About Ovijatra:
The Ovijatra campaign, initiated by the Disabled Rehabilitation & Research Association (DRRA) in 2010, played a significant role in advocating for the approval of the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act 2013 in Bangladesh. DRRA, since its inception in 1996, has been committed to building a society where Persons with Disabilities and the destitute can enjoy a dignified life with equity. Our work aligns with the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development, pledging to "leave no one behind."
DRRA's program domains are diverse and include inclusive health and rehabilitation, knowledge management and innovation, quality education and lifelong learning, inclusive economic growth, and climate and humanitarian action. Over the years, DRRA has served millions of people across numerous districts and upazilas in Bangladesh, demonstrating a significant impact in various areas of social development.
One of the key focuses of the campaign is to empower girls, ensure their education, and climate change. This aligns with DRRA's broader commitment to quality education and inclusive economic growth, particularly for marginalized groups such as girls and Persons with Disabilities.
Additionally, the Disability Alliance on SDGs in Bangladesh and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have urged the government for effective implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Rights and Protection Act 2013 and the National Action Plan on Disability. This initiative aims to ensure that Persons with Disabilities have equal rights, emphasizing the importance of inclusive development for an accessible and equitable Bangladesh.


Objective
Ovijatra focuses on empowering girls, ensuring their education, and climate change, which are crucial in today’s world, where gender disparities in access to technology and education still exist. Bangladesh, despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, faces the impact of climate change's devastating effects. From rising sea levels to extreme weather events, the future of this nation hinges on proactive climate action. Moreover, who better to lead this charge than the young generation? This campaign leverages the power of digital platforms and community engagement to address and mitigate these disparities, promoting a more equitable and sustainable future for girls and young women.
Our initiatives:
Empowering Girls through Digital Platform:
- Awareness and Advocacy: Raise awareness about the challenges girls face, including limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Use social media, online videos, and digital storytelling to highlight these issues and advocate for change.
- Access to Online Learning and sharing: Providing girls with access to online learning platforms, offering courses and educational content as well as forum where girls can discuss various topics, share experiences, and seek advice. This approach acknowledges the growing importance of digital literacy in the modern world and aims to equip girls with the skills needed to succeed in a technology-driven society. This is particularly crucial in regions where traditional schooling is inaccessible or where girls face barriers to attending school.
- Mentorship and Role Models: Connect girls with mentors and role models in various fields. This helps in breaking down stereotypes and encouraging girls to pursue careers in areas traditionally dominated by men, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
- Community Engagement: Engaging communities and families helps to change perceptions about girls' education. It emphasizes the importance of educating girls for the betterment of the entire community.
Climate Action Engaging adolescent girls
1. Raise awareness: Adolescent girls can become informed climate ambassadors, spreading knowledge and understanding among their peers, families, and communities.
2. Foster a culture of action: By participating in hands-on activities, girls can develop a sense of ownership and responsibility for addressing climate challenges.
3. Empower young leaders: Cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills prepares girls to become future climate champions, advocating for change and implementing sustainable solutions.
