80pc sex workers face physical violence in Bangladesh
News Desk :
About 80% of street-based and transgender sex workers have been subjected to physical and sexual abuse by their clients and others, a survey shows.
Some 95% of respondents to that online survey also showed interest in using Web platforms for HIV services, said a United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) statement, reports media.
The Joint UN Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and Bandhu Social Welfare Society (Bandhu) organized an event on Wednesday at hotel Amari Dhaka to disseminate two studies on “Gender-Based Violence against Female Sex Workers and Transgender” and “Online violence and E-services in Bangladesh”.
The purpose of the event was to discuss the findings of the two studies, reflect on the information revealing the different forms of gender-based violence faced by transgender and female sex workers, and accelerate progress on how to ensure integrated sexual and reproductive services to end gender discrimination and ensure the respect of human rights for each individual.
The workshop provided a platform for different stakeholders, including the government, development partners, civil society and the transgender community, to delve into data, and share results, progress, challenges, and the impact achieved by the country.
Kamal Uddin Ahmed, chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, mentioned that “more sensitization programs from family to field level are needed and Hijra children should be treated like other normal children within the family and at school”.
He stressed the coordinated work needed with different government agencies to establish their rights and give them equal rights to get justice.
Kristine Blokhus, UNFPA country representative, said: “The studies show that female sex workers and transgender people experience violence throughout their lives.”
“Every person, every human being, has the right to the highest attainable level of sexual and reproductive health and rights, and to be free from any type of violence.
On behalf of UNFPA, I am proud to be here to commit us to stand on the side of people who are too often marginalized,” she added.
Gitanjali Singh, country representative, UN Women, said: “During my visit to Narayanganj, when I met with female sex workers and transgender persons, what came across was pain, anguish, and anger, but also courage and resilience.”
“The stories of extreme violence, stigma and discrimination shared by some of the very young sex workers and the scars of the physical violence endured were heart-wrenching and deeply disturbing,” she added.
Dr Saima Khan, country director of UNAIDS, mentioned the linkage between HIV and gender-based violence, and said: “Through these studies, we can plan our advocacy to reduce GBV among this high-risk population.”
Support from different government departments and local level influencers is required to create an environment where socially marginalized people can share information and take legal action, she said.
She also mentioned that stronger capacity is needed within health services to support marginalized people and that social protection too needs to be expanded for better inclusiveness.
The highlights of the studies were discussed by participants, who urged for accelerated, concrete actions that can prevent and respond to gender-based violence towards gender-diverse groups and also protect human rights and gender equality.
