Empowering Women Through Transformative Leadership: Key Findings from the “Means to Lead” Project
In our ongoing commitment to fostering empowerment and resilience within communities, ART Lab has partnered with Oxfam to evaluate the impact of the “Means to Lead” project. This initiative has been instrumental in empowering women from both the Rohingya and host communities in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. By focusing on transformative leadership and sustainable livelihoods, the project has made a significant difference in the lives of countless women and girls.
A recent study sheds light on the multifaceted approach adopted by the project, emphasizing the importance of effective outreach and engagement. The findings reveal a detailed picture of how respondents became aware of the project and the diverse channels utilized to promote its initiatives.
Key Findings: Sources of Awareness
The study explored the sources through which respondents first learned about the “Means to Lead” project. The findings underscore the vital role of both formal and informal networks in disseminating information:
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- Project Staff (53.5%): A majority of respondents credited their awareness to direct engagement with project personnel. This highlights the pivotal role played by frontline staff in building trust and creating awareness at the community level.
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- Local Organizations (27.6%): Community partnerships proved to be a significant channel for outreach. Collaborations with local NGOs and grassroots organizations were instrumental in extending the project’s reach to diverse populations.
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- Friends or Family (10.9%): Informal networks, such as personal recommendations, also played a key role in raising awareness about the project’s objectives and activities.
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- Community Announcements (8.0%): Public announcements and community-based outreach efforts provided additional support in ensuring information dissemination within the target communities.
These findings reflect the project’s holistic strategy to ensure inclusivity and maximize community engagement. By leveraging both formal and informal networks, the project has successfully fostered a deeper understanding of its mission among its target audience.
The “Means to Lead” Project: A Closer Look
Launched in 2017 by Oxfam, the “Means to Lead” project addresses the multifaceted needs of women and girls in Cox’s Bazar, particularly those from Rohingya and host communities. The project’s goals include:
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- Leadership Training: Equipping women with the skills and confidence needed to take on leadership roles in their communities.
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- Livelihood Support: Providing training and resources for income-generating activities to promote economic independence.
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- Community Engagement: Establishing Multi-Purpose Women’s Centers to serve as hubs for empowerment activities, learning, and advocacy.
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- Advocacy for Gender Equality: Promoting transformative changes in attitudes towards women’s roles and rights within their communities.
Implications and Future Directions
The study highlights the effectiveness of a multi-channel approach to awareness-building and engagement. It demonstrates the value of combining direct outreach through project staff with community partnerships and informal networks. These strategies not only enhance visibility but also foster trust and credibility within the community.
As the project continues, these insights will serve as a foundation for refining outreach efforts and ensuring that more women can benefit from its initiatives. By addressing barriers to participation and enhancing communication strategies, the “Means to Lead” project is poised to create an even greater impact in the years to come.
A Call to Action
At ART Lab, we are proud to be part of this transformative journey. The “Means to Lead” project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential for sustainable change when women are empowered to lead. We invite all stakeholders, partners, and community members to join us in amplifying these efforts and creating a brighter future for women and girls in Cox’s Bazar and beyond.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories of resilience from the field. Together, we can continue to foster empowerment and resilience in the communities that need it most.