcome 1: Increased outreach to and mobilization of diverse citizens at all levels.
• Outcome 2: Expanded cooperation, partnerships, and networks among CSOs.
• Outcome 3: Increased interaction and dialogue between civil society entities, individual citizens, and GOB representatives towards more responsive and inclusive policies.
• Outcome 4: Increased capacities of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and community leaders.

Project working areas:

1. Khagrachari District:
   • Khagrachari Sadar Upazila
   • Dighinala Upazila
   • Mohalchari Upazila
2. Rangamati District:
   • Rangamati Sadar Upazila
   • Kaptai Upazila
   • Naniachar Upazila
3. Bandarban District:
   • Bandarban Sadar Upazila
   • Lama Upazila
   • Naikhongchari Upazila.

Consortium Partner: The project is being implemented through a consortium partnership with Ashika Development Associates in Rangamati Hill District and Gram Unnayon Sangathon (GRAUS) in Bandarban Hill District, Overall, the initiative was led by Trinamul Unnayan Sangstha across three districts.

Key Messages of the project:

• CSOs and CBOs: building strong collaboration and networks to advocate for community rights and sustainable development.
• Women and Youth: Increase voice of women, Youth and marginalized people and ensure transparency, accountability and good governance.
• Government stakeholders: Inclusive governance promotes peace, prosperity and equity to build a sustainable future.
• Media: Raising marginalized voices for inclusive governance

3.Tools and Activities:

To effectively reach the target audiences and deliver the key messages, a variety of communication tools and activities will be employed:

• Storytelling: Use personal stories and case studies from marginalised communities to highlight the project’s impact.
• Social Media: Establish a strong online presence through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Regular posts, videos, and infographics will be 14 | Page shared to engage diverse audiences, particularly youth, and foster online discussions about gender equality, social inclusion, human rights, and governance issues.
• Community Outreach: Organize awareness campaigns, meetings, sessions and community dialogues in local languages to foster direct engagement with beneficiaries in rural and remote areas.
• Workshops, Webinars, Meetings and Training: TUS will organise workshops, webinars, meetings and training for CSOs, CBOs, journalists and stakeholders to enhance their capacity in human rights issues, gender equality, and inclusive governance. TUS will organise online meetings with Strategic Partners, and Development Stakeholders to discuss project outcomes, share best practices, and foster collaborative efforts for policy reform.
• Advocacy Campaigns: Conduct advocacy and media campaigns through partnerships with local and national media outlets to promote the importance of inclusive governance, gender equality, and sustainable development goals (SDGs 5 & 16).
• Printed Materials: Develop brochures, fact sheets, and reports that highlight key project outcomes, success stories, and impact statistics. These will be distributed during workshops, conferences, and meetings with stakeholders.