[Note: This blog post is a transcript of the speech delivered by Manzoor Hasan OBE, Executive Director, Centre for Peace and Justice, BRAC University, at the ‘Accelerating Women Safety’ event held on March 12, 2025. The event, organized by Peace Café, BRAC University, took place at the BRAC University Auditorium in celebration of International Women’s Day.]

Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Proctor, Faculty, students and members of Peace Café, BRAC University.

Thank you for inviting me to speak, and it is my pleasure to be with you to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Let me commence by citing some figures, albeit disturbing ones….

In Bangladesh, the scale of the violence against women and children demands our urgent attention. Findings from the recent Violence Against Women Survey 2024 released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics reveal a sobering reality—70 percent of women have experienced at least one form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime, with 41 percent facing such violence in the past year alone. The forms of intimate partner violence surveyed include physical, sexual, economic, and emotional violence, as well as controlling behaviors. Equally concerning is the prevalence of non-partner violence, which encompasses physical and sexual violence. About 16 percent of women reported experiencing non-partner violence from relatives, neighbors, or strangers since the age of 15.

Bear in mind that these numbers are not just figures; they represent individuals whose lives and dreams have been broken, leaving behind pain and trauma that can’t be measured.

What are the challenges in addressing Violence Against Women and Children in Bangladesh?

The challenges in addressing violence against women and children in Bangladesh are multifaceted and deeply entrenched in societal, legal, and economic structures. These challenges not only hinder efforts to prevent violence but also complicate the process of providing support to victims.

Let me highlight some of the challenges.

1. Deep-Seated Gender Inequality: Despite many positive achievements since 1971 Bangladesh’s societal fabric is still characterized by significant gender disparities. Women often hold subordinate roles, making them more vulnerable to violence. This inequality is perpetuated through cultural norms and practices that devalue women’s rights and contributions.
2. Social Stigma and Shame: Victims of violence often face social stigma, which discourages them from reporting incidents. The fear of being ostracized or shamed by their communities leads many to suffer in silence.
3. Cultural Norms and Practices: Certain cultural practices, such as dowry demands, contribute to violence against women. Dowry-related abuse is common, and the pressure to meet these demands can lead to severe physical and emotional harm.
4. Inadequate Legal Framework and Enforcement: While Bangladesh has enacted laws to protect women and children, the implementation of these laws is often ineffective. Corruption and inefficiency within the legal system mean that perpetrators frequently go unpunished. This culture of impunity is chronic and extremely damaging for the core fabric of our society.
5. Low Conviction Rates: The conviction rate for crimes against women and children remains alarmingly low. This lack of accountability emboldens perpetrators and undermines efforts to deter violence.
6. Limited Access to Justice: Many victims lack access to adequate legal aid and support services. The legal process is often lengthy and costly, making it inaccessible to those who need it most.
7. Poverty and Economic Dependence: Economic dependence on perpetrators can trap victims in abusive situations. Women who are financially reliant on their husbands or partners may feel unable to leave violent relationships due to fear of economic instability.
8. Limited Economic Opportunities: The lack of economic opportunities for women limits their ability to escape abusive environments. Without financial independence, many women are forced to remain in dangerous situations.
9. Trauma and Mental Health Impacts: Victims of violence often suffer from long-term psychological trauma, which can have lasting impacts on their mental health. The lack of adequate mental health services exacerbates these issues.
10. Physical Health Consequences: Physical violence can lead to severe health problems, including injuries and chronic conditions. The healthcare system often lacks specialized care for survivors of violence, further complicating recovery.

Role of Youth in Addressing Violence Against Women and Children:
The role of youth in addressing violence against women and children in Bangladesh is pivotal for creating a societal shift towards gender equality and reducing violence.

1. Awareness and Education: Youth can participate in awareness campaigns to educate their peers and communities about the consequences of violence against women and children. This includes organizing workshops, seminars, and community events to disseminate information about gender-based violence and its impact.
2. Community Engagement: By engaging in community-level initiatives, youth can help change attitudes towards violence. This involves working with local communities to develop and present messages that convey the importance of respecting women and children’s rights.
3. Leadership and Advocacy: Youth can take leadership roles in advocating for policies and laws that protect women and children from violence. They can participate in advocacy campaigns and collaborate with community groups to push for stronger legal protections.
4. Empowerment of Children and Adolescents: Youth can empower younger generations by involving them in decision-making processes, helping to prevent violence against children. This includes creating safe spaces where children feel empowered to express their concerns and ideas.
5. Technology and Social Media: Youth can leverage social media and technology to raise awareness about violence against women and children. They can create and disseminate content that promotes gender equality and challenges societal norms that perpetuate violence.
6. Collaboration and Support: Youth can collaborate with community groups and support networks to provide assistance to victims of violence. This includes helping to connect victims with resources and services that can aid in their recovery.

Strategies to increase youth engagement:

To increase youth involvement in addressing violence against women and children (VAWC) in Bangladesh, several strategies can be employed:

1. Awareness and Education: Organize workshops and seminars to educate youth about the impact of violence against women and children and the importance of their role in preventing it. This can include integrating gender equality and violence prevention into school curricula.
2. Community Engagement Initiatives: Encourage youth to participate in community-level projects that promote gender equality and challenge harmful social norms. This can involve organizing public events, campaigns, or performances that highlight the issue.
3. Leadership Opportunities: Provide youth with leadership roles in initiatives focused on violence against women and children. This can include training programs that equip them with skills to advocate for change and lead community projects.
4. Technology and Social Media: Leverage social media platforms to engage youth in awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts. This can involve creating engaging content, hashtags, or online challenges that promote gender equality and challenge violence.
5. Collaboration with Schools and Universities: Partner with educational institutions to integrate violence against women and children awareness into academic programs. This can include organizing debates, discussions, or competitions that encourage students to think critically about gender-based violence.
6. Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs where experienced activists or professionals guide young individuals in their efforts to address violence against women and children. This can provide valuable insights and support for youth-led initiatives.
7. Incentives and Recognition: Offer incentives or recognition for youth who actively contribute to violence against women and children prevention efforts. This can include awards, scholarships, or public recognition that motivates others to get involved.
8. Youth-Led Organizations: Support and amplify the work of youth-led organizations focused on social change. These groups often have innovative approaches to engaging their peers and can be effective in mobilizing young people.
9. Policy Engagement: Encourage youth to participate in policy discussions and advocacy efforts related to violence against women and children. This can involve organizing youth forums or workshops where they can engage with policymakers and contribute to policy development.
10. Capacity Building: Provide training and capacity-building programs for youth to enhance their skills in advocacy, leadership, and community engagement. This can include workshops on project management, communication, and conflict resolution.

Let me again thank the Peace Café, BRAC University for inviting me. The Centre for Peace and Justice will continue to support your activities with technical assistance and wish you success in your future endeavors to promote social justice in Bangladesh. Let me also recognize and put on record the critical support of BRAC University leadership. Last but not the least, CPJ and UN Women co-created the idea of Peace Café and grateful for their unfaltering support.