Speakers at a programme underscored the need for ensuring access to information for elevating the livelihood of marginalised people, including women, for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).They said free flow of information has important roles in hastening the social development process along with ensuring transparency, accountability and good governance in public offices.
However, efforts are progressing to empower women through need-based interventions side by side, strengthening government and civil society institutions and expanding networks for information access. They came up with the observation while addressing a booth camp meeting on Right to Information at Mohanpur upazila parishad hall room on Tuesday discussing and devising ways and means on how to raise mass awareness about the Right to Information issue.
On behalf of its project titled "Advancing Women's Right of Access to Information in Bangladesh", the Association for Community Development (ACD) organised the meeting financially supported by USAID and technically assisted by The Carter Centre.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ayesha Siddika, Project Implementation Officer Tarikul Islam, Youth Development Officer Syaid Ali Reza, Administrative Officer of Mougachi Union Parishad Abdur Razzak, Administrative Officer of Baksimoil Union Parishad Razia Pervin and Liaison Officer of the Carter Centre Sabrina Naz addressed the meeting.
Project Coordinator Subrata Kumar Paul moderated the discussion.
Terming access to information as vital, the discussants viewed that unhindered flow of information by all government and non-government organisations needs to be ensured for expediting development and ensuring good governance everywhere in society.
The project is being implemented in Ward Number 16 and 17 under Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) and Haripur and Damkura Union in Paba Upazila and Mougachhi and Bakshimoil Unions of Mohanpur upazila in Rajshahi district.
As a whole, the project is intended to create a congenial environment where women, especially the Dalit and marginalised are able to enjoy the Right to Information from government and non-government agencies for protecting their fundamental rights.
