Protection Gender and diversity (PGI)

Gender and diversity and inclusion is one of the core components of BDRCS strategic goal 3-Transformed into a strong National Society. Under this strategic goal, PGI is considered as integrating approach.  To mainstreaming PGI, BDRCS has started to work on gender issues since 1999 through forming a gender cell. This cell was responsible to consider gender issues in their programmes often. Based upon the BDRCS Gender Policy developed in 2005, to implement all-inclusive and respectful programmes, policies, advocacy, and communication work, and not least within BDRCS. In the year of 2013, a Gender working Committee was formed.

PGI in Programs and Operations:

• BDRCS is following the minimum standards for protection, gender and inclusion in emergency guideline to mainstream the PGI into all operations and programmes activities. Considering the local staff and volunteers, BDRCS translated this guideline into Bangla and disseminated 950 copies of Minimum Standards for PGI in emergency guideline (translated in Bangla) distributed to 68 branches, to all BDRCS departments in NHQ, and at the PMO.
• Additionally, to ensure inclusive operation BDRCS supported assistive devices and cash support to the 35 people with disabilities under the Flood Emergency Operation 2022.
• To implement child safe programme and operations BDRCS has been conducted Child Safeguarding Risk analysis i.e. Flood operation 2022, Dengue DREF and Cyclone Mocha, PMO DREF fire response 2023 which was mandatory to complete at the beginning of the operation which was developed based on the IFRC Child Safeguarding Policy.
• To ensure PGI minimum standards PGI score cards is using in different programmes and operations. Last year BDRCS used this tool in ECHO PPP programme.
• To aware community people and make behavioral change different Education and Communication (IEC) materials like flip chart, leaflets, pamphlet, child safeguarding messages, field protection guide, dos and don’ts to support SGBV survival along with BDRCS Gender and Diversity policy, PSEA policy, Child Protection policy disseminated among the community and BDRCS staff and volunteers, as well as to all 68 branches of BDRCS.
• As providing specialized services BDRCS developed toll free hotline number 16226 which is disseminating among the wider community to receive feedback and comments or any kinds of discrimination and PSEA related issues. Additionally, BDRCS disseminated government hotline number 999 and 1098 among the community people to reduce and mitigate protection risks and ensure appropriate protection responses such as safe referral systems, tailored support and safeguarding especially in relation to SGBV, Child Protection, Inclusion of people with disabilities, and Trafficking in persons.

PGI in our institutional capacity

Under the institutional PGI activities BDRCS developed relevant policies and strategic frameworks to make a safer and more inclusive organizations and structures. Gender and Diversity policy and guideline, Child Protection Policy and PSEA policy have been developed to ensure holistic and proper protection and care.

In both emergency and long-term programmes, BDRCS engaged trained staff and volunteers those who are diversify group of people. From the beginning to till 2024 more than 2500 staff, volunteers and community organizers of 68 units of BDRCS received training and orientation on PGI, SGBV, Child Protection, PSEA and PGI checklist and referral pathway under different operations/programmes/projects. Following the trainings, it was mandatory to sign off BDRCS Child Protection and PSEA Code of Conducts (CoCs). Among these trained staff and volunteers BDRCS has a strong rapid responder PGI NDRT pool and two trainer pools; one is staff, and another is volunteers those who are committed to support core PGI team through the deployment and organization’s need.

PGI in humanitarian diplomacy and advocacy

PGI gives emphasis to the importance of engaging in humanitarian diplomacy to support people’s dignity, access, participation and safety and ensure that the voices of people with diverse identities are heard and that their specific needs and rights are met. To support extensively, BDRCS is maintaining and coordinating with wider national and global humanitarian network like Child Protection Cluster, Gender Cluster, GiHA Working Group, South Asian PGI Network, and Global PGI Networking group. To integrate specific attention to PGI issues BDRCS has Standing Orders of Finance, Audit, Administrative & Service Rules1 (2015), Common Accountability Framework2 (2023) and Code of Conduct (CoC) for (i) Staff, (ii) Volunteers and (iii) Executive Committee (EC) Members.