EC receives ToT and cascading module

FE Report

Bangladesh's Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday received a 'gender sensitivity training of trainers (ToT) and cascading module' aimed at promoting a more inclusive electoral process and strengthening participation of marginalised groups in elections.

The module was handed over at a programme organised by WAVE Foundation at the Election Training Institute (ETI) in Dhaka.

The initiative has been developed under the GRIP project jointly implemented by WAVE Foundation and ActionAid Bangladesh with support from the UN Electoral Assistance Project, says a statement.

A cascading module is a train-the-trainer approach where master trainers are trained first and then pass the knowledge on to others in stages across the organisation.

According to the statement, the project is being implemented in 16 upazilas across eight districts with funding from Australia, Canada, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

Speakers at the programme said ensuring gender equality and inclusive participation in elections is essential for strengthening democratic governance in the country.

Senior Secretary of the EC Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed said the module would help mainstream gender sensitivity across the commission's election-related activities and enhance officials' understanding of inclusive electoral practices.

Director General of the Election Training Institute Muhammad Hasanuzzaman described the module as a timely initiative, saying it would help election officials better address issues related to inclusive participation and prevention of gender-based violence during elections.

Chief Technical Adviser of the UN Electoral Assistance Project Andrés Del Castillo Sánchez said the initiative aims to empower citizens as voters, candidates, observers and election officials through a more inclusive electoral framework.

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