Learning about rights in Bangladesh

Year level: Upper secondary Learning outcome Students will examine the Popular Theatre program as a means of teaching people in rural communities about their rights. Brainstorm some reasons why a specific group of people (eg women, migrants, Indigenous) in Australia do not enjoy the full protection of their human rights. Research your ideas to find evidence to support or expand on these ideas. Discuss: How are the rights of these people protected? How do these people learn about their rights? What obstacles prevent the group from accessing their rights? How are these obstacles being overcome? Read the case study Catalyst for change, and answer the following questions: How are the rights of people in Bangladesh protected? How effective are the protection of the rights of women in rural communities? How are people in rural communities learning about the rights of women? What obstacles to change are women experiencing? Why? How are these obstacles being addressed? Why would theatre work as a way of disseminating information? How could cultural change be supported by government officials? Research one of the issues faced by women in rural communities in Bangladesh and create a play around it to promote discussion of the changes needed to better protect women’s rights. Create an imaginary conversation between the theatre group and villagers after a performance of the play. Share the following roles among your group: government official police officer BRAC coordinator women’s group leader men in the theatre group women who have suffered violence men who have escaped prosecution for violence against women. Include the following questions in the discussion: How does the law require you to change to help protect women’s rights? What responsibilities do you have for supporting this change? Assessment task Outline the similarities and differences in how women in Bangladesh and Australia access the people and agencies that protect their rights.