FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DHAKA, BANGLADESH — The United States Agency for International Development, The Carter Center, and the Information Commission in Dhaka today announced the launch of a new phase of the USAID-funded Advancing Women’s Right of Access to Information in Bangladesh (AWRTI) project. The Carter Center will implement this project in 10 districts through 2028 to unlock the country’s human potential, especially the potential of marginalized women, to fully utilize the Right to Information Act of 2009.
“USAID has long supported the Carter Center’s work. Its partnership with the Center’s Rule of Law Program underscores its commitment to improving fundamental freedoms and rights for the most vulnerable,” said Hillary Forden, interim director of the Rule of Law Program. “The Carter Center is thankful for USAID’s support, and we look forward to continuing this collaborative effort in the years to come.”
Lack of access to information impedes fundamental aspects of democratic governance. As modern technology grows and evolves, governments must continually adapt how they provide information to the public and make it accessible.
"USAID will continue to work with all of our partners to improve transparency and accountability through empowering marginalized women. We also hope this new initiative will motivate citizens to utilize the law and contribute to protecting critical democratic processes,” Reed J. Aeschliman, USAID’s mission director, said at today’s announcement in Dhaka.
The Carter Center takes an evidence-based, results-oriented, sustainable approach to empowering women. The Center and its civil society partners were among the first organizations in Bangladesh to focus on women's right to access information. Since 2016, with USAID support, The Carter Center has led AWRTI efforts in five districts in Bangladesh, implementing programming at national and local levels to increase access to information, address inequalities among Bangladeshi populations, and encourage women to make informed choices and engage in public life more meaningfully.
In his speech today, Dr. Abdul Malek, chief information commissioner, said, “While strides have been made, many women in Bangladesh still face obstacles in accessing vital information. The advancement of women's rights to access information is not just a women's issue; it's a societal imperative. It's about building a Bangladesh where every woman has the tools to shape her destiny, contribute to her community, and be an equal partner in the progress of our great nation.”
The Center and its partners will work toward achieving three interconnected objectives:
With genuine access to information, women can easily take advantage of opportunities and make more effective decisions about land use and ownership, agricultural practices and opportunities, private enterprise, and education.
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Contact: In Atlanta, Amanda Larson, amanda.larson@cartercenter.org
In Dhaka, Sumana Sultana Mahmud at sumana.mahmud@cartercenter.org
The Carter Center
Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.
A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
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The United States Agency for International Development, The Carter Center, and the Information Commission in Dhaka have announced the launch of a new phase of the USAID-funded Advancing Women’s Right of Access to Information in Bangladesh (AWRTI) project.
