The project, titled “Supporting Human Rights Defenders Working for Women’s and Girls’ Rights in Bangladesh,” spanned three years, commencing in January 2018. It received funding from the European Commission and operated in rural areas across eight districts along the Indo-Bangla international border: Satkhira, Jessore, Rajshahi, Niphamari, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat, and Kurigram. The News Network collaborated with Udayankur Seba Sangstha (USS) to implement the project activities.

The primary objective was to provide support to Women Human Rights Defenders and Human Rights Defenders (W/HRDs) dedicated to women’s and girls’ rights in Bangladesh. The project aimed to recognize and promote the vital role of WHRDs in safeguarding and advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms, while also addressing the challenges, risks, and threats they might encounter.

Moreover, the project endeavored to protect WHRDs at risk due to their involvement in promoting and safeguarding the full enjoyment of women’s and girls’ rights. Beneficiaries of the project included media professionals in print, electronic, and social media, encompassing potential young women journalists, rural media gatekeepers (editors, news editors, and executive editors), rural journalists, and creative women journalists.

The project’s scope extended to leaders of rural civil society organizations, both male and female, as well as rural religious leaders engaged in the promotion of women’s rights.