In the coastal villages of Patuakhali and Barguna, people once did not even know if government services were allocated for them. They left matters of healthcare, disaster management, agriculture, water problems, and other government services to fate or destiny. But that silence is no more. Sadar and Kalapara Upazilas of Patuakhali district, and Sadar and Betagi Upazilas of Barguna district; the marginalized people of these four coastal regions are now questioning, expressing opinions, and seeking decisions on these issues. Behind this transformation is the newfound confidence gained through participation in various technical training programs under the ‘Strengthening Climate Governance with Grassroots Participation in Bangladesh (SCGGP)’ project, implemented by WAVE Foundation. At the beginning of the SCGGP project, many local community members expressed disbelief, saying, “Does anyone care about our opinion?” This question was visible in almost everyone’s eyes. But today, those same eyes show determination. Through 38 day-long technical training sessions organized under the project, they have learned how to use social accountability tools like citizen scorecards, social audits, and public hearings to bring transparency and accountability to local service delivery systems. More than 900 trained civic forum members regularly meet with local councils, analyze service quality using citizen scorecards, and organize public hearings with service providers.
Rahima Khatun, a civic forum member from Kalapara, Patuakhali, says, “We didn’t know where to complain or to whom to speak before. Now we ourselves identify problems and take initiatives to solve them with the council.” Due to their efforts, complaint boxes have now been installed in Union Parishads, follow-up committees have been formed, and a process to ensure redressal within a specific time has been established. WAVE is providing field-level support, mentoring, and strategic guidance to make this process effective. A significant aspect of the project is the formulation of semi-annual work plans, which include timely and structured measures considering location-specific needs and climate risks. As a result, the voice of the people in the local service system is becoming stronger, women’s participation has increased, and public involvement in establishing good governance has visibly grown. As an investment in the empowerment of coastal communities, the project conveys the message that if grassroots communities are aware, organized, and capable, climate good-governance is not only possible but can also be established sustainably.
