On Tuesday, Michael Miller, the Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh, affirmed the EU's commitment to ensuring that all individuals, particularly women and girls, are free from gender-based violence and have access to safe spaces at home, in the workplace, and in public areas.
"I am delighted to work with our Bangladeshi partner and the Government to ensure zero tolerance for violence, anywhere and at any time", he said.
The European Union and BRAC launched a EUR 4.8 million project called SHIKHA, aimed at creating public and private spaces free from gender-based violence, bullying, and sexual harassment.
The launch coincides with the global "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2024" campaign. BRAC will lead the implementation of the project, in collaboration with partners Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA).
The official signing ceremony took place at the EU Delegation office in Dhaka, with European Union Ambassador Michael Miller and BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh presiding over the event.
Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, emphasized the organization's strong commitment to supporting Bangladesh's progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. "The SHIKHA project exemplifies our efforts to fulfil SDG 5, which seeks gender equality and envisions a world where women and girls are free from harassment and violence," he stated.
The project aims to strengthen both prevention and response mechanisms against all forms of gender-based violence in public spaces, workplaces, the transport sector, universities, and online spaces in Bangladesh. Its objectives include advocating for legislative reforms, ensuring better enforcement, and addressing harmful social norms and gender stereotypes.
The four-year initiative aims to drive systemic change across 250 workplaces, 270 educational institutions, public spaces, and digital platforms in Dhaka, Gazipur, Chattogram, Barisal, Narayanganj, and Rajshahi districts. The project will work in close collaboration with the Government to promote this change.
By addressing these critical issues, the SHIKHA project seeks to create safer and more inclusive environments for women and girls throughout Bangladesh.
(Source: UNB)
BD-Pratidin English/Mazdud
