Nahida’s election win paves way for disability inclusion in Bangladesh

Stories | January 22, 2024

One of the greatest success stories we’ve heard this year is from Bangladesh. Nahida is a woman with a disability who attended several events run by CBM partners. At these events, she heard about the success of other people with disabilities – some who have become pioneers in all fields. This is her story.

Nahida said that while she was reading through the booklets and stories, thinking about all the opportunities people with disabilities can have, she had an idea. She wanted to stand for election in her local government. She wanted to show other women, especially women with disabilities, that their government could change and better accommodate them and their priorities.

So, Nahida got to work. She became more involved in community events, raising awareness about the rights and opportunities people with disabilities should have.

She also strengthened her relationship with local government institutes, where she lobbied for more inclusive services like allowances, business loans and maternal health.

Throughout the pandemic, Nahida helped local community people navigate the registration process for COVID-19 vaccinations. Over time, as Nahida strengthened her connections with the community she served, her confidence to stand for election increased – as did the encouragement she got from community members.

Now that Nahida has been elected, her first goal is “to change the local government’s attitude towards disability.”

Congratulations on your election, Nahida!

CBM acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and thanks our implementing partner, the Centre for Disability in Development. 

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https://www.cbm.org.au/stories/bangladesh-woman-nahida-disability-inclusion-local-government

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