Equity for All Alumni Network’s first meeting highlights digital inclusion
Posted: 14 July 2025
On 29 May 2025, the Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia Equity for All Alumni Network held its inaugural online meeting, bringing together alumni committed to advancing equity for people with disabilities and marginalised groups. The session built on connections made at the 2025 Regional Alumni Workshop in Colombo.
A highlight of the meeting was the presentation from guest speaker Vashkar Bhattacharjee from Bangladesh. Vashkar, who has a visual disability, shared insights from his life and work empowering people with disabilities through technology and fostering inclusive development.
Guest speaker Vashkar Bhattacharjee from Bangladesh.
Vashkar’s presentation highlighted the transformative power of technology. He spoke about how his daughter inspired him by asking him to read books to her, not realising that his disability meant he could not. “I was just thinking how I can solve this problem,” he said. “There was an opportunity from the Bangladeshi government to apply for an innovation fund. I applied with my idea to develop a full text, full audio multimedia talking book… [As a result] now children with disabilities from grade one to grade 10 are getting accessible books.”
Vashkar continues to advance his innovations, such as the multimedia talking book and the accessible dictionary, which have made educational materials accessible to students with disabilities in Bangladesh. He also pushes for inclusive digital policies. His work has influenced national education strategies and digital accessibility standards, and he continues to advocate for inclusive technologies aligned with global frameworks such as WCAG 2.1 and the Marrakesh Treaty.
The meeting also featured a presentation on the results of a survey of members of the Equity for All Alumni Network results, which revealed a strong interest in learning, networking, and storytelling. Proposed topics included intersectionality, inclusive leadership, and accessible education.
Looking ahead, members proposed initiatives including sessions led by alumni or their colleagues, engagement with external experts, and the formation of specialised policy groups. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue building the network through inclusive, collaborative, and member-driven activities.
Alumni with an interest in joining the group can find more information via alumni@australiaawardssouthasiamongolia.com.
Cover image: (Left to right) Alumni Tara Devi Giri (Bhutan), Nisha Singh (Nepal), Bayanmunkh Ariunbold (Mongolia) and Nurunnahar Nupur (Bangladesh) conducting a panel discussion on achieving equity for all at the 2025 Regional Alumni Workshop held in Colombo.