5. How did the work under the grant contribute to intended outcomes/results? What have been the key results? (For example, has it led to changes in capacities, cross-movement work, stronger advocacy, etc.)

Certainly, the following are some important lessons we learned from this grant:

1.For long-term effects, community-led advocacy is essential.
It was crucial to enable community members to actively participate in advocacy. We were able to increase the strength and resilience of community support for causes like women’s rights, environmental justice, and indigenous safeguards by actively including the Garo community in decision-making and awareness campaigns. This strategy increased the community’s sense of accountability and ownership, which strengthened the long-term effects of our efforts.

2. The Importance of Flexibility in Handling Social and Political Challenges

We have to be flexible and responsive in order to operate in a highly charged atmosphere. We learned that adjusting our programming, which includes relocating meetings, carefully planning events, or communicating in a neutral voice, helps reduce risks without sacrificing our goal.
Our response strategies also needed to be flexible, as we had to find a balance between advocating for our rights and being aware of the larger political environment.

3. In the larger political situation, fostering trust in a gender-resistant environment is essential.

Promoting a women-led group in a male-dominated environment presented unanticipated challenges like opposition and rumours. We discovered that building trust via regular interaction and openness reduced internal resistance and promoted a more encouraging atmosphere for our work. By enlisting male community leaders as allies and providing frequent updates and a forum for open discussion, we were able to demystify our work and gradually gain the respect and support of the community.

4. Partnerships and Official Documentation Enhance Security

Formally expressing our concerns and obtaining the support we required was accomplished by recording threats and submitting a General Diary (GD) to the local authorities. This has emphasized how crucial proactive security measures are for organizations that are at risk, especially in politically delicate areas. A safety net was also offered by collaborating with other rights organizations. By working with groups that protect minority and religious rights, we were able to expand our network and obtain important assistance in controlling security threats.

5. Under Pressure, Community Resilience and Solidarity Are Strengthened

Even though social scrutiny and political tension were stressful, they also showed the community’s resiliency and unity. We saw how a common experience can unite people and strengthen a will to defend and support one another. This unity reaffirmed the value of enabling

communities to stand up for their rights and bolstered our ability to go forward even in trying circumstances.

6. For a Comprehensive Impact, an Intersectional Approach Is Required

We learned the value of an intersectional approach from the interconnections of the issues we work on, including environmental justice, women’s rights, land rights, and indigenous protections. It would have been less successful to address each problem separately, but by using a comprehensive strategy, we were able to address the underlying causes and promote significant, long-lasting change.

Our approach to community involvement, safety, and advocacy has improved as a result of these lessons. Thinking back on these realizations makes us more capable of handling upcoming difficulties, enhancing our initiatives, and maintaining our influence.

6. Were there any changes to the proposed plan? Any specific changes in the context and barriers/challenges or risks identified which affected the implementation of the grant?

Yes, we have made some changes to the proposed plan.

The proposed budget claims that AMS has helped 32 flood-affected families in Darshapar village of Haluaghat, Mymensingh, through women’s rights leaflets, notepads, and calendars of program events. In order to ensure their safety and well-being, this endeavour included prompt relief and assistance.

7. During the grant period, did your organisation and/or the community you work with face any backlash/ security risk/ threats? If so, please share with us what happened and how you mitigated or managed it.

Indeed, during the grant duration, the Achik Michik Society (AMS), along with the Garo community it backs, encountered several types of opposition and security threats. Below is a summary of the events and the strategies we employed to address these difficulties: 

1. Challenges and Security Risks Encountered

Political Strains and Dangers:

Given the current political situation in Bangladesh, where the Garo community is frequently politically viewed as supporters of the Awami League, tensions heightened, particularly during the quota movement. This connection led to greater examination from rival groups, endangering both community members and our organization. Since the Garo people are largely Christian, this religious affiliation increased the risk, as it made the community more noticeable and susceptible.

Community Gossip and Gender-Related Resistance:

Within our organization, we encountered pushback from male members of the community who opposed the notion of a women-led initiative. This engendered a culture of gossip and negativity that detracted from the organization’s efforts, affected team morale, and imposed constant pressure on female staff to validate their capabilities.

Risks to Religious and Communal Areas:

The churches and gathering spaces of the Garo community were identified as likely targets, particularly as political tensions grew. There were fears that these sites might turn into areas of conflict during times of increased stress, endangering the safety of community members and attendees.

2. Mitigation and Management Strategies

Increased Documentation and Communication with Authorities:

To protect against possible threats, we took proactive steps by filing a General Diary (GD) with local authorities. This official documentation allowed us to record the risks and seek support formally from the police to monitor any suspicious activity around community spaces.

Increasing Internal Awareness and Solidarity: To keep employees’ spirits up and make sure they felt supported, we made team-building activities and meetings a top priority within the organization. Workshops on personal safety and resilience were held to enable women in the workplace to effectively handle stress and react to threats or hostility.

Involving Allies and Community Leaders: To combat the rumours and mistrust, we collaborated with dependable community leaders. We were able to reduce some of the opposition and mistrust against our work by having these leaders speak on behalf of the objectives of Achik Michik Society and reassure the community of our non-political, rights-based work.

Changing Meeting Locations and Timing for Safety: In order to minimize risks, we periodically moved meetings or changed their schedule to take place in more neutral or safe locations. This strategy prevented undue attention from being drawn while still preserving a safe environment for us participants.

Building Relationships with Other Rights Organizations: To address common issues and approaches to dealing with criticism, we contacted other regional and national groups that support minority and religious rights. Through the additional tools and support this network offered, we felt more secure and less alone in our job.

Result
Through applying these reducing strategies, Achik Michik Society was able to maintain the integrity of our programming, the safety of our employees, and community members while carrying on with little interruption. Through proactive risk management and open communication, we were able to move through a difficult time with resilience and purpose.

8. Have there been any incidents or allegations relating to sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, or fraud made to your organization during the last reporting period? If yes, what was the situation, and what actions were taken to resolve it? In cases of sexual exploitation or abuse, what support has been provided to the survivor?

On November 7, 2024, a 25-year-old youth in Beduria village sexually assaulted a child who was 5 or 6 years old three separate times. In this cruel incidence, the child was discovered alone while the rest of the family was out earning a daily payday. However, it is settled by using village arbitration to cover the victim’s medical expenses. Due to the influence of the rapist family, the case is arbitrated by village arbitrators in order to keep it, and the victim family is also threatened with disclosure or police action. Several organizations are unable to take any action because the victim family is unwilling to register a case. Ultimately, the Achik Michik Society and youth organizations filed the

• legal action together at the police station on November 10, 2024. The culprit is in prison and the case remains open in court.
• A 20-year-old teenager attempted to rape a 5–6-year-old youngster at Kakraguni on November 17, 2024, during the reporting period. He was so arrogant that he wanted to rape her in the turmeric garden. The locals ran to the girl’s rescue when she shouted, and the police took the boy and turned him over.
  AMS used to support the unfortunate victim and bear all of the case’s expenses.
  This case underscores our dedication to combating abuse of women and children, maintaining accountability, and promoting public safety.

9. How did you use the Collective Care/Crisis/Risk budget? Has the grant positively impacted your organisation or community’s safety, resilience, and overall well-being? If you did not use it, why not?

Achik Michik Society (AMS) has been able to build secure and encouraging areas for women and community members to come together, talk about problems, and advocate for change thanks to the SFM award. We’ve established platforms for women to discuss their experiences with violence, wage discrimination, and environmental issues through frequent community gatherings and workshops. These gatherings have given women the confidence to openly express their issues, which has strengthened community advocacy activities and promoted a sense of togetherness.

1. Feedback

10 Please share if there has been any additional value to your organisation or movement as a result of receiving WFA’s SFM grant.

Indeed, there were changes in the external and internal environments. External issues included the air force wall that prevented people from accessing markets and schools, the growing commercialization of the Chu drink (traditional wine), which affected women’s safety, domestic or social violence against women, and environmental damage caused by pesticide use. Internally, the need for more training for young people without jobs and women farmers, as well as ethical teaching for young people, became apparent.

In addition to posing hazards like limited mobility and environmental damage, these developments also presented chances for advocacy, capacity building, and collaborations with ministries and local authorities to address these problems.

11. Any additional feedback for WFA (including, but not limited to communication and engagement with the WFA team, the support we can offer beyond the financial resources)?

The Achik Michik Society values WFA’s strong awareness of our requirements and the unique difficulties that our community faces. The assistance has been crucial to reaching our objectives and strengthening our ability to deal with persistent problems. Our work with vulnerable groups and on complicated environmental and social concerns has benefited greatly from WFA’s responsiveness and customized approach.

We appreciate the WFA team’s constant and encouraging communication and involvement. We would appreciate more chances in the future to network or exchange skills with other WFA partners tackling related problems. These relationships may strengthen group advocacy initiatives and offer insightful information. To further discuss our needs and progress, a follow-up visit to our project area would be helpful.

1. Consent

We understand that information (including photos, public links to publications and other materials) provided in this report will be used by Women’s Fund Asia for Monitoring and Evaluation purposes. This includes in internal reporting, donor reporting, and public accountability reporting. Additionally, the information may also be used (in an anonymised manner) for WFA’s learning, reflection, programmatic, and strategic review purposes and for any external report that may be produced out of these processes.

❑ We consent to the use of information only for internal reporting, donor reporting, and in public accountability reporting.

❑ We consent to the use of information for all the purposes mentioned above.

In case you have any concerns, please discuss with the Grants Team member you are in touch with at WFA.

Annexure 1: Guidelines for Question B.1

Annexure I: WFA MELF Template for Significant Change Story

The Most Significant Change Story should be linked to your grant objectives under this SFM grant. Please focus on stories of organisational, societal and/or broader level changes. Please share your reflections, in no more than 1-2 pages, making sure they include:

• The name of the Grantee Partner and/or the Project Name (if relevant)
• A description of the change that occurred (who was involved and what sort of change happened)
• Include information on when and where events occurred (if relevant)
• A reflection on why this change was significant, including if useful the difference the change has made now or may make in the future
• Any recommendations or lessons learned (this can help you draw out the implications of the story)
• As a last step you might give your Significant Change Story a title which reflects the essence of the change you are describing

It is important to capture sufficient detail. People who tell Significant Change Stories often assume that other people reading their stories will have all the background knowledge. Watch for assumptions about background knowledge. Within the space constraints, be as explicit as possible. The more specific and detailed the Significant Change Story is, the more credible it will be, partly because it will be easier to verify.

Guidance: In unpacking the reflection question the following guidance may be helpful:

• ‘…looking back over the past 12 months…’ – sets a clear time period for reflection.
• ‘…what do you think was…’ – this asks you for your opinion. What happened/what was the change? Who did the change affect?How did it happen? Who was involved?
• ‘…the most significant change achieved in your WFA-funded project or work?…’ – this asks you to be selective; we don’t want you to report on everything you did, but to focus in and reflect on the one most significant activity or event that created actual change (as opposed to things that have yet to change) in a defined area of WFA’s work.
• ‘…Why was this change significant?…’ – this asks you to explain the significance of the story from your point of view. This is really important. If you don’t include it, others might not realise why the change was so significant. What difference has this made now, or will make in the future? Is this change significant for feminist movement building? How so?