Rights organisation Nari Unnayan Shakti has called for increased national budget allocation and the introduction of a separate budget for women and children with disabilities.
The demand was raised during a workshop held on Thursday at the NUS office in Dhaka, according to a press release.
The event brought together women and children with disabilities, civil society members, and representatives from various NGOs, including Young Women for Development Rights and Climate, and the Forum for Culture and Human Development, who co-organised the workshop.
Afroja Parvin, executive director of NUS, delivered the keynote address. Other speakers included Nusrat Sultana Afroj, president of YWDRC, and Shahida Wahab, president of FCHD.
Participants Sukhi and Habib, both persons with disabilities, shared their lived experiences, highlighting that the current government stipends were insufficient, barely covering two days鈥� expenses under present market conditions.
After detailed discussions, the workshop presented 10 urgent demands aimed at enhancing the quality of life, protection, and empowerment of women and children with disabilities. These demands were formally submitted to the advisers of the ministry of women and children affairs and the ministry of social welfare.
The demands are increased and separate budget allocations, implementation of disability-related laws and establishment of special tribunals, protection and rehabilitation centres, disability-friendly infrastructure and transportation, economic empowerment and employment opportunities, inclusive and quality education, access to sexual and reproductive health services, local NGO-led project implementation, evidence-based planning and community-level awareness campaigns.
