02041nas a2200157   4500000000100000008004100001260003400042653002600076653003300102653002100135100001700156700001300173245011600186520155600302022002501858       2024                            d  bOxford University Press (OUP)10aCommunity empowerment10aLaverack’s domain approach10afaith-based NGOs1 aChowdhury SR1 aIslam MR00aRevitalizing community empowerment: harnessing the synergy of faith-based NGOs and Laverack’s domain approach3 a<p>This research investigated the community empowerment initiatives of Islamic Relief (IR) Bangladesh, a faith-based non-governmental organization (NGO), using Laverack’s domain approach. The study employed a quantitative approach, where data were collected from the beneficiaries of the Action for Peoples Rights and Livelihoods (APRIL) project of IRB in the Kalikagaon village in Thakurgaon District, Bangladesh. Findings revealed that IR Bangladesh primarily empowered women and shared similarities with conventional NGOs in the country. However, unique aspects included non-interest-based loans, revolving funds, and community-led group operations. The organization’s services were inclusive, irrespective of religious affiliation. The study confirmed that IR’s activities contribute to community empowerment across Laverack’s nine domains. Policy implications include establishing an Apex Body (Apex Body refers to the highest decision-making and coordinating authority within the community, often responsible for overseeing and managing the overall implementation of various development initiatives.) at project inception, forming a national alliance with IR, providing ongoing training for collective responsibility, and emphasizing publications and research to counter misconceptions. The study findings hold relevance beyond rural Bangladesh, offering insights for development interventions in similar socio-cultural contexts, and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals in various developing countries.</p>
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