The Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) on Thursday organised a capacity-building workshop in Mymensingh, focusing on the prevention and mitigation of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based violence.
Asaduzzaman, from the Department of Social Services, Mymensingh, and Nasima Khatun, from the Department of Women's Affairs, Mymensingh, were present as Guests.
A total of 35 CSO and NGO representatives from across Mymensingh district participated in the workshop. Through this initiative, participants are expected to strengthen their organisational roles in raising community awareness, contributing to the prevention and mitigation of TFGBV, and advancing inclusive digital development.
The workshop aimed to enhance participants' understanding of the context, forms, and impacts of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, relevant laws, policies, and national digital development opportunities, as well as institutional responsibilities for prevention and accountability.
It also covered strategies for identifying TFGBV issues and promoting local-level advocacy to ensure effective prevention and mitigation and encouraged peer learning, sharing of experiences, and networking among participants to promote ongoing collaboration and information exchange.
The workshop began with a welcome speech by Swadheen Chowdhury, District Focal Person of BNNRC and Executive Director of Nishtha Unnayan Sangho and highlighted the prevalence of violence in Mymensingh district, limitations in legal responses, data and management gaps, the absence of a coordinated digital case registry among courts, police, and NGOs, and the lack of reliable statistics.
BNNRC is implementing the project Strengthening Resilience Against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) and Promoting Digital Development under the Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF) technical assistance from GFA Consulting Group and funding from Switzerland and Global Affairs Canada.
AHM Bazlur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of BNNRC, delivered an in-depth presentation on technology-facilitated gender-based violence, including its forms, negative impacts, links to digital development, and the responsibilities of stakeholders.
Participants shared real-life experiences and reaffirmed their commitment to raising awareness within their communities while CSO representatives also emphasised the need to involve new stakeholder groups such as local ISPs, cable network operators, and mobile financial service agents (e.g., bKash, Rocket)in TFGBV prevention efforts.
Nasima Khatun from the Department of Women's Affairs highlighted the vulnerabilities of women and girls as primary victims of gender-based violence and TFGBV, while acknowledging that men can also be affected. She emphasised the need for unified action among policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and community members to effectively address TFGBV.
Asaduzzaman, from the Department of Social Services, emphasised the need for coordinated action to prevent TFGBV. He urged families, teachers, and students to increase awareness, noting the rising complexity of new forms of gender-based violence.
