Women Rights & Gender Equity

International Women's Day 2026

International Women’s Day 2026 is observed under the global theme “Give to Gain,” highlighting the transformative power of reciprocity, solidarity, and collective support in advancing women’s rights and leadership. The theme underscores that investing in women’s empowerment through recognition, inclusion, and shared responsibility strengthens societies and fosters a more just and interconnected world. In this context, and following the 13th National Parliament Election of Bangladesh, ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB) plans to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 by centring women’s political participation, representation, and leadership. The celebration will focus on celebrating women who entered politics, understanding the challenges they faced, and capturing the learning from their journeys to inspire future women leaders. Globally and in Bangladesh, women in politics continue to face discrimination, violence, tokenism, and exclusion from decision-making processes. Yet women persist, navigating resistance, developing learning and strategies through experience, and paving the way for other women to follow. International Women’s Day 2026 serves as a critical moment to amplify this collective resilience and determination. No matter how entrenched sexism may be or how discouraging political environments become, women refuse to retreat. Instead, they rise together, claiming their mandate and advocating for the rights and empowerment of all women and girls. Available secondary data from media reports and election analyses suggest that women’s participation as candidates in Bangladesh’s national parliamentary elections has historically remained low, though a gradual increase is visible over time. In the early national elections following independence, the number of female candidates contesting general seats was minimal and not systematically documented. More consistent data become available from the 1990s onwards. During the 5th and 6th National Parliament Elections in the 1990s, the number of female candidates reportedly remained below 40. In the 7th and 8th National Parliament Elections (2001 and 2008), the number showed a modest rise, fluctuating roughly between 40 and 50 candidates. A decline was observed in the 9th National Parliament Election (2014), when fewer than 30 women reportedly contested general seats. The 10th and 11th National Parliament Elections marked a gradual increase again, with approximately 60–70 female candidates in 2018 and close to 90–100 candidates in the subsequent election cycle. For the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election, media reports indicate that around 109 women have filed nomination papers, suggesting a potential increase compared to previous elections. However, even with this increase, women are expected to constitute only around 4-5 percent of the total candidates, highlighting the persistent under-representation of women in Bangladesh’s electoral politics despite numerical growth over time. Against this backdrop, AAB will organise an event to celebrate women who have entered politics, document the challenges they faced and the learning gained from their journeys, and translate these experiences into inspiration and guidance for future women leaders. Objectives The objective of the event is to recognise and celebrate women political leaders and activists who have challenged patriarchy and social stigma, while reinforcing the importance of women’s leadership in fostering inclusive, democratic, and accountable governance. It also seeks to highlight the challenges, learning, and leadership journeys of women who participated in the 13th National Parliament Election and to use their shared experiences to inspire and encourage other women and girls to engage in politics in the future, in line with the “Give to Gain” ethos. Programme Focus The discussion sessions aim to both celebrate women’s participation in electoral politics and critically explore the historical legacy and current state of women’s engagement in political leadership and national policymaking processes. The session will examine the structural, social, and political factors that continue to constrain women’s political empowerment, while also highlighting enabling conditions, strategies, and success stories that have supported women’s political journeys despite persistent gender inequalities. Importantly, the discussions will create a dedicated platform for women candidates to share their lived experiences, challenges, learning, and aspirations, with the objective of inspiring future women leaders and strengthening collective advocacy for inclusive political participation. The event will include the screening of a series of short audio-visual contents that capture the journeys, experiences, and reflections of women engaged in politics and public leadership. Participants Female MP Nominees of the 13th National Parliament Election, government bodies (MOWCA, policymakers, local government representatives), INGOs, development partners, embassies, civil society organizations (CSOs): Women's rights groups, youth organizations, community leaders; media partners (digital platforms, newspapers, influencers), private sectors and community members.

Actionaid launches 16 days of activism for safe cities

ActionAid Bangladesh has launched its 16 Days of Activism campaign, calling for safer cities for women and girls. As part of the global observance, a day-long programme was organised today, Wednesday, at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka under the theme "Safe City, Fearless Women". The programme opened with a live outdoor performance and an installation series entitled "Stories of Courage" in the academy's open courtyard, highlighting women's stories of resilience. This was followed by an indoor theatrical production, "Echoes of Her Life", staged at the Chitrashala Auditorium. The play portrayed real-life experiences of harassment and insecurity faced by women in public transport, public spaces, and service institutions, leaving a strong emotional impact on the audience. Marium Neesa, Lead of the Women's Rights and Gender Equity Team at ActionAid Bangladesh, presented the situation of women's safety in both online and offline spaces in the city. During an interactive discussion between the performances, speakers called for strict enforcement of laws, gender-sensitive urban planning, and improvements in social values to reduce violence against women. They emphasised the need to challenge patriarchal mindsets and integrate awareness into the education curriculum as part of preventive measures. Speakers also reaffirmed commitments to creating women-friendly public spaces and public transport, stressing that swift legal action is essential in responding to complaints of harassment. Referring to findings from ActionAid Bangladesh's Safe City Campaign research, Country Director, Farah Kabir, said: "Our research shows that in 2021 and 2022, online violence against women stood at 63 per cent. As a result, 42 per cent of women reduced their online presence. In addition, 63 per cent of women move outside with fear or anxiety, and 22 per cent face harassment in public transport. These findings prove that women are not fully safe in either online or offline spaces." She added: "Violence continues because of tolerance and lack of accountability," urging all, regardless of gender, to work together against violence. Professor Tania Haque of the University of Dhaka identified cultural violence and its social acceptance as key factors behind rising incidents. She said urban communities must not remain silent witnesses and must raise their voices against harassment. Dr Prakash Kanti Chowdhury, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, said: "Violence will not decrease unless men and boys are engaged as allies through positive transformation. Government and civil society must prioritise preventive action." S M Shafiqur Rahman, Chief Urban Planner of Dhaka North City Corporation, reaffirmed the commitment to gender-sensitive planning to ensure women's safety in urban design. Deputy Police Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Mosammat Farhana Yasmin, urged citizens to report incidents promptly, saying long-term state-level planning, increased recruitment of women police officers, and specialised training are essential to provide effective support for survivors. Speaking at the discussion, Sharmin Islam, Gender Team Lead at UNDP, urged the government to strengthen CCTV surveillance in public spaces and increase gender budgeting. "Violence is rising because of a culture of impunity, so incorporating gender sensitivity into the mainstream curriculum is crucial as a preventive measure," she said. The inaugural ceremony was also attended by filmmaker Fakhrul Arefeen Khan; Jasmine Ara, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs; government policymakers, urban planners, civil society representatives, and other distinguished guests. The 16-day campaign is part of ActionAid Bangladesh's Safe City Campaign. From 25 November to 10 December, various local-level initiatives will be undertaken across cities to help build a sustained movement against violence. Source:

International Women’s Day Celebration 2025

Undaunted Woman Recognition for Rikta’s Writing Against Child Abuse

Nurunnahar Rikta, a CSO representative from Kushtia, has set a remarkable example in advocating against child abuse. In 2024, she strengthened her skills by participating in an op-ed writing training for youth organized by BJM and ActionAid. Applying this newly acquired expertise, she authored a powerful op-ed challenging the prevailing neglect, silence, and harsh realities surrounding child safety. The article was published in the national daily Samakal. In her writing, she clearly argued that legislation alone is not enough; ensuring child safety requires coordinated awareness, responsibility, and active engagement from families, communities, and the state. Rikta’s op-ed thoughtfully highlighted key challenges related to child rights at both local and national levels. Through evidence-based examples, she emphasized the importance of social responsibility, education, and active community participation. Following its publication, the piece generated significant discussion across Kushtia. Teachers, parents, local authorities, and child rights organizations engaged in renewed and meaningful dialogue on child protection and collective responsibility. In recognition of her impactful contribution, the Kushtia Sadar Upazila Administration, with support from the Department of Women Affairs and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, honored Nurunnahar Rikta as an “Undaunted Woman.” She was also encouraged to continue producing more research-based and awareness-driven writings on child rights, social justice, and the safety of women and children. Rikta’s initiative goes far beyond a single op-ed; it stands as a powerful example of active civic engagement in advancing child protection and social justice. Her work demonstrates that a conscious and courageous woman can challenge societal barriers and inspire real change—her voice becoming a source of motivation for many.

From Matchmaker to Change Maker: Shahjahan Sheikh’s Stand against Child Marriage

Shahjahan Sheikh is a local matchmaker living in Chondrakhali village of Rampal Upazila under Bagerhat district. For many years, he has been working as a matchmaker in his community. He prefers this work over other jobs because people respect him for this role and he also earns some money from arranging marriages. Although his income is small, it helps him support his family. In the past, Shahjahan Sheikh arranged marriages without considering the legal age of the bride and groom. That time, he was mainly focused on earning money and did not contemplate the harmful effects of child marriage. He never considered whether the couple was mentally, physically, or socially ready for marriage. By 17th November 2025, Shahjahan Sheikh participated in a Value Clarification Session organised by SHOMBHABANA Project at Rampal Upazila Parishad, which was implemented by JJS. Through this session, he learned about the legal age of marriage, the laws related to child marriage, and the punishments for arranging or supporting child marriage. He also learnt about the negative impacts of early marriage, such as health risks, early pregnancy, domestic violence, school dropout, poverty, and lack of decision-making capacity. After returning home, Shahjahan Sheikh reflected deeply on what he had learned. He recalled many of the marriages he had arranged in the past where the couples were underage. He realised that most of those couples were not living happy married lives. Many young girls were suffering from poor health due to early pregnancy. Some couples were facing domestic violence and family conflicts. Many had to stop their education and were forced to work as day labourers, leading to a life of poverty. Due to lack of education and life skills, they also faced difficulties in managing their families. When he compared these couples with those he had married at a legal and mature age, he found a clear difference. The adult couples were more educated, financially stable, healthier, and living more peaceful family lives. This realisation made him feel deeply sad and guilty about his past actions. He strongly regretted arranging child marriages and promised himself that he would never again arrange any marriage before the legal age. A few days later, Shahjahan Sheikh received an offer to arrange the marriage. At the first Shahjahan check the birth certificate of the girl and found that the age is 17 year 154 days. This time, he immediately refused because the under ages of the girl. He explained to the girl’s guardians the dangers and long-term problems of early marriage. He talked about health risks, early childbirth, loss of education, and family violence. He also informed them about the marriage law and the legal punishment for child marriage. Even though the guardians offered him a large amount of money, Shahjahan Sheikh remained strong in his decision and refused the offer. After listening to his explanation, the guardians understood the risks and finally decided to wait until their daughter reached the legal age for marriage. By preventing this child marriage, Shahjahan Sheikh felt proud and satisfied. He realized that he had done a noble and responsible act. Now, he actively shares his knowledge with friends, neighbors, and other matchmakers in his community. He advises parents not to marry off their daughters early and encourages them to ensure education, safety, and a secure future for their children.

Re-excavation of Gate 3 Canal in Badokhali Beel: A Women-Led Citizen Initiative

Kamrunnahar Poli, a CSO Hub member of Bagherhat and leader of the Local Women and Child Development Forum, has set a remarkable example of citizen action. In Bagherhat district, the 3-kilometer canal adjacent to Gate 3 of Badokhali Beel had long been clogged with silt, disrupting the natural flow of water. This blockage caused severe problems for local fish farmers and vegetable growers. During the rainy season, waterlogging damaged crops, while in the dry season, fish ponds and agricultural production suffered. Many families faced financial hardship, and women and children were particularly affected, experiencing challenges in nutrition and education. Recognizing the urgency, Kamrunnahar Poli took the initiative. She consulted the local community to gather opinions and mobilized a collective effort to address the problem. With the support of Bagherhat CSO Hub members, she prepared a formal memorandum and submitted it to the Bagherhat Water Development Board. To amplify public attention, she organized a press conference attended by journalists and media representatives, highlighting the issue and advocating for urgent action. Through persistent advocacy—including regular follow-ups with relevant offices, collecting signatures from affected farmers, and engaging the media—the community’s voice gained traction. The Water Development Board responded by re-excavating the 3-kilometer canal. The impact was immediate: normal water flow was restored to the beel and fish ponds, fish and vegetable production increased, and farmers’ and fishers’ incomes were recovered. Beyond these tangible results, the initiative became a powerful example of women-led citizen action, demonstrating how organized community efforts and sustained advocacy can solve local problems effectively. The re-excavation of Gate 3 canal in Badokhali Beel today stands as a testament to the power of local voices and the transformative role of women’s leadership in fostering resilient, empowered communities.

The Power of Citizen Journalism: A Young Content Creator’s Effort in Preserving an Archaeological Heritage

Nestled in the Jatrapur Union of Bagerhat Sadar Upazila lies Kodla Math, an ancient religious and cultural structure. Once a proud symbol of local heritage and history, this nearly century-old monument had long been neglected—abandoned to time, overgrown with shrubs, its walls cracked, bricks collapsing, and steadily vanishing from public memory. Though many locals were aware of its historical and tourism value, no visible action had been taken to preserve or restore it. This began to change through the SUSHIL Project, jointly implemented by ActionAid Bangladesh and led by the Bangladesh Institute of Journalism and Electronic Media (BIJEM). Under this initiative, young people were trained in op-ed writing, podcast production, and, most importantly, in raising local issues to the national spotlight. The training gave rise to a cohort of empowered citizen journalists, who now use facts, images, and videos to boldly present pressing local concerns. One such trained youth was Israfill Sardar, who took it upon himself to highlight the deteriorating condition of Kodla Math. Using only his mobile phone, he captured the current state of the site through video and photos and produced a powerful awareness video, featuring the historical significance of the structure and the urgent need for its preservation. Israfill shared the video on several social media platforms including Praner Bagerhat, the BIJEM training group, and others. The content quickly went viral, drawing attention from hundreds of viewers. People began commenting and sharing the post, collectively demanding restoration from the authorities. This digital momentum reached the local administration, which soon conducted an on-site visit. Shortly afterward, restoration efforts officially began. The conversation around Kodla Math grew stronger—sparking public awareness, a sense of responsibility, and community involvement. Locals who had once remained silent now actively joined efforts to save the monument. Thanks to a single video content, a century-old structure was rescued from the verge of destruction. With restoration underway, Kodla Math now stands as both a preserved historical site and a revitalized tourist attraction, contributing to Bagerhat’s rich cultural identity and growing tourism industry. The entire episode underlines a critical lesson: when given training and opportunity, even an ordinary young person can initiate extraordinary social change. The “Capacity Building of Young Op-ed Writers, Video Content Creators, and Youth Organizers” component of the SUSHIL Project is not merely a training activity, it is a platform for real, effective, and impactful civic engagement. Through this initiative, youth are not only learning how to produce fact-based digital content but also taking ownership of their community’s challenges and stepping up to create change. This collaboration between ActionAid Bangladesh and BIJEM under the SUSHIL Project has sparked an inspiring narrative—one where information, technology, and accountability converge to bring about tangible, positive transformation in society. The revival of Kodla Math is a shining example of what empowered youth can achieve when given the right tools and voice.

Ahed Ali: Rising Through Disruption

Sixty year old Ahed Ali, from Marka village in Kaliganj, Satkhira, grew up in a family struggling with poverty. With limited access to education, he left school early to support his father, a day labourer. Despite hardships, he remained active and cheerful, enjoying cricket, football, and kabaddi in his youth. Later, he became a van driver to support his family. In the early 2000s, Ahed faced a life altering incident when he was attacked during a land dispute, leaving him with severe burn injuries. The trauma shook his confidence. “At that time, I felt my whole life had collapsed,” he recalls. Support arrived when the Executive Director of Swadesh, Madhab Chandra Dutta, ensured immediate medical care and legal assistance. Ahed later joined several psychosocial support sessions and lifeskills training offered by Swadesh, helping him regain emotional strength. “Their support slowly brought me back to myself,” he says. When the SBGN Network, supported by ActionAid Bangladesh, was established, Ahed joined through Swadesh. He received training in fish farming and later a financial grant of 10,000 BDT, which became the turning point in rebuilding his livelihood. With this support, he began small-scale fish cultivation in his family pond, gradually expanding it as his confidence and income grew. Today, in 2025, Ahed manages a 3-bigha fish farm, cultivates seasonal vegetables on 20 decimals of land, and earns 30,000–40,000 BDT annually, with hopes of reaching 80,000–100,000 BDT this year. “My life has completely changed. I now stand on my own feet,” he says proudly. He dreams of expanding his fish farm further and feels confident because, as he puts it, “If Swadesh and ActionAid continue to stand beside me, I believe I can achieve even more.” Ahed’s story is one of resilience, empowerment, and rising through disruption, transforming adversity into opportunity through sustained community support, capacity building, and his own determination.

Preventing Child Marriage: Minara’s Fight for a Future She Chose

"I am beyond thrilled to be able to continue my education now. It hasn't been easy for a girl like me from a family like mine to dream big. People are as great as their dreams and while I'm not sure if I'll reach mine, I aspire to make a positive impact and support the underprivileged once I finish my education. I'm actively raising awareness in the community about the importance of education and the harmful effects of early marriage," said Minara, a 15-year-old girl who is the youngest of five siblings living in a village in Bishwamvarpur with her father, older brother, sister-in-law and little niece. Minara's sisters fell victim to early marriage, so she believed she would succumb to the same fate. Her sisters had to abandon their education, consent to marriage against their will, leave their homes, and embark on lives vastly different from their dreams. “I witnessed my sisters being forced to drop out of school. Had they been able to pursue their education, their lives could have taken a different path. They could have achieved financial independence and even supported our family,” Minara said sadly. Minara, like other marginalised girls, faced the risk of early marriage due to her family's deteriorating financial situation. Her father is unable to contribute, so the family relies solely on her brother's income as a day labourer. However, the inconsistent availability of work makes it challenging to sustain her education. Her family is barely able to provide nutritious food when there is no work. Despite the adversities, Minara has been with ActionAid Bangladesh's Child Development Centre (শিশু বিকাশ কেন্দ্র) since 2016. At the center, she learned about the importance of education for a better future and the detrimental effects of early marriage. Minara is also an active member of a Child Forum, where she has acquired leadership skills and confidence to protest harmful social norms. “Since 2016, I have been a member of the Child Forum, where enlightening discussions have deepened my understanding of children's and girls' rights,” she added. In 2023, ActionAid Bangladesh provided Income Generating Activities (IGA) support such as tailoring and dress making and seed capital of BDT 6,000 to 95 families, including Minara’s to be able to support education expenses and acquire new alternative livelihood skills. By providing tailoring services to women of the Reflection Action Circle (RAC) run by ActionAid Bangladesh and others in the community. Minara’s family now earns BDT 1,500 per month. With the additional income, Minara's brother also invested in goat rearing. Minara's family takes pride in her accomplishments and no longer presses her into marriage. They encourage others in the community to protect the rights of children and give them a chance for a brighter future.

BGMEA to work with ActionAid for sustainable transformation

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association and ActionAid Bangladesh have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday to work as strategic partners in advancing the sustainable transformation of Bangladesh’s readymade garment sector. According to a press release, the partnership aimed to ensure human rights and environmental due diligence, strengthen compliance capacity, and improve the overall quality of life of garment workers. Under the MoU, ActionAid Bangladesh would support the implementation of BGMEA’s Sustainable Strategic Vision 2030 as a strategic partner. Inamul Haq Khan, senior vice president of the BGMEA, and Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, signed the MoU on behalf of their organization at the BGMEA Complex in the capital’s Uttara. According to the MoU, the key areas of collaboration would include promoting women’s leadership in factories, ensuring a decent work environment, creating a harassment- and discrimination-free workplace, and raising workers’ awareness of their rights. They would also work to reduce carbon emissions through energy-efficient technologies, encourage green industrialisation, and ensure occupational health, mental well-being, and access to social protection schemes for workers. The both signatories would focus on enhancing workforce skills, and introducing specialised monitoring tools and training aligned with international standards like the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, the press release added. The MoU would also work to strengthen coordination among factory owners, workers, and buyers through regular reviews to maintain transparency. Speaking at the ceremony, Inamul Haq Khan said that Bangladesh’s garment industry is no longer merely a production hub but has emerged as a trusted global partner in sustainable and ethical business practices. He expressed hope that the partnership with ActionAid Bangladesh would further strengthen human rights and environmental standards in garment factories and elevate Bangladesh’s reputation and competitiveness in international markets. Farah Kabir said that sustainable growth of the garment industry is only possible by ensuring workers’ rights and environmental sustainability. She noted that the organisation aims to build an inclusive ecosystem with all stakeholders where transparency and human rights remain top priorities. The MoU would remain effective for five years, from January 2026 to December 2030. Under the agreement, ActionAid Bangladesh would provide financial support for the implementation of the initiatives, while BGMEA would ensure infrastructure and logistical support across its member factories. BGMEA vice president Md Rezwan Selim, directors Nafis-Ud Doula, Sheikh Hossain Muhammad Mustafiz and Rumana Rashid, along with senior officials of ActionAid Bangladesh, were also present at the signing ceremony. Source:

“Career Festival” at Noakhali

A “Career Festival” was held on Tuesday, 4 November, at Begumganj Pilot Government High School to raise awareness among adolescents about preventing child marriage and promoting education, dreams, and life opportunities. Organized under the leadership of Sagorika Samaj Unnayan Sangstha, the event was graced by UNFPA Representative Catherine Breen Kamkong as the chief guest, along with local administration officials, ActionAid Bangladesh representatives, women affairs, social welfare, and youth development officers, teachers, and students. Speakers highlighted that child marriage leads to increased risks of violence, maternal mortality, and child health complications, emphasizing collective responsibility to prevent child marriage and support girls’ education and aspirations. Read more:

Actionaid launches 16 days of activism for safe cities

ActionAid Bangladesh has launched its 16 Days of Activism campaign, calling for safer cities for women and girls. As part of the global observance, a day-long programme was organised today, Wednesday, at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka under the theme "Safe City, Fearless Women". The programme opened with a live outdoor performance and an installation series entitled "Stories of Courage" in the academy's open courtyard, highlighting women's stories of resilience. This was followed by an indoor theatrical production, "Echoes of Her Life", staged at the Chitrashala Auditorium. The play portrayed real-life experiences of harassment and insecurity faced by women in public transport, public spaces, and service institutions, leaving a strong emotional impact on the audience. Marium Neesa, Lead of the Women's Rights and Gender Equity Team at ActionAid Bangladesh, presented the situation of women's safety in both online and offline spaces in the city. During an interactive discussion between the performances, speakers called for strict enforcement of laws, gender-sensitive urban planning, and improvements in social values to reduce violence against women. They emphasised the need to challenge patriarchal mindsets and integrate awareness into the education curriculum as part of preventive measures. Speakers also reaffirmed commitments to creating women-friendly public spaces and public transport, stressing that swift legal action is essential in responding to complaints of harassment. Referring to findings from ActionAid Bangladesh's Safe City Campaign research, Country Director, Farah Kabir, said: "Our research shows that in 2021 and 2022, online violence against women stood at 63 per cent. As a result, 42 per cent of women reduced their online presence. In addition, 63 per cent of women move outside with fear or anxiety, and 22 per cent face harassment in public transport. These findings prove that women are not fully safe in either online or offline spaces." She added: "Violence continues because of tolerance and lack of accountability," urging all, regardless of gender, to work together against violence. Professor Tania Haque of the University of Dhaka identified cultural violence and its social acceptance as key factors behind rising incidents. She said urban communities must not remain silent witnesses and must raise their voices against harassment. Dr Prakash Kanti Chowdhury, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, said: "Violence will not decrease unless men and boys are engaged as allies through positive transformation. Government and civil society must prioritise preventive action." S M Shafiqur Rahman, Chief Urban Planner of Dhaka North City Corporation, reaffirmed the commitment to gender-sensitive planning to ensure women's safety in urban design. Deputy Police Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Mosammat Farhana Yasmin, urged citizens to report incidents promptly, saying long-term state-level planning, increased recruitment of women police officers, and specialised training are essential to provide effective support for survivors. Speaking at the discussion, Sharmin Islam, Gender Team Lead at UNDP, urged the government to strengthen CCTV surveillance in public spaces and increase gender budgeting. "Violence is rising because of a culture of impunity, so incorporating gender sensitivity into the mainstream curriculum is crucial as a preventive measure," she said. The inaugural ceremony was also attended by filmmaker Fakhrul Arefeen Khan; Jasmine Ara, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs; government policymakers, urban planners, civil society representatives, and other distinguished guests. The 16-day campaign is part of ActionAid Bangladesh's Safe City Campaign. From 25 November to 10 December, various local-level initiatives will be undertaken across cities to help build a sustained movement against violence. Source: