BRAC’s Gender Justice & Diversity Unit under the Human Resource Division (HRD) organised a week-long programme to celebrate the International Women’s Day-2006 throughout Bangladesh. The theme for this year was “Women’s active participation in decision-making can stop domestic violence”.

To mark the beginning of the programme, a discussion forum was held on 1st March, 2006 with renowned personalities contributing towards the establishment of women’s rights in Bangladesh taking part in the session. Representatives from various organisations, including, Ain-o-Shalish-Kendra (ASK), Shishu Adhikar Forum, South Asian Partnership Bangladesh, Action Network to Combat Violence Against Women, Shishu Adhikar Forum, Media Professionals Group, etc. voiced their concern and observations on death and disability caused by domestic violence in the society. Presided over by Manzoor Hasan, Deputy Executive Director (DED), BRAC, Dr Hamida Hossain, Founder Member, ASK, Ayesha Khanam, Secretary, Mohila Porishad, Salma Khan, Chairperson, NCDP, and Member CEDAW committee and Sheepa Hafiza, Director, Human Resource Division (HRD), BRAC were the main speakers of the forum. An alarming data stated by Nasima Akhter Jolly from Shishu Adhikar Forum stated that “47% women of Bangladesh are violated from the age of 10”. This triggered “a need to incorporate sex education and gender equality in our education system as society changes because of conscious efforts”, as spoken by Ayesha Khanam. Dr Hamida Hossain warned the audience of “four signals prevalent in the society- 1. Hate-speech 2.Threat from donors of calling Bangladesh a moderate Muslim country and acting accordingly 3. Gang culture and 4. Political stimulation.” She expressed her concern of “Violence getting more focus than right.” Salma Khan stated, “We have to ensure male participation to create space for women to prevent violence against women because no discussion will be valid if we don’t ensure the participation of either sex.” BRAC’s Gender-Policy and Gender Justice and Diversity Unit, completely in line with Dr Hamida Hossain’s suggestion of the “necessity to have institution-wise space and talk from the same environment about women’s rights” was lauded by all and was set as an example to be followed by other organisations to ensure gender equality in work places. This forum was a renewed pledge to take active participation in “the silent revolution in the society which was initiated years back in various forms by Nawab Fayzunnesa, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Begum Rokeya , Sufia Kamal, etc.” (Manzur Hasan, DED, BRAC). A need to disseminate information to the younger generation was emphasized which “may be done by arranging fairs for young women to break the silence,” suggested Sheepa Hafiza, Director, HRD, BRAC.

Throughout the week, posters under different themes, mentionably, “No More Silence on Domestic Violence”, “Men of Quality are Not Afraid of Equality”, “If Development is not Engendered, is Endangered” were displayed both in English and Bengali on all the floors of the Head Office. Also, discussions were held every day in all the floors with the female employees of the respective floors on BRAC initiatives for empowerment of the women, current situation of women in Bangladesh, the significance of Women’s Day and the status of women employees in BRAC.

On 8th March, rallies and discussion forums were arranged by the Polli Shomaj and Union Shomaj under BRAC’s Social Development, Human Rights and Legal Services Programmes in all the districts and thanas. This helped to disseminate information to the grass-root women of the country. Popular Theatres, depicting this year’s theme were staged in 184 spots, including the BRAC Head Office at the same time all over the country on 8th March, 2006 by BRAC’s popular theatre troupes. An exchange of views between the Panel Lawyers of BRAC and the rural women, to enrich their knowledge level on various legal issues and remedies to domestic violence was held in different districts during the week.

The Head Office Staff, along with about 200 BRAC Village Organisation members, their husbands and children and about 100 BRAC male employees on motor bikes brought out a colourful rally for the event starting from Aarong (Gulshan) to the BRAC Head Office. Banners and festoons, inscribed with pledges, demands and rights were portrayed inviting the common people to join hands with BRAC in its efforts to put an end to domestic violence. Following the rally, a cultural programme was organised by the HRD at the BRAC Head Office. Songs appreciating women’s role in the society were staged including a performance by Popular Theatre group from Kishoreganj. The closing programme was attended by Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, Executive Director, BRAC, as Chief Guest, Faruq Ahmed Choudhury, Adviser, BRAC as Special Guest and Sheepa Hafiza, Director, HRD presided over. All Head Office staff attended the programme.

© 2005 BRAC Bangladesh
75 Mohakhali
Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh