Rebuilding a Livelihood: Sundor Ali
Livelihoods Community Support
Sundor Ali, a man with a physical disability, lost income sources and small capital during the pandemic and faced severe
financial stress. A women-led DPO, Dar Khule Dao, included him among its beneficiaries and supported him to restart
income generation.
- Action: Community-led inclusion and small livelihood support.
- Outcome: Restarted a tea stall, restored stability, and began planning to expand skills and income.
From Local DPO to Service Provider: Patnitala DPOD
Organisations Digital Visibility
Patnitala DPOD began organising persons with disabilities in 2008. Over time, the organisation gained local support and
continued developing its identity. During an Abilis-funded project, TurningPoint supported Patnitala DPOD by developing
its website and training members on how to publicise it for stronger visibility.
- Action: Website development and practical training for outreach.
- Outcome: Increased visibility, began providing technical support to local NGOs, and joined coalitions for joint action.
Responding for Justice: Anguri
Safeguarding Advocacy
In October 2024, a serious incident of violence against a young woman with disabilities prompted urgent community concern.
Partner organisations conducted fact-finding, engaged stakeholders, and coordinated with authorities to support accountability
and reinforce safeguarding awareness.
- Action: Fact-finding, community dialogue, and engagement with local authorities.
- Outcome: Ongoing legal follow-up and strengthened community awareness on safeguarding needs for women and girls with disabilities.
Rozina the Changemaker
SRHR Community Leadership
Rozina, a young woman with disabilities from rural Dinajpur, had limited access to opportunities. Through household outreach
under the Dare to Dream project, she gained support and became confident to share SRHR awareness with neighbours.
- Action: Household outreach, counselling, and inclusive community learning.
- Outcome: Rozina now hosts informal awareness sessions from her home, supported by her family.
Breaking Myths, Building Confidence: Jasmine
SRHR Community Dialogue
Jasmine, a woman with hearing and speech impairment, grew up with care but also faced misconceptions in her community.
Participating in a Dare to Dream community awareness meeting helped her family challenge myths and strengthen inclusion.
- Action: Community awareness meetings and supportive counselling.
- Outcome: Improved confidence and more inclusive attitudes within family and community.
Nargis: A Dream to Build a Family
SRHR Rights
Nargis, a woman with a physical disability, pursued education despite barriers. After being introduced to Dare to Dream,
she received counselling and rights-based support that strengthened her voice and decision-making.
- Action: Counselling, SRHR awareness, and rights-based engagement.
- Outcome: Greater confidence, improved decision-making, and stronger family dialogue.
Shahin: The Story of a Champion
SRHR Leadership
Shahin, who acquired a disability after an accident, became a strong example of resilience and leadership. Through community
meetings and counselling sessions, he contributed to awareness and positive influence in his area.
- Action: Inclusive community meetings and counselling support.
- Outcome: Strengthened leadership and increased community awareness.
Challenging Stigma, Celebrating Love: Puja
SRHR Inclusion
Puja, a young woman with visual impairment, pursued higher education while navigating stigma. Under Dare to Dream,
targeted counselling supported her and her family to address misconceptions and reinforce dignity and rights.
- Action: Targeted counselling and community engagement.
- Outcome: Strengthened family understanding and reduced stigma around disability and relationships.
Government Accessibility Win: Women Affairs Office, Dinajpur
Accessibility Advocacy
Women with disabilities were excluded from vocational training opportunities due to inaccessible infrastructure at the
District Women Affairs Office in Dinajpur. Targeted advocacy highlighted equal rights and the link between economic
empowerment and SRHR outcomes.
- Action: Multiple advocacy meetings with the Deputy Director to improve accessibility.
- Outcome: A ramp was installed (May 2024), enabling three women with physical disabilities to enrol in training by October 2024; further improvements are being pursued.
Transforming Access: Union Health and Family Welfare Centre, Auliapur
Health Access Accessibility
In Auliapur Union, community members and wheelchair users raised accessibility barriers at the Union Health and Family
Welfare Centre. Advocacy and coordination meetings resulted in immediate temporary solutions and later permanent
improvements.
- Action: Stakeholder meeting, community dialogue, and referral to district coordination mechanisms.
- Outcome: Temporary ramp installed, followed by permanent ramp construction and paving by March 2024—improving access for persons with disabilities, older people, and expectant mothers.
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