In Bangladesh, as in India, Dalits—referred to as “Untouchables”—are marginalized, deemed “subhuman,” and denied equal rights. These systemic discriminations extend to social, economic, and political spheres, limiting their access to education, employment, and healthcare. For the Kaiputra community, a minority group primarily in the northern and central regions of the country, this inequity manifests as violence, social exclusion, and exploitation. “Breaking the Silence” (BTS) is an organization that stands with them, focusing its efforts on empowering women and girls within these marginalized communities.
THE KAIPUTRA COMMUNITY
The Kaiputra, a nomadic community in southwest Bangladesh, faces profound isolation, poverty, and discrimination. Historically reliant on fishing, agriculture, and pig farming, their traditional livelihoods have rendered them outcasts in a predominantly Muslim society, where pigs are seen as impure. The ostracization of the Kaiputra community perpetuates poverty, limiting their access to education, healthcare, employment, and political representation. Without a voice in decision-making spaces, their needs remain unaddressed and often ignored.
THE DOUBLE STIGMA FACED BY WOMEN AND GIRLS
For Kaiputra women and girls, the intersection of caste-based and gender-based discrimination creates a double burden. Girls are frequently pulled out of school due to financial hardship, domestic responsibilities, or forced marriage. Bangladesh has one of the highest rates of child marriage globally. Meanwhile, women in these communities are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence, often with little recourse due to societal stigma and underrepresentation in leadership roles. These barriers prevent them from advocating for their rights or actively participating in their communities.
Read more: BANGLADESH: COMBATING THE SCOURGE OF CHILD MARRIAGE
THE WORK OF “BREAKING THE SILENCE”
BTS is dedicated to combating gender-based violence and promoting the rights of women and girls. By raising awareness about domestic violence, harassment, and abuse, the organization provides vital support to victims while advocating for systemic change. With the support of the Feminists in Action initiative, BTS has implemented projects to promote the sexual and reproductive health rights of women and girls in marginalized communities like the Kaiputra. The program engages local leaders, administrative bodies, community clinics, schools, and grassroots organizations through training sessions and awareness campaigns. Their key achievements include:
- Health Camps: Collaborating with community clinics and medical professionals, BTS organizes health camps to provide adolescent girls with healthcare and counseling.
- Advocacy and Reporting: Women and girls are encouraged to report violence and seek justice. Rights protection committees have been established within the community to monitor and respond swiftly to reported cases.
- Leadership Development: BTS fosters leadership skills among women and girls, empowering them to advocate for their rights and participate in local governance. This has prompted local government bodies to include the Kaiputra community in decision-making processes, facilitating social dialogue and integration.
THE BROADER CONTEXT OF CASTE-BASED DISCRIMINATION
While caste systems are often associated with Hinduism, in Bangladesh, these discriminatory practices have permeated the predominantly Muslim society. Rooted in socio-cultural traditions, the Dalits are treated as second-class citizens, relegated to devalued jobs such as street cleaning, leatherwork, pig farming, tea planting, or fishing. Denied access to adequate housing and land ownership, many Dalits are confined to overcrowded slums. Bangladesh is home to an estimated 5 million Dalits, whose struggles reflect deep-seated social and economic inequities.
TOWARD EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Through its targeted initiatives, BTS shines a light on the plight of marginalized communities and helps to dismantle the barriers holding them back. Empowering women and girls and fostering inclusion paves the way for a more equitable future: one where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of caste or gender.