Implemented by BRAC (local NGO) and AIDA Association (Spanish NGO) Project:“Enjoyment of the Socio- Economic Rights of 1.000 Bangladeshi Women through their Social and Economic Empowerment in Comilla and Chandpur” From December 2011 to June 2013. Funded by AECID - The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation Implemented by BRAC (local NGO) and AIDA Association (Spanish NGO) presented by Santiago Rodriguez & Avelina López (AIDA)

Goal : To improve the quality of life for women suffering from discrimination, through the promotion of sustainable, equitable and participatory development in rural areas of Bangladesh. Objective : Enjoyment of the socio-economic rights of 1.000 Bangladeshi women through their economic and social empowerment in the districts of Comilla and Chandpur.

Major Project activities: Economic Development Training on integrated aquaculture & Management Microcredit delivery Follow up and Technical assistance to the beneficiaries Social Development Training on Gender Equity and Women Rights Gender sensitive drama theater Photo exhibition Discussion Meeting Gender Follow up

Project Beneficiaries: Women Fish Farmers - 1010 Department of Fisheries officials - 10 Trained Photographers- 50 Estimated Beneficiaries of the drama play theater – 7500

Project Results (R1): Establishment of a project execution model based on the results of the baseline as well as the analysis of women needs for mainstreaming gender equity in an aquaculture context and the Extension Team of the project together with the Department of Fisheries staff have been trained in this regard

Gender Workshop

BFRI Training

Project Results (R2): 1000 women have been economically empowered through the implementation of new aquaculture techniques, the qualitative and quantitative increase of the fish production as well as fostering the women economic autonomy

Project Results (R3): 1000 women have been socially empowered through training on Gender Equality and Women Rights and sensitizations of their families and local leaders

Gender Drama in the Villages

Beneficiaries’ Photography Training

Beneficiaries taking photos to other beneficiaries

Few photo examples

“The World Through Their Eyes” A photo exhibition by Women Fish Farmers Drik Gallery from 17 to 19 of May

Fish Farmer doing sampling activity

Fish Farmer doing sampling activity

“I always have wished to capture my happy moments, now I know how to do it” Shamsun Nahar - Brahmonpara “The World Through Their Eyes” A photo exhibition by Women Fish Farmers Drik Gallery from 17 to 19 of May

“For once in my life I stayed outside my house with other women learning something new” Nasima Akter - Debidwar “The World Through Their Eyes” A photo exhibition by Women Fish Farmers Drik Gallery from 17 to 19 of May

“I thought it would be very difficult to take photos but now I know is very easy, and I feel great to do it!” Shamsun Nahar - Brahmonpara

“My brother brought a camera from abroad and when my family realized that I can operate it, they could not believe it” Aysha Akter – Comilla Sadar

“The World Through Their Eyes” A photo exhibition by Women Fish Farmers Drik Gallery from 17 to 19 of May

“The World Through Their Eyes” A photo exhibition by Women Fish Farmers Drik Gallery from 17 to 19 of May

Project Results (R4): The Department of Fisheries of Chittagong has been strengthened on Aquaculture Development, Gender Equity and Human Rights

Expected results at the end of the project: Fish production will be increased by 15% Family income will be increased by 15% from aquaculture activities Fish protein intake will be increased Use of soap and cleaning products in the ponds will be decreased by 30% 1000 women will improve her social position and her participation in aquaculture activities Community and local leaders will be sensitize about the role of the women in the productive activities

Thank you!