Centre for Peace and Justice, Brac University convened the second Policy Clinic on the research Voices from the Margins and Inclusive Policy Responses to Covid-19 Pandemic. - CPJ
February 1st 2022
Centre for Peace and Justice, Brac University virtually convened the second Policy Clinic to validate the findings of Voices from the Margins and Inclusive Policy Responses to Covid-19 Pandemic and formulate alternative policy recommendations. Policy Clinic is a unique way of validating evidences by the relevant experts in the field and prioritising policy responses. The second of three planned Policy Clinics was held virtually on 13th December, 2021.
In this second Policy Clinic emerging evidences from the 2nd round survey was presented by the CPJ research team. Policy Clinic engaged the participants from multidisciplinary backgrounds including academics, researchers, public health experts, bureaucrats, rights activists, journalists, and community leaders, in a policy exercise that inspired rich discussion and insights. Participants also identified critical policy gaps through interactive sessions.
The findings and following discussions indicated that misinformation and misperception still prevails amongst marginalised groups which needs to be addressed. Participants suggested engaging local pharmacies, community health facilities, community radio and local youth groups to reach out marginalised groups with proper information.
“To ensure health equity other socio-economic determinants are critical to be addressed. The overall health care infrastructure requires improvement to serve the already marginalised groups effectively.”
Finally, participants emphasised on engaging policymakers and that local marginalised voices are given a seat at the policy-making table.
The Policy Clinic was Chaired by Manzoor Hasan OBE, Executive Director, CPJ, Brac University and moderated by Dr. M Shahidul Islam, Research Fellow, CPJ, Brac University. Voices from the Margins and Inclusive Policy Responses to Covid-19 Pandemic research is funded by Covid Collective Platform of Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex and FCDO, UK. CPJ will publish a policy brief based on the discussion and recommendations of the policy clinic members. To read the first Policy Brief from the first Policy Clinic please follow the link https://cpj.bracu.ac.bd/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/COVID-Collective-Policy-Brief_v2.pdf