Speakers at a national dialogue organized by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) called for challenging social norms and power imbalances to end violence against women and girls.
They stressed that only collective societal efforts can prevent such violence.
As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2025 campaign, MJF launched its program in Bangladesh on Wednesday at Lakeshore Grand, Gulshan, Dhaka.
The event brought together policymakers, civil society representatives, development partners, journalists, and youth activists under this year’s UN theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.”
MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said despite progress in women’s education, economic participation, and leadership, violence against women and girls is increasing in Bangladesh. From January to October 2025, 503 women died due to domestic violence, 905 sexual violence incidents against children were reported, and over 78% of women experienced digital violence, particularly on Facebook, according to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) and Mahila Parishad.
Shaheen called for treating violence against women and girls as a national priority. “Negative norms and customs that accept violence must change, and accountability of state institutions and the justice system must be ensured,” she said. She added that statistics cannot capture the full trauma women, girls, and children face, stressing the need for long-term investments in social attitudes, law enforcement, and coordinated action against digital violence.
Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, executive director, Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), said: “Countless cases of violence remain unreported daily. Power imbalances leave female workers vulnerable. Creating safe workplaces and employment opportunities is crucial. Society must raise its voice against violence and discrimination.”
Dr Selim Jahan, former UNDP director, said: “The largest factor behind gender-based violence remains patriarchal mindsets. Women’s decision-making often unsettles these mindsets, prompting attempts to impose inequality. Society must ensure women’s achievements do not provoke insecurity, and digital violence must be addressed through awareness and prevention.”
Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, CPD Distinguished Fellow, said: “Women often lack financial, social, cultural, and political security. Social forces must be activated at the grassroots, dialogues held, and courage provided to women.”
Sharmeen Soneya Murshid, adviser, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, said: “Girls face entrenched social and political barriers. NGO networks are crucial for timely assistance, including addressing cyber violence. Political parties must also be accountable for their positions on women’s rights.”
Reto Renggli, Swiss ambassador to Bangladesh, highlighted collective action and strong partnerships between government, civil society, and youth. Gitanjali Singh, UN Women Bangladesh, called for changing intergenerational socialisation patterns. Stéphanie St-Laurent Brassard, High Commission of Canada, stressed men and boys must be part of the solution. Eva Smedberg, Embassy of Sweden, warned of the rapid rise of technology-driven violence against women.
Martin Dawson of British High Commission Dhaka, praised MJF’s initiatives.
Speakers concluded that despite progress in gender equality, the rise of gender-based violence in Bangladesh requires urgent multi-stakeholder action.
