MJF providing cash support to 15,000 marginalised women 

Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), a human rights organisation, has begun distributing month-long cash support to marginalised women, in 35 districts, impacted by Covid-19.

The initiative – covering some 15,830 marginalised women – falls under the Excluded People's Rights in Bangladesh (EPR) programme and is supported by the Government of the United Kingdom's (UK) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The programme started on 1 February, with MJF distributing Tk7,000 to each beneficiary, read a press release.

The beneficiaries have been chosen through a rigorous process involving the organisation's 42 partner non-governmental organisations and a few citizens' committees. 
 
The beneficiary list, verified by union parishads and endorsed by the upazila administration, includes indigenous people of CHT and plain land, and women from Dalit, Harijan and Bede communities. 

Transgender women, fisherfolk and women with disabilities are also on the list. 

The list further comprises extremely poor women-headed households, widows and victims of violence. 

Grievance Redress Committees (GRS) involving 354 members have also been formed to address issues relating to the selection and distribution processes. 

Praising the UK government's response, Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation Shaheen Anam said, "The support of the British government is laudable and will help empower some 15,000 marginalised women to create sustainable livelihood opportunities to enhance the wellbeing of their families." 

Previously, in September last year, MJF distributed Tk57.5 million to 23,000 marginalised households, in 38 priority districts, with FCDO's support.