United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and its partners - Department of Women Affairs, ActionAid Bangladesh, Ain o Salish Kendra and CARE Bangladesh have jointly organized an event in observance of the ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence’ at Dhanmondi Rabindra Sarobar recently.
It was an open event where more than thousands of general mass joined and showed their solidarity with the cause, says a press release.
The event was organized aligning with the both international and national theme of the campaign which are ‘Orange the world: Generation Equality Stands against Rape’ and ‘Ensuring equality between men and women, can prevent violence’ respectively.
The aim of the event was to raise awareness among the mass to take stand against any forms of gender-based violence including rape and sexual harassment, bring policy makers, media under the same umbrella which will be impacted on policy or legislative change and raise generations’ voice to prevent gender-based violence.
The event was graced by the Additional Director, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Sultana Razia, as a Special Guest. And as a Guest of Honor Dr Asa Torkelsson, Representative, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); HE Harry Verweij, Ambassador, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Benoit Préfontaine, Ambassador, Canadian Embassy was present at the event.
Sultana Razia, Additional Director, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs said that women’s roles are not limited by being a mother, daughter and wife. They have potential if they get the equal opportunity to explore themselves. Government and NGOs will work together to create a safe and equal environment for them so that they can flourish to their highest potential.
Dr Asa Torkelsson, Representative, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said that we are living in a world which is not still entirely safe for women.
Being in our homes, on the road, on buses, in work places, there is a lot to do to make sure that the world everywhere is safe for the women and girls and of course for everyone.
UNFPA is working to ensure a world where every pregnancy is wanted and every child birth is safe and there would be no violence against women. And UNFPA is working with different partners like - the police system, justice system, working in schools to train both boys and girls and equipped everyone with a life skills needed.
HE Harry Verweij, Ambassador, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands said that sixteen days sounds long but this campaign does stop after 16 days.
The elimination of violence against women requires continuous attention and action and this is an important priority for the Netherlands.
The two and half hour long event ended with vote of thanks by Shamima Pervin, Chief-Gender Unit of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).