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Voices of the marginalised: full report

This report, entitled “We can also make a change”, presents the findings of the Voices of the Marginalised pilot research project.

It draws on the real-life stories of persons with disabilities and older people, as told to researchers by persons with disabilities, family members of persons with disabilities and older people themselves. The research was carried out in Bangladesh, the world’s seventh most populous country and one experiencing rapid demographic change.

The aim of the research was to understand better the experiences of social, political, and economic exclusion of persons with disabilities and older people from their own perspectives. Although the facts of exclusion are widely documented, the reality of it has been less explored. This is important though, both to further understand poverty and exclusion and to determine whether the rights of persons with disabilities and older people are – or are not – being upheld.

A smiling mother with a visual impairment hugs her young son.

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Sightsavers and disability rights
Sightsavers' CEO Caroline Harper poses for a group photo with staff from Sightsavers Bangladesh during its 50th anniversary celebrations in Dhaka.

Sightsavers Bangladesh marks 50-year anniversary

Sightsavers began working in Bangladesh in 1973 to diagnose and treat people for cataracts, which is one of the most common eye conditions in the country.

August 2023
Arif and his mother sit on a bed chatting.
Sightsavers stories
Stories / Eye health /

“Now I know what a gift sight is”

Arif’s life changed when he had two cataract operations at five years old. We've been following his journey since then, from completing his education to finding work as a driver.

Shamima and her child Toha in Bangladesh. There's an illustrated ring of small dots surrounding their faces.
Sightsavers stories
Stories / Eye health /

It started with a tuk-tuk: Shamima’s story

Shamima, who has hearing and speech impairments, was able to access vital treatment after her sister heard about Sightsavers’ free eye camps.