Event Report: Progress Review Meeting with Steering Committee
Project Name: Promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Schools: Building on What Children Value and Aspire to Do and Be
Event Summary
- Program Name: Progress Review Meeting with Steering Committee
- Milestone 1: Formation of a Project Structure, including its Governance and Communications mechanism.
- District: Cox’s Bazar
- Date: June 11, 2026
- Venue: Conference Room, Hotel Beach Way, Cox’s Bazar
- Participants: Total 10 (Guests- 6, Male: 5, Female: 1), (Project staff- 4, Male: 3, Female: 1)
- Key Guests: District Education Officer, Cox’s Bazar; Primary Education Officer, Cox’s Bazar;
Proceedings and Key Discussions
- Opening Session
The meeting commenced with inaugural remarks from the Head of Social Development and the Project Manager. Following participant introductions, the meeting objectives were presented and discussed.
- Presentation of Specialist Reports
The Research Associate presented the key findings and recommendations from the four specialist reports commissioned under the project. The presentation was followed by an open discussion among the participants.
Participants recommended preparing a comprehensive action plan based on the findings and recommendations of the specialist reports to guide future interventions and advocacy efforts.
- Strengthening School Management Committees (SMCs)
Participants emphasized the importance of functional School Management Committees (SMCs) in ensuring quality education and sustainability. It was shared that, according to government directives, SMC elections in all schools are expected to be completed by June 2026.
The meeting recommended that the Promoting GESI Project engage newly elected SMC members through orientation sessions to familiarize them with the project objectives, activities, and the importance of GESI practices in schools.
- Sustainability of LIKE Clubs
The meeting discussed strategies to ensure the sustainability of LIKE Club activities after project completion. It was suggested that teachers continue club activities with active participation from club members and support from SMC members. Strengthening SMC engagement was identified as a key mechanism for sustaining project outcomes.
- Integration of GESI Tools into School Monitoring Systems
Participants discussed the possibility of integrating GESI-related monitoring tools and indicators into the regular monitoring system used by the District Education Office (DEO) and District Primary Education Office (DPEO).
The Project Manager expressed interest in further discussions with the DEO and DPEO regarding the feasibility of incorporating relevant GESI indicators into existing monitoring tools.
- Joint School Visits
The meeting discussed conducting joint school visits involving representatives from the DEO, DPEO, and RDRS Bangladesh. Both the DEO and DPEO expressed their interest in participating in future field visits and advised the project team to prepare a suitable plan and schedule.
- Closing Remarks
The District Primary Education Officer delivered the closing remarks, appreciating the project’s contributions and encouraging continued collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen GESI practices in educational institutions.
Prepared by
Md. Johurul Islam
Research Associate
Promoting GESI Project
Cox’s Bazar
