Wednesday 7 December 2016

STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Mahee Azreen and Sumedh Barua
Plan International Bangladesh in partnership with University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) celebrated 16 days of activation called Stop Violence Against Women. An event was organized at the ULAB campus on 7th December 2016.

When asked about the purpose of the campaign, manager in training, Plan Bangladesh, Syeda Husne Kadery said: “The 16 day activation program is an international campaign. This is initiated by Youth Change Markers Coalition (YCMA) with 8 other youth organizations to aware young girls and women about violence of all kinds.” With further discussions she added: “Women of all class are being abused to some extent. Not only uneducated women, but educated women are also victims of violence, hence understanding them is the main focus.” 

Presenter Faez Belal on stage; Photo: Mahee Azreen
Other events were also held alongside to raise awareness. Ehsan Kabir, communication specialist, Plan Bangladesh said “We have also collaborated with Voiceless Bangladesh and tried to raise awareness through their wall art program. Another art exhibition in Gallery Chitro will also be held to involve more participants and increase awareness.”

On asking about the activities involved, Mr. Kabir said: “We are trying to engage students and grab their attentions through different activities. We have arranged plays, on stage games, dance, music performances by famous band Old School and also invited a special guest, Hero Alam.”

Old School performing on stage; Photo: Sumedh Barua


Banner for audience hand print to
unite to end violence against women; Photo: Sumedh Barua
Special guest, Hero Alam, an internet sensation, after coming on stage added: “There will be no violence against women and no eve teasing as long as I’m here. And if we all join hand in hand to eradicate this issue, this will finish once and for all.”

Audience response was positive and there was great enthusiasm. Upon asking about the event, Fadia Rafa, student of Media Studies and Journalism department (MSJ), said: “Violence against women in a crucial problem in Bangladesh and it is very great to see ULAB creating awareness and informing students about the issues. The entire program was very entertaining and informative, but seeing Hero Alam was the highlight of my day!”

Another student of MSJ department, Johab Hasan Sejan said: “The games were very interesting and thoughtful. From the game we could learn how we can improve and reach a goal if we are coordinated. I think it gave an important message that not only boys, girls are also good at giving directions and the girls today they are also capable of doing everything boys can do.”

Edited by
Mahee Azreen

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