JAAGO-EU partnership to empower women and youth ahead of elections

The JAAGO Foundation Trust has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at strengthening civic engagement and political participation among women and young people ahead of Bangladesh's upcoming national elections at a hotel in Dhaka on November 12.

The initiative, named "Ekannor Jaagoron" or "The Rise of 51," is implemented under the AHEAD Bangladesh Project and funded by the European Union (EU) through the European Partnership for Democracy.

The campaign's name reflects the 51 percent of the country's population who are women, emphasising the potential of women and young voters to shape a representative democracy. Through civic education, leadership training, and community engagement, "Ekannor Jaagoron" seeks to motivate both first-time and experienced voters to participate actively in electoral processes, as per the JAAGO Foundation.

During the launch event, Zunairah Islam Nuba, a first-time voter and youth representative from Dhaka, expressed the desire for political organisations to be more receptive to young voices and to ensure youth participation in decision-making processes. 

Under the AHEAD Bangladesh Project, JAAGO Foundation is also planning to launch a nationwide chatbot to boost civic education and electoral awareness. The tool will provide accurate information on voter rights, polling locations, voting procedures, and guidance to counter misinformation, helping especially youth and women make informed decisions and participate actively in elections, according to the organisation.

24 Master Trainers and 600 divisional-level youth trainers will be selected through an open online application. Candidates will be assessed on community engagement, civic training participation, and grassroots impact, states JAAGO.