Manikganj Disabled People's Organization to Development (MDPOD) has launched a four-day leadership development training programme for 100 youths with disabilities in Manikganj, aiming to build a new generation of confident, skilled and rights-conscious disability leaders.
Organised by MDPOD with support from Sightsavers' Somotar Bangladesh Campaign, the initiative began on Thursday with 25 participants attending the inaugural session. The remaining participants will take part in three subsequent batches over the next three days.
Through this initiative, MDPOD seeks to strengthen the leadership capacity of young persons with disabilities and encourage their active participation in community development, decision-making and disability rights advocacy.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kazi Nahid Eva attended the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest.
Addressing the participants, Kazi Nahid Eva appreciated MDPOD's initiatives and called on persons with disabilities to come out of their homes and become more actively involved in mainstream society alongside government efforts.
She emphasised that government planning, programme design and policy initiatives should incorporate the needs of persons with disabilities to ensure their meaningful inclusion. She also assured participants that the district administration would stand beside persons with disabilities and extend support whenever they needed assistance.
Md Antaj Ali, director of MDPOD, said awareness of the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2013, could enable persons with disabilities to address many of the challenges they face themselves.
He said persons with disabilities often fail to receive justice when subjected to violence because of their limited knowledge of the law and the mechanisms available to protect their rights. Greater awareness would help them develop leadership within their communities, raise their voices against violence and seek remedies when their rights are violated, he added.
Kabery Sultana, chairperson of MDPOD and Youth Champion of Sightsavers’ Somotar Bangladesh Campaign, said everyone has a responsibility towards others, adding that the training would help young persons with disabilities understand their rights and build the skills and confidence to contribute to society. Drawing on her experience, she said training programmes had played a key role in her journey to becoming an organisational leader.
She expressed gratitude to Sightsavers' Somotar Bangladesh Campaign, saying the initiative had contributed significantly to strengthening her leadership skills. She also expressed hope that the campaign's support would play an important role in developing leadership among other young persons with disabilities associated with MDPOD.
The four-day programme will cover self-confidence, emotional intelligence, personal ethics, strategic thinking, effective communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution and team management.
Participants will also receive practical orientation on the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2013, through case studies and simulation exercises to help them understand and exercise their rights.
Through the programme, MDPOD aims to empower young persons with disabilities to become active leaders, advocate for their rights and contribute to building a more inclusive society.