Empowering Young & Adult Multipliers for Advancing Human Rights, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion In Bangladesh(AHIMSA)

Duration: July, 2026 to December, 2029.

Funded by: NETZ Bangladesh & BMZ

Implementing Partner: Anandalok Trust for Education & Development, Gano Unnayan Kendro (GUK).

Implementing area: Anandalok Trust for Education and Development- Jhenaidah & Kushtia District.

Gano Unnayan Kendro (GUK)- Kurigram & Lalmonirhat District.

Justification of the programme: The programme respond to the acute and multifaceted challenges facing civil society & marginalized commubities in four district in western Bangladesh. In a context marked by political upheaval, rising influence of religious groups, wide speared gender based and identity based violence and structural discrimination against women, minorities and indigenous people, the programme seeks to strengthen the capacities, networking and visibility of HRDs. The programme is specifically aims to promote inclusive society structures, non-violent conflict transformation and monitoring of human rights violations while enhancing the rights and participation of women, young people and mionrities.

Summary of the programme: The programme strengthens and structurally connects 268 local human rights group led by women, young people and members of minority groups as well as 64 public authorities. Together they effectively promote and protect the rights of women, girls and minorities in the four programme districts and at the national level. A total of 6170 young and adult human rights defenders (HRDs) from eight sub-districts affected by human rights violations are capacitated to implement effective human rights actions. Organized with 32 High Schools and 172 Civil Society organizations, they advocate for gender justice, human rights and inclusive social participations using conflict sensitive approaches.

Major objectives:

• Promote & protect human rights.
• Ensure gender justice and prevent gender based violence.
• Ensure minority community participation and create social harmony.
• Promote and protect cultural diversity.
• Strengthen networking between govt. agencies and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

Major activities:

• Form School Based Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) group.
• Capacity building of young HRDs.
• Form school based self-defense group and provide training.
• Organize study circle at regular basis at High School level.
• Form Union, Upazilla and Distrcit Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) & strengthened their capacity.
• Day Celebration, Organize drama, Rally, Parade etc. to create awareness among local community.
• Lobby & advocacy with local, regional and national level authorities.