Women with disabilities in Bangladesh marching forward
Women with disabilities (WWD) have been marching forward with capabilities and commendable role in different arenas of development in Bangladesh. They are gaining prominence day by day and lighting the way forward.

Ranjana selected as International Bridge Builder of Harvard University
Umme Kulsum Ranjana, has been prestigiously selected as one among ten International Bridge Builders of Harvard University for her contribution in organizing women with disabilities’ rights movement in Bangladesh. Ranjana is a woman with physical disability and the President of Protibondhi Narider Jatio Parishad (National Council of Disabled Women-NCDW) a nation-wide network of organizations working with the women with disabilities in Bangladesh. Now Ranjona is participating in the International Conference of Bridge Builders at Harvard University, USA to deliver her speech on Experiences of Mobilizing Women with Disabilities in Rural Bangladesh held on 6-10 April 2009. Ranjona is the first Bangladeshi woman who has been selected for this award.

This year’s Bridge Builders will come from a diverse array of countries. They bring with them a wealth of experience on critical issues such as social enterprise, rural development and women’s rights. The conference is a rare opportunity for those interested in policy to share the knowledge and practical perspectives of ten incredible individuals who are successfully creating better lives for their own communities.

The 2009 International Bridge Builders Conference invites innovative pioneers from around the world to share their successes in fostering positive social change within and beyond their communities. These leaders are the ‘Bridge Builders’: rare individuals who cultivate solidarity between the multiple stakeholders involved in international development, grassroots movements, and social justice campaigns. This year, the 10 Bridge Builders exemplify commitment to public service and bring to Harvard a wealth of practical experience on many critical issues.

Nine other Bridge Builders are Gildo Cuamba from Mozambique, Veronique Kittirath from Laos, Robeto Killmeate from Argentina, Frederick Ouko Alucheli from Kenya (person with physical disability), Jacquelyn Akello from Uganda, Harman Kaur Sharda from India, Mitslal Haile-Selassie from Ethiopia, Fernando Figueroa Solano from Bolivia and Magda de Castro from Costa Rica.

For further information please visit at
http://www.hks.harvard.edu/kssgorg/bridgebuilders/Site/the_bridge_builders.html


Masuma’s 13th Solo Painting Exhibition is going on

13th Solo Painting Exhibition ‘My Dream’ of Masuma Khan started at Gallery Zoom of Alliance Francaise de Dhaka on 3 April 2009 and will continue until 17 April 2009. Masuma Khan, a woman with severe physical disability, who has been recognized as a renowned painter in Bangladesh. She started painting at her very childhood at the age of three. Previously she was awarded President’s Medal as a talented child artist; Jaycees Prize; Anonna Award as the recognition of one among ten best women personalities in Bangladesh. Masuma got her graduation degree from the Institute of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka.
Masuma Khan’s 13th Solo Exhibition includes 18 paintings. She obviously loves to experiment with form in many of the works presented at the exhibition. She tried for a blending of the abstract with the reality which made her paintings interesting. Love as human emotion pervades all her paintings. The artist deals with the subject with her own style. The other aspect of her paintings is the hope that she always gives out.

At present she teaches painting including students with disability/special needs at South Breeze School, Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
Contact of Masuma Khan: 7114638, 01711678483

Spondon Get-together and PWDs' Excursion held

`Spondon Friends’ Circle’ organized a get-together and excursion on 27 March 2009 at the Pine Forest of National Botanical Garden, Dhaka Bangladesh. People with disabilities from diverse background and types enthusiastically participated in this auspicious event. People with disabilities gathered in this event to learn each other, make individual friends & fellows to share their knowledge and experiences to find their common matters where they can help each other to address their own challenges.
“Spondon Friends’ Circle” is an effort of AWDP-Bangladesh to create an avenue for free sharing of information, experiences, views and opinion on the issues of their own and to strengthen their relation and friendship among all categories of PWDs at very individual level.

During this get together a festive environment was created at Pine Forest where people with disabilities enjoyed full freedom of their choice for sharing and performing things whatever they liked to (talking, chatting, singing and other performance). Participants celebrated birthdays of ten PWD friends and marriage anniversaries of three PWD members of the Friends’ Circle. It was a very exceptional and emotional event that ever-held among people with disabilities in Bangladesh. They also celebrated marriage of a couple with blindness Jolly and Shohel who have been newly married. They participated in ‘Spondon Friends’ Circle get-together for the first time. They mentioned that it was an amazing experience for them to feel the warmth of friendship from Spondon Friends.

Participants felicitated Jannatul Ferdous Ivy for her excellent literary works and two publications during the Ekushe Book Fair in February, one of which was bi-lingual. (her blogsite is http://jannativy.blogspot.com). It’s a great blessing of almighty Allah that Ivy could save her life just before a couple of days when she was attacked and badly injured by a group of miscreants. She attended the event though she wasn't fully cured. Participants wished her early recovery. PWD Freinds also felicitated Antora Ahmed for her big achievement, promotion to the post of AVP of AB Bank Foreign Remittance Department. She is the first PWD who could reach up to this level in the Banking sector in Bangladesh. (her blogsite is http://antorabd.blogspot.com)

There was no preset agenda for this get-together. But the participants shared on many issues. Prevailing scenario of opportunities of participation in the socio-cultural and recreational activities of all categories of PWDs, accessibility issues, challenges/barriers of getting married/having conjugal lives by PWDs, real understanding of the category specific difficulties and limitations of PWDs, advantage and limitations of group affiliation of people with same types of disabilities and others.

The venue Pine Forest was a very beautiful, green and natural place of the Botanical Garden where PWDs of all categories got their access to most places. Getting such a favorable environment people with disabilities started talking and chatting from the beginning to the end. Young participants didn’t forget to get aloof at downstairs of lotus pond or behind the bushes in pair. They expressed their feelings by saying that they dreamt for participating in such an event for long and `Spondon Friends’ Circle’ brought their dreams in to reality. 54 participants attended this get-together. The next get-together is expected to be held at an accessible historic place of the country.

Bangladesh observes National Disability Day today
National Disability Day (NDD) has been observing in Bangladesh today, the 1st April of 2009. Bangladesh observes NDD on 1st Wednesday of April each year to aware, advocate and motivate all people of the society to play their role towards development of disabled people in the country. Bangladesh NDD Theme of this year is ‘Joint efforts for the development of the disabled persons’.

Organizations of people with disabilities, NGOs, relevant agencies and department of the government undertook a series of programs marking the significance of the day. Department of Social Services, Ministry of Social Welfare, Jatiya Protibandhi Unnyan Foundation and National Disability Forum jointly organizes a rally and discussion meeting on this issue at the capital city Dhaka today. National Dailies and newspapers have published special articles and features on it.

The honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her well wishes and support to people with disabilities of the country through a message delivered on the eve of the day. She mentioned that people with disabilities are an inevitable part of our society and non governmental efforts should be strengthen to include potential and talented disabled persons into our mainstream development simultaneously with the government. She urged for an united effort to ensure the equal rights of people with disabilities at every sphere of our socio-economic and cultural life.

Association for the welfare of the Disabled People (AWDP)-Bangladesh expresses its sincere solidarity with the theme and will be playing supplementary roles towards its success over the year.

Funding for Disability

Disability Rights Fund
The Disability Rights Fund (DRF) seeks to strengthen the participation of Disabled Persons’ Organizations (DPOs) in the advancement of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at country level in the Global South and Eastern Europe/former Soviet Union. The 2009 “Raising Our Voice” grant cycle will consist of two grantmaking rounds:

1. The first grantmaking round (described below) is directed to DPO activities in the following three countries: Mexico, India and Ukraine. The deadline for applications for this round is Thursday, 16 April 2009 at 24:00 Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

2. The second grantmaking round will be publicized in July 2009 and will encompass grants to seven target countries including Bangladesh.

Applicants can apply within one of two categories: a) single organizations or partnerships and b) national DPO coalitions. Single organizations or partnerships can apply for grants ranging from USD 5,000 to 30,000 to: (1) build voice and visibility through (a) more inclusive organizations or partnerships that increase DPO skill in addressing the CRPD; and/or (b) internal capacity building that increases DPO skill in addressing the CRPD; and (2) rights based advocacy and monitoring through (a) increasing DPO participation in decision-making processes regarding the CRPD at state or local levels; and/or (b) directly addressing implementation of CRPD Articles. Download the DRF Request for Proposals for Grants between USD 5,000 and 30,000. (Word) Download the Grant Application Form for Grants between USD 5,000 and 30,000. (Word)

National DPO coalitions can apply for grants ranging from USD 30,000 to 70,000 to work on: ratification of the CRPD, passage of specific legislation to accord with the CRPD, or the production of a shadow report. Download the DRF National Coalition Request for Proposals here. (Word) Download the National Coalition Grant Application Form here. (Word)
DRF will make grants to organizations and projects that demonstrate a clear ability and commitment to contribute to the advancement of the human rights of persons with disabilities. Grants will provide one-year, project-

Deaf Child Worldwide
Deaf Child Worldwide is an international development agency of the National Deaf Children's Society in the UK.

Since 2002, Deaf Child worldwide has supported organizations working to help deaf children overcome the barriers that contribute to their poverty and isolation and to have an impact on the lives of deaf children, their families, service providers and policy makers by establishing quality partnerships with locally-based organizations.

Deaf Child Worldwide opens its 8th round of Small Grants Program (SGP) on 19 March 2009 and ends 30 May 2009. Projects are being funded up to 3 years, and up to £30,000 in total (£10,000 per year).

The SGP supports projects which show clear, measurable and sustainable improvements to the lives of deaf children and their families in developing countries. Deaf Child Worldwide believes that families should have access to all the skills and information they need to support their deaf child. This contributes to improving communication and reducing isolation.

Through SGP, Deaf Child Worldwide aims to raise families’ awareness and knowledge of deafness and their role in their deaf child’s development. Activities which build families’ capacity to communicate with and support their deaf child’s language, social and emotional development are crucial to achieving this aim.

Deaf Child Worldwide also aims to develop and produce culturally sensitive and quality educational and information material for literate and illiterate parents. We want parents to be in a position to help their child to develop communication skills and to make informed choices on the best available communication approach for their child. For Application format and guidelines please visit:
http://www.deafchildworldwide.info/where_we_work/small_grants_programme/how_to_apply/index.html

or mail to

elizabeth.heather@deafchildworldwide.org or email to us at

awdpbd@gmail.com

National Resource Mobilization Workshop
Bangladesh Freedom Foundation (BFF) in collaboration with Resource Alliance, a UK based organization is going to organize a National Workshop on resource mobilization on March 28 – 29, 2009. This workshop will be held at BRAC Center Inn, 75 Mohakhali, Dhaka. Organizers hope that this workshop will be catalyst for further programs aimed at strengthen the ability of social sector organizations to raise local resources and to reduce their dependency on external sources.

This workshop will be consists of interactive learning sessions, debates, case studies and is expected to inspire and provoke new thinking in fundraising in Bangladesh. The workshop will offer some of the latest fundraising tools to access a wider range of funds, better equip fundraisers to raise resources for their causes. This workshop is also intended to give audience give opportunity to acquire new contacts, share experiences with others engaged in resource mobilization and build network and partnership.

AWDP believes this workshop would be useful to the organizations that have been struggling for funding constraints.

Contact for further details:

Bangladesh Freedom Foundation

Apt. 3, House 88, Road 7/A, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1209

Tel: 880 2 9131189, 9131689 Fax: 880 2 8113258

E-mail: info@freedomfound.org, Web: www.freedomfound.org

Job opportunity at Jatiyo Protibondhi Unnyan Foundation
Jatiyo Protibondhi Unnyan Foundation (JPUF), a government supported autonomous organization for planning and development of the persons with disabilities and autism in Bangladesh is going to recruit a team of staff under the project ‘Promotion of services and opportunities to the disabled persons in Bangladesh’ located at Capital city Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Deadline for Application: 30 March 2009
Disability Quota Mentioned: None for any position
Encouraging Persons with disabilities to apply: Not mentioned
JPUF mentions it as an equal opportunity employer

1. Director Finance & Administration (one)
Educational Requirements: MBA specializing in Accounting, Finance or Master in CSE/CMA/CA/M Com Accounting or Master in Financial Management or related subject with a strong background in IT. At least two 1st division/class and no 3rd division/class.
Experience required: Minimum 10 years in financial & administrative management.
Age: Maximum 62 years
Salary: 80,000/- and other benefits

2. Director Program (one)
Educational Requirements: Post Graduate Degree in Social Science, Public Health or Economics with a strong background in Program Planning and Management. At least two 1st division/class and no 3rd division/class.
Experience required: Minimum 10 year in disability, autism, CBR, social mobilization, management of large complex/program/staff and excellent communication skills. Leading/working with NGO/CBO/PVO programs for disadvantaged people will be an added weight.
Age: Maximum 62 years.Salary: 80,000/- and other benefits.

3. Dy. Director Finance and Program (two)
Educational Requirements: Post Graduate Degree in Social Science, Economics, Public Health, Natural Science, Accounting, Finance or Marketing with at least two 1st division/class and no 3rd division/class.
Experience required: Minimum 7 years in program/project related activities. Dy. Director (Finance) must be a CA Intermediate with 4 year experiences in an IDA assisted project.
Age: Maximum 50 years
Salary: 60000/- and other benefits

4. Asst. Director -Program, Admin, Accounts, Audit (four)
Educational Requirements: Bachelor Degree in Social Science/ Accounting/Public Health/Development Studies with at least two 1st division/class and no 3rd division/class.
Experience required: 5 years in related field
Age: Maximum 35 years
Salary: 40000/- and other benefits

5. Cashier(one)
Educational Requirements: Bachelor Degree in Accounting with at least one 1st division/class and no 3rd division/class. CPA equivalent will be preferred.
Experience required: 5 years in Accounting and/or in Budgeting.
Age: Maximum 35 years
Salary: 22000/- and other benefits

6. Personal Officer cum Computer Operator (four)
Educational Requirements: Bachelor Degree with no 3rd division/class having operational knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel etc.
Experience required: 2 years as Computer operator or completion of Computer Training. Typing speet 25 wpm in Bangla and 35wpm in English program/project related activities. Dy. Director (Finance) must be a CA Intermediate with 4 year experiences in an IDA assisted project.
Age: Maximum 35 years
Salary: 22000/- and other benefits

7. Receptionist (one)
Educational Requirements: Under graduate or technical Diploma in office management/business administration or management.
Experience required: 2 years experience of Secretarial or Office Administration with good communication skills in Bangla and English.
Age: Maximum 35 years
Salary: 15000/- and other benefits

8. Driver (three)
Educational Requirements: SSC at least 2nd Division.
Experience required: Not Mentioned.
Age: Maximum 35 years
Salary: 12000/- and other benefits

9. Dispatch Rider (four)
Educational Requirements: SSC at least 2nd Division.
Experience required: Not Mentioned.
Age: Maximum 35 years
Salary: 10500/- and other benefits

10. MLSS (five)
Educational Requirements: SSC at least 2nd Division.
Experience required: Experience will be preferred.
Age: Maximum 35 years
Salary: 9000/- and other benefits

11. Security & Night Guard (one)
Educational Requirements: SSC at least 2nd Division.
Experience required: Experience will be preferred.
Age: Maximum 35 years
Salary: 9000/- and other benefits

12. Cleaner (one)
Educational Requirements: SSC at least 2nd Division.
Experience required: Experience will be preferred.
Age: Maximum 35 years
Salary: 9000/- and other benefits

Instructions to Apply:
All applications should reach to the advertiser by March 30, 2009. Eligibhle Bangladeshi canditates are invited to Apply with a full CV, a photograph, contact telephone, cell number, E-mail address, mentioning the position applied for on top of the envelop along with academic and other certificates to the Box no.02/09, C/O The Daily Jugantor, 12/7 North Kamalapur, Dhaka 1217
or
Box No. A/28, C/O, The Daily Star, 19 Kawran Bazar, Dhaka 1215

Celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) 2009
The world community has been observing the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2009 today. Various programs have been launched by the governments, different agencies, women’s group and other stakeholders of the society all over the world. The UN Theme of IWD for this year is ‘Women and men united to end violence against women and girls’.

In Bangladesh IWD 2009 is also being observed through a series of programs and events marking the significance of the Day. Rally, Human Chain, Discussion Sessions, Cultural Programs and Media intervention are significant among those programs.

The honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina delivers her speech on the Day at Osmani Auditorium in the morning at Dhaka, Bangladesh. A leading Women Rights organization in the country Nari Pakkha organized a series of discussion meetings on this event and set its Theme ‘Prevent Domestic Violence against Women’. Nari Pakkha has also developed 13 messages/slogans to work on over the year. Unnayan Dhara Trust organizes seminar and Human Chain at Bhola and Dhaka districts, Project for Rural Area Development & Improvement of Poor People (PRADIP) organizes Human Chain, Cultural Program and Rally. Shakkhor Environment and Education Development Society organizes Discussion Meeting on Women Education and Equity-Bangladesh Perspective and a Television Talk Show at DTV Channel on 8th March 2009. Manusher Jonno Foundation organizes Rally and a Seminar on ‘Impacts of early marriage, domestic violence, the importance of preventing domestic violence and the rights of disable women’ at TBC Dinajpur. National Disability Forum-NFOWD organizes a gathering & cultural program at Teacher’s and Student’s Center (TSC) courtyard of Dhaka University. National Forum has set a theme for this Day as ‘We are united towards establishing the rights and dignity of women with disabilities’ in collaboration with its member organizations. National print media publishes special supplements, features and articles marking the significance of the day as well as socio-cultural and political and social achievements of women in the country.

AWDP-Bangladesh expresses its fullest solidarity with all women women of the world, especially of those who are at discrimination, injustice, denied dignity & rights, victims of all forms of violence and torture.

Some Facts and Figures to Ponder

• Women are 2/3 of the world’s illiterate adults who have no access to basic education
• Women do two-thirds of the world's work but receive only 10% of the world's income
• 70% are women among 1.2 billion people living in poverty worldwide
• 80% of the world's 27 million refugees are women
• Only 21% of all news subjects (people interviewed or whom the news is about) are female
• Females in developing countries on average carry 20 liters of water per day over 6 km
• Study shows women better managers in most areas
• Job losses hitting men harder than women
• Women spend more time researching before they invest than men do
• Number of women holding university qualifications overtaken men for first time (ABS)
• From 1945 to 1995 the percentage of women MPs worldwide increased four-fold
• Leader of the House and Leader of the Opposition in Bangladesh National Parliament are women.

Other useful Information

• The first International Women's Day was observed on 19 March 1911
• International Women's Day was changed to 8 March in 1913
• In 1975, IWD was given official recognition by the United Nations

Following are some UN Themes of IWD

2009 Women and men united to end violence against women and girls
2008 Investing in Women and Girls
2007 Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls
2006 Women in decision-making
2005 Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a More Secure Future
2004 Women and HIV/AIDS
2003 Gender Equality and the Millennium Development Goals
2002 Afghan Women Today: Realities and Opportunities
2001 Women and Peace: Women Managing Conflicts
2000 Women Uniting for Peace
1999 World Free of Violence against Women
1998 Women and Human Rights
1997 Women at the Peace Table
1996 Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future