As part of the global 16-day campaign against gender-based violence, YPSA organized a day-long program under the slogan “Protect women and girls, build a violence-free world.” The event was held at the Bangladesh Sishu (Children’s) Academy in Chattogram.
Government officials, representatives of various youth organizations, university teachers, students, development workers, journalists, and others participated in the event. One of the key strategies to combat gender-based violence is to raise awareness among youth and students.
The program began with the national anthem. YPSA’s Assistant Director, Md. Abdus Sabur, delivered the welcome speech. The day-long event featured panel discussions, open question-answer sessions, and interactive activities such as hand-painting on a white canvas with colored powder.
Nasim Banu Shyamoly, Director (Social Development) of YPSA, chaired a discussion on the campaign. Participants in this discussion included Omar Kaisar, Senior Editor, Prothom Alo-Chattogram; Farida Jasmine, Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Chittagong; Fahrin Faiza Khan, Lecturer, East Delta University, Chattogram; Kaisar Hamid, Executive Director, Yasid; and Setar Rudra, a youth representative.
During the discussion, Farida Jasmine, Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Chittagong, said that gender-based social taboos and all superstitions can be gradually eliminated by knowing oneself and informing others. She emphasized the need to promote and implement the guidelines issued by the Honorable High Court to prevent sexual harassment in universities.
Fahrin Faiza Khan, Lecturer, East Delta University, Chattogram, said that girls should be informed from their families about how to prevent gender-based violence. They should be educated about sexual reproductive health and mental health. Special attention should be paid to them during critical times.
Omar Kaisar, Senior Editor, Prothom Alo, said that we should view women as human beings. A woman has all the rights that a human being has. Newspapers should highlight issues of gender-based violence and follow up on reports. This will ensure that the actual culprits are brought to justice and that future perpetrators are deterred from committing such acts of violence.
Setar Rudra, a youth activist, believes that youth organizations and leadership can play a role in eradicating gender inequality in society and promoting equality by eliminating social taboos, shame, and fear. By becoming educated and aware themselves, they can spread the light of education among all members of society and eliminate discrimination and injustice.
Kaysar Hamid, Executive Director of Yasid, said that the concept of gender should be included in all development activities to address gender inequality.
Participants in the open discussion said that if the rule of law is ensured, the statistics of gender-based violence will decrease. They emphasized the need to promote and implement the guidelines issued by the Honorable High Court to prevent sexual harassment in workplaces and educational institutions.
In conclusion, the moderator, Nasim Banu Shyamoly, Director (Social Development) of YPSA, said that gender-based violence in society can be prevented through the combined efforts, initiatives, and awareness of all. She called upon youth and students to play a leading role in this regard.
