Women-led organizations from across Bangladesh have called for stronger gender integration and improved service delivery in NGO operations during a policy dialogue titled “Policy Dialogue with Women-led NGOs on Gender Integration and Service Delivery Process of NGOAB.” The event, held on December 17, 2024, at the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) in Dhaka, was organized by the Institutional Strengthening for Promoting Accelerated Transformation (ISPAT) project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Supported by the Australian High Commission (DFAT) and NGOAB, the event brought together around 80 representatives from women-led NGOs to address issues such as gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), climate change, and the inclusion of marginalized women, including those with disabilities and women laborers. The dialogue sought to create a platform for collaboration between NGOAB and women-led organizations, focusing on overcoming challenges in service delivery and integrating gender-sensitive policies.

"This policy dialogue sets a precedent for greater inclusivity and gender integration in NGOAB processes, reinforcing Bangladesh’s commitment to empowering women leaders and ensuring efficient service delivery," said Md Anwar Hossain, Director General a.i., NGO Affairs Bureau.

In her keynote address, Sheela Tasnim Haq, Senior Governance Specialist at UNDP, emphasized the need for a policy platform to prioritize women-led organizations. She said, "This event marks a significant step in ensuring women’s rights, empowerment, and SRHR are recognized as interconnected human rights. We aim to build a bridge between NGOAB and NGOs, creating policies that are smoother and more accessible for women leaders."

Anwarul Hoque, Assistant Resident Representative at UNDP, highlighted the importance of institutional reform and digitalization in enhancing governance. He said, "Our goal is to create a transparent, accountable, and efficient system that incorporates feedback from NGOs. This two-way communication will foster collaboration and pave the way for more inclusive service delivery."

Participants at a recent dialogue proposed several recommendations to improve service delivery and gender integration in NGOAB processes. Key suggestions included simplifying registration procedures, introducing online proposal submissions, creating a database on thematic areas, and decentralizing NGOAB services to ensure quicker, more accessible support. They also emphasized the need for clearer guidelines to reduce harassment and improve cooperation between government and NGO sectors, with a focus on ensuring proper utilization of gender integration funds.

A consensus was reached on the importance of collaborating to address challenges and strengthen the role of women-led NGOs in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.