Project: Expanding Civic Space through Active CSO Participation and Strengthened Governance System in Bangladesh (ECSAP)

The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Bangladesh have found a niche for themselves in the gap between society and State, seeking to promote the people’s welfare through grassroots initiatives and development programmes.

Manusher Jonno Foundation with the support of Europian Union (EU) through Christian Aid is implementing a project ‘Expanding civic space through active CSO participation and strengthened governance system in Bangladesh (ECSAP), to strengthen local CSOs ability to engage as actors of good governance and development at country level in Bangladesh.

The proposed project aims to promote civil society space and to support for building capacity of CSOs so as to strengthen their voice in the development process and to advance political, social and economic dialogues.

The project will support in alternative reports from CSOs on human rights, governance, and democracy commitments to international conventions, engaging in freedom of speech and research on policies/laws that affect marginalised communities. It will also undertake social audits at the local level, work on policy advocacy to bring legislative and policy changes, Disability Act, and child marriage, Grievance Redressal System at the local level. The project will also provide capacity building support to CSOs and other actors to improve their project implementation efficiency, organisational development and sustainability. All these will be done by engaging small CSOs and WROs who cannot develop proposals, provide accompaniment support, build network or alliances and work with media.

Project Objectives
To contribute to a stronger, more independent civil society in Bangladesh that is working to promote good governance and development.

Expected Outcomes
1.CSOs have strengthened their capacity to work accountably and inclusively to represent the rights of marginalised communities in effective networks and coalitions.
2.CSOs are effective in holding duty bearers to account for inclusive public services and responding to citizen priorities.
3.CSOs have strengthened collaboration with academic and media institutions to expand an enabling environment for civil society.

Target Population
Dalits, vulnerable women (destitute, widow, domestic worker, survivor of gender based violence/violence against women case, displaced/climate affected etc), persons with disabilities.

Direct Beneficiary Numbers: 80,080

Geographical Locations: Dinajpur, Jashore, Kurigram, Khulna, Natore, Pabna, Rangpur, Sirajganj, and Satkhira Districts.

Implementing Organisations: 26 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

Project Duration: February 2023 – January 2027

Budget (BDT): 120,917,170

Funding Agency: European Union through Christian Aid

Aligns with SDGs: SDG 16 and SDG 5

Aligns with MJF’s Focused Thematic Issue: Strengthening governance system and promoting rights for all.