Laws need to be strengthened to prevent all forms of violence and sexual harassment in workplaces and educational institutions as well as build social movements in this regard.
Speakers at a roundtable made this opinion. The event titled "Gender-Based Harassment and Violence: An Integrated Initiative for Prevention" jointly organized by Gender Platform Bangladesh and The Daily Star was held at the Azimpur Rahman Conference Hall in the capital's Daily Star Center on Wednesday.
Barrister Shamim Haider Patwari, member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Law and Parliamentary Affairs, said in his keynote address, "We must be good citizens first to build a non-discriminatory society. If we cannot create good citizens, we will not be able to eliminate inequality in society and stop harassment and violence against women.”
He said that the Domestic Violence Act is a very timely law but not many people know about it. Therefore, besides legislation, awareness needs to be raised. It is very important to enact laws to prevent harassment and violence at the workplaces and in educational institutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Shirin Akhter, Vice Chairman of Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) and Member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, said that torture and harassment are not only limited to women but also happens to men. Work needs to be done on how the draft law on prevention of harassment can be taken to the cabinet of the government.
Shamsunnahar Bhuiyan, a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Labour and Employment said, "Women's rights are mentioned in the constitution of 1972 but we have to talk about women's rights even after 50 years of independence.”
In his address of welcome, BILS Secretary General and Executive Director Nazrul Islam Khan said that some progress have already been made. A draft law has been handed over to the authorities concerned including the law minister. It is imperative to enact effective legislation to end violence against women inside and outside the workplaces.
BJMEA Director Abdullahil Rakib said that a productive work environment in industries and factories is very important. It is possible to reach the desired destination only if responsibilities are carried out properly.
Other speakers at the meeting said that women are working equally with men in the country and abroad. Bangladesh's progress in women's empowerment and economic development is commendable. However, women are still being harassed in all fields.
The speakers called upon all to come forward to prevent harassment in the workplaces and in educational institutions. At the same time, they called for ratification of Convention 190 "Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work" enacted by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Moderated by Daily Star correspondent Samsuzzoha Sajem the event was addressed by members of many social welfare groups spoke.