La comunidad internacional ha celebrado hoy el Día Internacional para la Eliminación de la Violencia contra la Mujer, que marca el inicio de los 16 días de activismo contra la violencia de género. En Bangladés, este día se ha conmemorado con un evento colorido y significativo organizado conjuntamente por PURNIMA, Sarbojanin Unnayan Sangstha (SUNS) y Nabodigonto Nari Unnayan Sangstha (NNUS) en Khulna.
La ceremonia de inauguración contó con la participación activa de funcionarios gubernamentales, miembros de la sociedad civil, profesionales del desarrollo y representantes de la comunidad. El subcomisario de Khulna honró el acto como invitado principal, mientras que el subdirector del Departamento de Asuntos de la Mujer (DWA) asistió como invitado especial. También estuvieron presentes representantes de ONG locales, grupos de jóvenes, periodistas y miembros del público en general, junto con el personal de las tres organizaciones organizadoras.
El programa comenzó con un vibrante lanzamiento de globos, que simbolizaba la esperanza, la libertad y el compromiso colectivo de poner fin a la violencia contra las mujeres y las niñas. A continuación, se formó una poderosa cadena humana y se celebró una colorida marcha de concienciación que recorrió las principales zonas de la ciudad, atrayendo la atención de peatones, estudiantes y residentes locales.
Speakers at the event highlighted that violence against women remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations in Bangladesh, often fueled by gender inequality, social stigma and limited access to justice. They emphasized that preventing violence requires a coordinated effort among government institutions, NGOs, communities and families. The need to create safe spaces for women both offline and online was strongly underlined.
The organizers reaffirmed that the 16 Days of Activism, beginning today, would include a series of awareness sessions, community dialogues, youth engagement activities, and advocacy events across Khulna and surrounding districts. These initiatives aim to strengthen public awareness, support survivors, and inspire community-led actions to eliminate gender-based violence.
The joint initiative by PURNIMA, Sarbojanin Unnayan Sangstha and Nabodigonto Nari Unnayan Sangstha demonstrates a strong commitment to building a more just, inclusive, and violence-free society. As the campaign moves forward, all three organizations call upon citizens, especially men and boys, to stand as allies in promoting dignity, respect, and equality for women and girls across Bangladesh.
On this occasion, Vice President – SAWDF Chapter, Bangladesh, ,Naaz Farhana reaffirmed her journey commitment to empowering women, protecting their rights, and improving their standards of living. She stated:
From the very beginning, our mission has been clear: women must have equal opportunities, equal dignity, and live in a society free from violence and discrimination. At DWCCI, we continue to work tirelessly to strengthen women’s economic position, because economic empowerment is one of the most powerful tools against violence. A woman who is financially independent gains a voice, confidence, and protection.
Today, I call upon policymakers, community leaders, families, and every citizen to join hands in creating a safer Bangladesh for women. Let us raise awareness, provide support, and hold perpetrators accountable. Let us ensure that every girl can dream without fear, and every woman can live with dignity.
