Staff Correspondent

Incidents of domestic violence and sexual harassment against women and children in Bangladesh continue to rise. Referring to recent cases of rape and attempted murder, speakers at a discussion emphasized the urgent need for authorities to take immediate action to ensure justice for victims. Without such measures, perpetrators will continue to escape accountability, further encouraging others to commit similar crimes. Additionally, ensuring women’s empowerment can significantly reduce crimes against them.

The discussion, titled “Reflection on Reality: Women’s Journey Towards Leadership and Empowerment,” was organized on Monday by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) at the ALOK Training Center, MJF Tower, in capital’s Mirpur area to mark the International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”

In the welcome address, Shaheen Anam, Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, said, “Many have wished me ‘Happy Women’s Day.’ Today, I am not actually happy.” Referring to the recent sexual violence against women and children, she stated that she sees no reason to be joyful.

The Advisor to Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs of Bangladesh has directed that investigations must be completed within 15 days, and trials within 90 days on recent rape incident. We will observe how effectively this is implemented, she added.

Strongly condemned a incident, Shaheen Anam said, “Eight years ago, a man was punished for raping a child, but he has now been released through legal loopholes.”

Shaheen Anam further stated, “We must not lose hope. The next generation will take up the mantle. Every woman has the responsibility to stand together and resist all crimes.”

The event included a musical performance to honor women.

During the keynote presentation, Banasree Mitra Neogi, Director of Rights and Governance Programmes at MJF, said, “If someone asks me if I have been subjected to violence, I say no. But I always live in fear, afraid that someone might throw acid, pull my clothes, or say something obscene. Even if I am not physically or mentally abused, this fear itself is a form of harassment. Everyone must understand this. Violence will not stop until we build a society without fear.”

“Women must break free from the deeply rooted patriarchal norms of our society. Instead of being silenced by shame or fear, we must raise our voices,” she added.

In her keynote, Banasree Mitra Neogi also stated, “Garment workers are employed in leadership roles as low-wage, low-skilled laborers. There is an opportunity here to develop women’s skills. Additionally, we must ensure women’s participation in science-based education.”

She questioned, “We have become dependent on social media. The recent rape incident in Magura touched our hearts because it was presented through reels. However, why is there no protest when a rapist from eight years ago is released and roams freely? Our tolerance and acceptance are increasing violence against women.”

Nishath Sultana, Director - Influencing, Campaign and Communications, Plan International Bangladesh, said, “Recent events have left me speechless, but we must gather our strength and move forward.” Sharing her own life story, she spoke about overcoming numerous obstacles.

Maria Stridman, Head of Development Cooperation at the Swedish Embassy in Dhaka, a special guest at the event, stated in her written speech, “Despite progress for women in Bangladesh, several challenges remain. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2024, Bangladesh ranks 99th out of 146 countries, leading in South Asia but still facing critical gaps in economic participation, wage equality, and leadership opportunities.”

“We must work towards ensuring a gender equal society, in which women, girls, men and boys are equally valued and have equal rights,” she added.

Stéphanie St-Laurent Brassard, Second Secretary (Development-Gender Equality) at the High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh, said, “We truly believe in an equal society. We will definitely renew the efforts on women empowerment.”

While addressing as chief guest, Keya Khan, Director General, Department of Women Affairs, Government of Bangladesh, said, “We are always working on awareness programmes for women. There are adolescent clubs in 4553 unions and 330 municipalities. We hold weekly discussions with them and listen to their voices.”

She further added, “For women’s empowerment and development, we have primarily focused on women. We have not adequately considered involving men in this process. As a result, men and women, boys and girls, have become adversaries. We need to identify areas of failure through research and take necessary steps.”

The event, organized to mark International Women’s Day, was attended by media personnel, civil society representatives, representatives of marginalized communities, youth, and various other groups and communities. MJF reaffirmed its commitment to a