1 Apr. 2010 Bangladesh
The HFW Kaligonji Thana office decided to hold a workshop. HFW will work together, developing strategies.
The residents discuss seriously their future during the workshop held at HFW Kaligonji office
Advocacy activities
HFW Bangladesh has been supporting the establishment of women’s cooperatives and farmers’ unions in order to encourage organizing residents. These organizations are the basis of HFW Bangladesh activities. Presently, each group is working to establish its own joint savings fund, using this money not only to fund group activities, but also to loan money to group members facing emergencies such as sudden illnesses.
As groups grow more active in their initiatives, some members declare, "let us build our own future, not just sit and wait for the support of HFW." For this reason, in the first half of 2008, the HFW Kaligonji Thana office decided to hold a workshop in which residents from each village could envision their future. We first taught three residents from each of the 11 villages in Kaligonji Country (10 men and 26 women) how to facilitate a fair conversation in which all voices have a chance to be heard. These 36 individuals, using what they learned, held workshops in each village. Regardless of age or gender, a number of people participated in the workshops. They considered what resources they already have such including wells and schools, discussed local issues such as the high prevalence of early marriages, and debated how they would like to go about improving life in their communities. Through this process, they decided on a future vision of their own community for example, as a place where everyone can earn enough income to lead healthy and constructive lives.
Each community illustrated their vision, through pictures and words, on a sign board displayed for everyone to see. From this point on, we will work together, developing strategies make these dreams a reality.
