Beyond Borders: Exploring Gender, Rights, and Activism in a Bi-Country Forum

Mukti participated in a Bi-Country Training Workshop on Gender Development, Human Rights, and Peace hosted at the CCDB Hope Center in Savar, Bangladesh, from the 17th to the 4th of March 2024. This groundbreaking workshop was a collaborative effort between “Pragrasar” from Bangladesh, “Swayam” from India, and received support from “Sangat,” Bangladesh. As the trainee of Swayam, Mukti played an integral role in the workshop’s success, joining forces with 30 dedicated participants—15 from Bangladesh and 15 from India—devoted to advancing gender development, human rights, and fostering peace.

Throughout the workshop, Mukti and fellow participants delved into an array of thought-provoking topics, guided by esteemed speakers and facilitators:

1. Understanding Gender Dynamics: Led by Fawzia Khondkar Eva from Bangladesh, participants explored the intricate facets of gendered experiences, shedding light on the pervasive impact of marginalization and exclusion. Discussions delved into the societal constructs of gender, dissecting the division of labor and its implications on feminist movements. Participants pondered over the practical gender needs and strategic gender interests, underlining the importance of equality and equity in fostering genuine progress.
2. Deconstructing Patriarchy: Koel Ghosh from India navigated discussions on patriarchy, unraveling its complex intersections with class, caste, and gender. From historical perspectives to contemporary manifestations, participants examined the multifaceted nature of patriarchy and its insidious role in perpetuating violence against women. The session provided insights into various feminist doctrines and highlighted ongoing waves of feminist activism.
3. Exploring Identity and Sexuality: Through an engaging session led by Koel Ghosh, participants explored the spectrum of gender identity and the nuances of sexuality. Delving into topics like intersexuality and transgender experiences, discussions challenged societal norms and addressed the prevalence of honor killings as a means of upholding patriarchal structures.
4. Empowering Women’s Health: Tasrina Rahman from Bangladesh led discussions on women’s health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of socio-economic factors, culture, and gender in shaping health outcomes. Participants delved into behavioral change stages and tackled prevalent misconceptions surrounding women’s health, advocating for holistic approaches to healthcare.
5. Navigating Sociopolitical Realities: Khushi Kabir and Professor Zobaida Nasreen from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, facilitated discussions on communalism, fundamentalism, and their impact on movements for social justice. Participants critically analyzed geopolitical tensions in regions like Kashmir and the Chittagong Hill Tracts, emphasizing the role of activism in challenging oppressive systems.
6. Addressing Mental Health: Sravasti Majumdar from India guided conversations on mental health, highlighting the importance of destigmatizing mental illness and fostering support networks. Participants explored strategies for supporting individuals with mental health challenges while prioritizing their own well-being as social workers.
7. Charting Women’s Movements: Khushi Kabir from Bangladesh provided insights into the historical trajectories of women’s movements in India and Bangladesh, underscoring the need for intersectional approaches in addressing violence against women and advancing gender equality.
8. Navigating Globalization: Azizur Rahman Khan Asad from Bangladesh explored the impact of globalization on women, dissecting economic, political, and cultural implications. Participants engaged in critical reflections on the historical evolution of social systems and their repercussions on women’s rights.
9. Combatting Violence Against Women: Ruchira Goswami from India led discussions on violence against women, examining its root causes and legal frameworks for addressing such atrocities. Participants analyzed institutional mechanisms for combating violence and advocated for comprehensive, life-cycle approaches to tackling gender-based violence.
10. Advancing Women’s Rights: Participants delved into the intersection of women’s rights and human rights, highlighting the imperative of social, political, and economic empowerment in ensuring gender equality. Discussions centered on practical applications of conventions like CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women) in promoting women’s rights on a global scale.

Through dynamic discussions, collaborative learning, and shared experiences, Mukti and fellow participants emerged from the workshop equipped with renewed insights, strengthened networks, and a shared commitment to driving positive change in their respective communities and beyond.

Gallery link: https://muktiweb.org/gallery/album/mukti-participated-in-a-bi-country-training-workshop-on-gender-development-human-rights-and-peace-at-bangladesh