Dhaka, 03 February 2021: Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), a human rights organization focusing on dignity and well-being of marginalized population, has begun distributing a month-long cash livelihood support to some Covid-19- affected 15380 marginalised women in 35 districts under the Excluded People’s Rights in Bangladesh (EPR) Programme, supported by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Beginning 1st February, MJF has begun distributing taka 7000 to each beneficiary, selected through a rigorous process involving its 42 partner NGOs. Some 391 citizens’ committees were involved in the selection process and also assisting in the distribution of cash support.
The beneficiary list, verified by Union Parishads and endorsed by Upazila administration, includes: women from poor and marginalised community, indigenous people of CHT and plain land, Dalit and Harijan including women with disabilities, Bede community, including transgender and fisher folk. Extreme poor women-headed households, widows, destitute women, and victims of violence are also included in the list.
Grievance redress committees (GRS) involving 354 people have also been formed to address issues relating to selection and distribution processes.
Appreciating the UK Government’s response, MJF’s Executive Director Shaheen Anam said: “The support of the British Government is laudable which will empower some 15000 marginalized women to create sustainable livelihood opportunities to enhance family wellbeing.”
Mentionably, MJF successfully distributed Taka 57.5 million to 23,000 marginalised households in 38 priority districts in September last year, supported by FCDO.
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