Advancing Women’s Land Rights: Key Learnings and Advocacy Strategies from the Women’s Land Rights Network Meeting

On April 28, 2024, the Women Land Rights Network held a Learning Exchange Meeting at the Badabon Sangho Office in Lalmatia, Dhaka. The discussion focused on the network members’ learnings over the past year, policy recommendations for women’s equal land rights, advocacy strategies, event organization, and feedback from recent training sessions. Sulekha Mrong from Achik Michik Society shared that over the past year, the network’s mutual communication has increased significantly, and various training sessions have enhanced their capacity.  Minati Mardi from the National Indigenous Women’s Council highlighted her challenges when dealing with the local administration regarding their occupied land. She recounted how, despite being ignored and facing physical assaults, she persisted and successfully advocated for community rights. Bipasha Begi from the Bangladesh Harijan Women Unity Council mentioned a recent case where a girl from their community was deceived, now working with the administration for justice. She shared Badabon Sangho trainings have raised women’s voice manifold. Purna Chakma from SPARC discussed their efforts in remote areas of CHT.  She noted that women are now more willing to discuss the difficult social conditions they live in. Shamima Khan from Tarango mentioned the importance of regular communication with administrations to access government benefits and quick responses against violence on women. The participants reviewed and unanimously agreed on the recommendations that policy changes needed for establishing women’s land rights, drafting local advocacy strategies, need for continuous communication with local administration.  The network’s committee and constitution were reviewed, with a call for reformation the committee’s one-year tenure. Extension of training durations for greater effectiveness also recommended.  The meeting concluded with lunch, marking a productive session on advancing women’s land rights.