A three-day program on disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction (DiRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) was held in Shyamnagar Upazila, bringing together government officials, civil society representatives and persons with disabilities to discuss inclusive climate resilience.
The program, organized by Access Bangladesh Foundation from March 9 to 11, was held under the project titled “Strengthening Disability Inclusive Disaster Management and Climate Resilient Communities,” with support from the Commonwealth Foundation.
Local government officials, representatives of civil society organizations, development partners, journalists, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and self-help groups of persons with disabilities took part in the program.
The initiative aimed to highlight the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in disaster-prone coastal areas and explore ways to strengthen their inclusion in disaster management and climate resilience initiatives.
Discussion on inclusive disaster management
On the first day, a discussion on disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation was held at the Shyamnagar Officers’ Club.
The keynote paper was presented by Albert Mollah, executive director of Access Bangladesh Foundation. The session was moderated by project officer Abu Bakar Siddique.
SM Delowar Hossain, upazila social services officer of Shyamnagar, attended the event as the chief guest.
Among others, SM Mostafa Kamal, general secretary of the Shyamnagar Press Club; Hosain Bin Aftab, representative of the Daily Sangram; and Ashtami Malo, executive director of Joyita Protibandhi Narri Unnayan Sangstha, spoke at the event.
Speakers noted that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of natural disasters in Bangladesh, leaving persons with disabilities particularly vulnerable during emergencies.
They stressed the need to ensure disability inclusion in disaster preparedness plans, early warning systems, accessible cyclone shelters and post-disaster rehabilitation initiatives.
Speakers also emphasized ensuring the active participation of persons with disabilities in local disaster management committees and planning processes.
Role of NGOs in disability inclusion
On the second day, another discussion focused on the role of non-governmental organizations in promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in mainstream development activities.
In his presentation, Albert Mollah highlighted several ways NGOs can strengthen disability inclusion, including engaging persons with disabilities as both project beneficiaries and staff members, consulting them during project design and implementation, and partnering with organizations of persons with disabilities.
Representatives from several development organizations, including Centre for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS), ActionAid, Christian Development Organization (CDO), Disaster Risk Reduction Alliance (DRRA), NGO Forum for Public Health and NGF, shared information about their ongoing initiatives.
Representatives from self-help groups of persons with disabilities from Ishwaripur, Munshiganj and Shyamnagar Municipality also participated and shared their experiences and recommendations.
Workshop highlights lessons learned
The programme concluded on March 11 with a lessons learned workshop at the conference hall of the Shyamnagar Public Library.
The workshop reviewed the project’s achievements, challenges and lessons learned, while collecting recommendations from participants to strengthen future initiatives.
Participants highlighted several key challenges faced by persons with disabilities in coastal areas, including barriers to education for children with disabilities, limited employment opportunities even for educated persons with disabilities, and restricted access to healthcare and sustainable livelihood options.
They also raised concerns over the severe shortage of safe drinking water in Shyamnagar and the limited inclusion of persons with disabilities in many development initiatives.
Representatives from self-help groups of persons with disabilities from Ishwaripur, Munshiganj, Burigoalini, Ramjannagar, Atulia, Bhurulia and Shyamnagar Municipality, along with members of Joyita Protibandhi Narri Unnayan Sangstha, participated in the workshop.
Participants called for stronger collaboration among the government, NGOs and local communities to build a more inclusive and climate-resilient society.