Bangladesh Mahila Parishad - Norad

24contribution. The Minister identified VAW campaigns as a good area for partnershipbetween the government and BMP.BMP initiated the submission of alternative reports to UNCEDAW on theimplementation of CEDAW. To start with, BMP wrote the reports themselves, laterseveral other organisations joined so that reporting responsibilities are shared amongthe organisations. There is a civil society sharing meeting with the Minister beforeand after the meeting in Geneva. Full implementation of CEDAW remains anoutstanding issue in Bangladesh, with articles 2 and 16.1.c not yet being adopted bythe government. There is extensive civil society mobilization around reporting onCEDAW.BMP was the first initiator and organizer of a united movement on certain issues.BMP took the initiative in 2002 to form a broad platform addressing various types ofVAW, violation of women’s human rights, and rights of minorities. The SAC wasformed in 2001 as the continuation of BMP’s efforts to build a united women’smovement. BMP was the initiator and played a pivotal role in organizing and runningthis platform, and functions as its secretariat. On behalf of BMP, its PresidentAyesha Khanam is working as convener. The SAC organizes joint advocacy actionand campaigns on the formulation, declaration and implementation of NationalWomen’s Development Policy, resisting VAW, promotion of politicalempowerment, human rights and minority rights issues. The SAC also organizescelebrations of the international women’s day in close relation with government.3.4.2 Dialogue and discussion events: roundtables, workshops,seminarsBMP organizes many events throughout the year, with participation from keystakeholders in the policy process. These events are organized to place issues on theagenda, to strengthen networks of likeminded actors, and to produce newinformation of value to policy makers. BMP uses these events strategically as part ofits advocacy work, and take care to invite influential stakeholders. Experts,politicians, and civil society members are invited. Papers may be produced toenhance information production. Media plays a critical role in disseminatinginformation from these events. Meetings in 2012 have been on the role of womenMP’s in promoting women’s political participation, gender budgeting, and a numberof meetings were organized as part of the two week fortnight inNovember/December to resist violence against women. Recommendations from themeetings are submitted to relevant authorities.3.4.3 Activism: spontaneous and plannedBMP takes part in or organizes a number of protests against violations of individualand minority rights. Some are spontaneous such as human chains and others areplanned for UN designated days. When an incident happens, BMP volunteers visitthe site, and inform the authorities, such as the Inspector General of Police and the