The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh and UN Women will work jointly to end sexual harassment and gender-based violence in higher education institutions in the country.
This decision was take on Thursday, during a courtesy meeting between UGC Chairman Professor Dr. S. M. A. Faiz and a three-member delegation of UN Women at the UGC office in Agargaon, Dhaka.
UGC members Professor Dr. Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, Professor Dr. Mashuma Habib, Professor Dr. Mohammad Ayub Islam, UGC’s Acting Director of the International Cooperation Division Jesmin Parvin, and other officials were present at the meeting. UN Women’s Deputy Country Representative Nabanita Sinha, along with officials Sadia Tasnim and Toshiba Kashem, also attended.
At the meeting, Nabanita Sinha stated that a three-year project is being initiated to prevent sexual harassment and gender-based violence in public places, public transport, workplaces, and higher education institutions across the country. Under this project, initiatives will be taken to ensure safe workplaces for women, bring about positive changes in attitudes and behaviors toward women, and strengthen institutional mechanisms.
The project will be implemented by UN Women with funding from the European Union. Activities will be carried out in five public and private universities selected by the UGC.
She said UGC’s cooperation is extremely important in eliminating sexual harassment and gender-based violence in higher education institutions in Bangladesh. For this purpose, a memorandum of understanding will soon be signed with the UGC.
UGC Chairman Professor Faiz said that effective measures will be taken to prevent sexual harassment and gender-based violence in universities. At the same time, a policy will be formulated for everyone, including teachers and students. He assured full cooperation with UN Women in implementing the directives of the High Court.
It was also informed at the meeting that a high-level committee has been formed, headed by UGC member Professor Dr. Mashuma Habib, to prevent sexual harassment and gender-based violence in universities. In addition, with the support of UN Women, a workshop will soon be organized to formulate a specific action plan.
