Promoting Human Rights and Education in Bangladesh PHREB

Human Rights are not a privilege. As enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood (UNDHR 1948).

Who We Are We are a not-for- profit organization based in Chittagong in the south of Bangladesh, dedicated to fighting violence against women and girls.

We educate young people about human rights. In doing so we aim to empower girls and women to speak up when they are abused, to seek help for themselves or others in an abusive situation, and be leaders in their communities in the fight against gender based violence.

Our History Founded in 2004, PHREB emerged from an intensive study on violence against women and girls in the Chittagong region. One of the key findings is that there is an immense lack of awareness about human rights among women and girls, as well as men and boys. Coupled with this, the difficulty in accessing support for victims of violence means that it continues to be a serious issue for women and girls. We began our first project Ending Violence against Girls and Women in 2005 with financial support from ICCO in the Netherlands.

Our Values and Principles PHREB considers the promotion and protection of women's human rights is the most succinct and direct means by which to develop and sustain an equitable society. Achieve Gender Equality and Protect Women's Human Rights

Our Values and Principles PHREB recognizes the importance of giving girls agency to speak out, demand and access their fundamental rights and freedom. Enable Girls to Lead the Change

Our Values and Principles PHREB recognizes the importance of all girls' right to access comprehensive education, information, services and resources that allow them to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS, unexpected pregnancy and abortion. Protect Girls and Women

Our Values and Principles PHREB recognizes the importance of girls' access to formal education and technology based vocational training for economic, social, political and cultural empowerment of women. Promote Universal Access to Primary Education

Our Values and Principles PHREB believes that if we can create a change in the mindset of young male Bangladeshis and engage them in fighting violence against girls, we can break the cycle of violence against women and girls. Engage Men and Boys

Our Core Projects 1.Stop Violence Against Girls and Women NOW 2.Imam’s Movement for Women’s Rights 3.Empowering Adolescent Girls through BKAF (Adolescent Girl’s Alliance) 4.School Campaign 5.Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights 6.Essential Primary Health Care to reduce Maternal Mortality Rates

Stop Violence Against Girls and Women NOW Family Level Meetings Public Seminars Cultural Functions and Sports International Work Camps

Stop Violence Against Girls and Women NOW Interactive Forum Theatre Engaging Adolescent Boys and Men Training for Police and Law Enforcement Agencies Training for Journalists

Stop Violence Against Girls and Women NOW Legal Aid and Counselling Women’s Resource Centre Lawyers for Human Rights

Imams for Women’s Rights Mullahs (Islamic leaders) are influential and they play a critical role in the way people lead their lives. The Friday Speech at mosques is reaching around 300,000 men every week, as well as at Waj Mahfils (community based religious gatherings).

Empowering Adolescent Girls BKAF network (Bangladesh Kishori Adhikar Forum) translates to Adolescent Girls Alliance in English. Members of our BKAF network include students, garment workers, victims of gender-based violence, domestic workers, street girls and slum girls.

BKAF Regular Meetings Cultural Functions Young Women’s Summit Debate Programs Awards Initiatives

Education for Girls Includes – Bengali, English, Maths, Sewing and Computers Our Tulip Schools can accommodate up to 60 students, with 2 classes, primary and secondary, in a girl’s only environment.

School Campaign Bringing Human Rights in to the School Lessons Essay Writing, Art and Singing Competitions to empower young girls

School Campaign Alliances of youth, adolescents, teachers and parents Sports as a tool to combat violence against girls

Sexual and Reproductive Health Education and information about sexual and reproductive health, hygiene, STDs, pregnancy and HIV/AIDS

Essential Primary Health Maternal mortality rates Access to services Complications due to home births Lack of knowledge

International Volunteers Regular advertisement on Volunteers provide ongoing support and assistance to the future of PHREB They bring with them a wide range of skills and knowledge

Get Involved Sponsor an Education -Tulip School -High School Student -Vocational Training Courses for Girls Make a Donation -Sustain our projects -Build new ones -Support the rights of Women and Girls in Bangladesh

Donors and Funding We can not accomplish our aim alone. PHREB kindly thanks ICCO The Netherlands for their ongoing support since PHREB is actively seeking new organizations to partner with that have like minded values and to ensure that we can sustain our funding for the future.

Contact PHREB Mr Faridul Alam Executive Director House A/13, 3rd floor, Road 1,Block A, Chandgaon R/A Chittagong 4212 Bangladesh Tel : Cell : General Sponsor an Education: General Donation: Volunteer Application: Skype: farid.phreb