Staff Reporter :
Recent studies reveal that 80 per cent of women in garment factories, 74 per cent of female students in educational institutions, 94 per cent of women using public transport, and 68 per cent of women on online platforms have experienced some form of violence or harassment in Bangladesh.
In response to this urgent issue, the European Union and BRAC have officially launched the SHIKHA project at an inception event held at the Renaissance Hotel, Dhaka on Thursday, 27 February 2025. This initiative aims to create safer public and private spaces by strengthening prevention and response mechanisms against gender-based violence, bullying, and sexual harassment.
The event was graced by H. E. Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, who attended as the Chief Guest. Also present were Omar Md. Imrul Mohsin, Inspector General (Additional Secretary) of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, Government of Bangladesh; Shams Mahmud, Member, Support Committee, BGMEA and Managing Director, Shasha Denim Limited; Inamul Haq Khan, Member, Support Committee, BGMEA; Professor Iqbal Hossain Raju, Vice President, Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association and Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC.
In his address, Ambassador Michael Miller emphasised that building a new Bangladesh requires the active participation of women across all sectors, from education to the workforce, with a focus on shared ownership and decision-making. He highlighted that the European Union views gender-based violence not merely as a women’s issue but as a broader human rights, development, and societal challenge. Addressing it, he stressed, requires collective action from all.
Asif Saleh stressed the urgent need to prevent the regression of women’s progress in Bangladesh, calling for collective action beyond feminist organisations. He urged policymakers, private sector leaders, academics, students, and activists to take ownership of the issue and work together to drive change. Highlighting the role of leadership, he emphasised that true cultural shifts happen only when those at the top personally recognise the importance of gender equality.
Omar Md Imrul Mohsin stated that the SHIKHA project aims to create public and private spaces free from gender-based violence, bullying and sexual harassment. he reaffirmed that the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) is fully committed to supporting this initiative.
