United efforts are needed to stop violence against women in the country, observed speakers at a webinar on Tuesday.
They said it is impossible for the government alone to prevent exploitations and violence against women without cooperation and participation of people from all walks.
The observations came up at a webinar titled ‘Towards Creating a Future without Violence’ organised by ActionAid Bangladesh.
The organisation also launched ‘16 days of Activism Campaign 2020’ from this webinar.
The campaign runs every year from November 25 to December 10 worldwide.
The webinar highlighted the ongoing situation of violence against women in Bangladesh, compiling data of various ActionAid surveys.
As per the surveys, women in Bangladesh feel unsafe and are concerned about the implications of reporting any crime.
At least 65 per cent of women felt the police would blame them rather than the perpetrator and 57 per cent felt that the crime would not be taken seriously, according to the surveys.
ActionAid survey also showed domestic violence is most prevalent and commonly faced by women. Two in every three women to report a case are victims of domestic violence.
Addressing as the chief guest, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Md Atiqul Islam said, they have formed a new specialised committee on women and children in the city corporation.
Atiqul informed they have set aside 20 per cent of the total allocation for urban development for women counselors aiming to ensure women empowerment.
Besides, they are emphasising on what else can be done for women and children’s welfare.
“An app called 'Sobai Mile Sobar Dhaka' will be launched by next month. City dwellers can easily lodge any complaints through this app”, he added.
Multi-Sectoral programme on violence against women under Ministry of Women and Children Affairs’ project director Dr Abul Hossain was present as a special guest at the webinar.
He said it is needed to launch an awareness and advocacy campaign to prevent violence against women and disseminate information regarding services provided by the government.
Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh moderated the programme.
M Naseemul Hye, board member of ActionAid International Bangladesh Society (AAIBS), Taslima Yasmin, Assistant Professor at Department of Law at Dhaka University, Sifat E-Rabban, ADC (VSC) at Women Support and Investigation Division of DMP, among others was present at the discussion.
