Advocacy meeting held in Phulbari on reducing gender-based violence, cyber security.
Fulbari (Kurigram) Correspondent
A youth-led gender-based violence reduction and cyber security advocacy meeting was held in Phulbari Upazila of Kurigram.
The meeting was organized by Udayankur Sheba Sangstha (USS) and in collaboration with ActionAid Bangladesh on Tuesday at 10 am at the Phulbari Upazila Auditorium Hall.
Various government officials were present at the meeting chaired by Phulbari UNO Dilara Akter.
Officials from private departments, members of the Family Dispute Resolution, Women and Child Welfare Standing Committee, entrepreneurs of the Union Digital Center, public representatives, teachers, journalists, members of the Upazila Cyber Committee, representatives of social organizations, and youth representatives participated.
The meeting was addressed by Social Service Officer Shariful Islam, Youth Development Officer Tahmina Shirin, Medical Officer of Upazila Health Complex Shahnaz Parvin Munni, Upazila ICT Officer Rafiqul Islam, Chairman of Phulbari Sadar Union No. 3 Harun Or Rashid Harun, Sub-Inspector of Phulbari Police Station Mitu Ahmed, Headmaster of Phulbari Adarsh High School Morshed Alam and General Secretary of Upazila Primary Teachers Association Golam Mostafa.
The meeting began with a welcome speech by USS Project Coordinator Md. Rabiul Islam. The meeting was moderated by Udayankur Sheba Sangstha Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator Abdul Quddus Sarkar and Activista Kurigram member Seema Khatun presented data and information in the meeting.
According to the survey data presented, many of the participants have been victims of online harassment or digital violence at some point. Many do not have adequate knowledge about where to complain about online violence.
The survey also revealed that harassment through fake Facebook IDs, sending obscene messages, misuse of private photos and videos, blackmail, threats, and disclosure of personal information are some of the main forms of digital violence. Most of the victims were victims of this harassment through Facebook and Messenger.
Speakers at the meeting said that as the use of digital technology is increasing, so is online violence and harassment against women and girls..
