One single image can have stronger impact on people’s mind than mere plain words or data. Using cartoon and satire as a tool to protest and criticize any issue or event has been an age-old practice. Realizing the strength of cartoon and visual art, ActionAid Bangladesh has come up with its fresh and intrinsic idea to launch #Femitoon at the commencement of observing 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence in 2018.  

The main focus of ActionAid Bangladesh for this campaign was raising awareness toward making 365 days of a year violence free for women and girls. Femitoon was the stepping stone to inspire dialogue among the mass people on ending gender-based violence.

AAB and Unmad jointly organised the three-day cartoon exhibition on November 26, featuring different forms of violence against women including sexual and reproductive rights violation, child marriage, dowry, rape, unpaid care work, acid attacks, eve teasing, sexual harassment and a plethora of others. This exhibition brought 53 pieces of cartoons and visual artworks by country’s 25 prominent and young cartoonists addressing gender-based violence issues.   

As this event successfully attracted a good number of visitors, many people, specially the young, connected themselves with the issue of violence against women and girls through the showcased cartoons.

AAB also intervened a number of initiatives during the 16 days of activism both in national and local level. Among these initiatives, AAB and JNNPF published a research report titled ‘Spotlight on Violence Against Women in Bangladesh: Trends and Solutions’, organized round table discussion with country’s two leading national daily the Prothom Alo and the Daily Star, arranged a road show for safe workplace for women, national consultation programme on violence and resilience, women entrepreneurship fair and many others.