While addressing a views-exchange programme with members of parliament (MPs) on 'what to do to prevent violence and rape on women and children' Sangsad (JS) Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on Saturday called for raising awareness to stop rape and violence on women and children. She rightly said that punishment of those who will be found involved with incidents of rape and violence against women and children must be ensured.
It needs no mentioning that the incumbent government has taken a number of initiatives to prevent gender-based violence but hitherto incidents of violence against women happen almost every day in our country. Also, the pandemic has resulted in an increase in cases of violence against women.
Experts have pointed that diminishing social and family values and a culture of impunity are the primary reasons behind rising trend in violence against women.
Bangladesh should strive to become
a role model in eradicating violence
against women and children
Moreover, because of the social stigma associated with sexual violence, many of the incidents go unreported.
In order to end violence against women, streamlining better processes to facilitate complaints and provide counselling and medical help are imperative.
Sexual abuse has long been sidelined in Bangladesh and this must be changed. Spreading awareness about the importance of reporting incidents of abuse has become pertinent to end violence against women. We need to raise public awareness on recognising and preventing all forms of abuse.
Bangladesh should strive to become a role model in eradicating violence against women and children.
In this regard, we must adopt a zero-tolerance policy against violence against women. Also, the government must adopt tough
legal measures to prosecute rapists and violators in no time.