In 2011, as part of the Democratic Participation and Reform (DPR) program in Bangladesh, DI held a series of town hall meetings to introduce the DPR program to the community, solicit opinions on the local needs specific to the region and work with women and youth on ways to increase their ability to participate in the political process, especially through DI’s Women’s and Youth Centers, discussed below.
Each town hall included an introduction from a notable speaker and lively discussion that addressed a range of topics of political importance including local governance issues, youth and women’s participation, minority representation, and environmental challenges. Events were attended by local women political leaders, civil society members, and the general public. DI also invited local government officials, journalists, and school teachers. Town Halls were held in Bogra (June), Faridpur (July), Mymensingh (August), Khulna (October), Old Dhaka (November), and Chittagong.
In addition to the town hall meetings, DI opened two Women and Youth Centers in Bogra and Khulna; a third center, in Chittagong, is scheduled to open later this month. The regional Women and Youth Centers will work to strengthen the political engagement of women and youth in political parties and more broadly in political activity through activities including information sessions on research skills, communications, advocacy, and public speaking and presentation. A mix of international and local experts and activists provide training.