Adviser Sharmeen urges stronger action against gender-based violence

At the inauguration of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, Sharmeen S Murshid, adviser to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA), called for urgent reforms to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) more effectively in Bangladesh.
Speaking at the event, Sharmeen emphasised that existing strategies must be revised to address the increasing rates of violence.
“16 Days of Activism raises more questions than it provides answers. We must rethink our approach as violence, both globally and in Bangladesh, continues to rise,” she said.
The campaign, launched in collaboration with the Local Consultative Group on Women Advancement and Gender Equality (LCG WAGE) and the United Nations in Bangladesh, kicked off at the Bangladesh International Conference Centre with a national dialogue focused on strengthening legal frameworks and promoting collaboration to eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), according to a UN Women press release.
The adviser also stressed the need for MoWCA to form specialised teams with expertise in gender issues and GBV to improve long-term effectiveness. “Many ministries experience frequent turnover, which disrupts continuity. A trained individual working on GBV might suddenly be transferred, leaving a gap in expertise. We need stable, specialised teams — comprising sociologists and gender experts — who can effectively manage and lead research in this domain,” she added.
Special guest Michael Miller, Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh, said, “We do recognise the landmark directives of the high court in 2009, but we look to this Government in fact, to now adopt and implement the draft sexual harassment prevention bill. The domestic violence detection and prevention law needs to be amended to international standard.”
UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis also urged concrete action, saying, “As we commemorate the 16 Days of Activism, I appeal to you to use this time as a catalyst for lasting change. Commit to the tangible actions that we know are effective: allocate the resources needed to implement laws, prevent violence, and protect survivors.”
Taslima Yasmin, associate professor of law at the University of Dhaka, delivered the keynote address, presenting proposed reforms to the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2010 and the draft Law on Sexual Harassment at Workplace and Educational Institutions. She discussed efforts to strengthen the legislative framework to better protect women and girls.
In the following reflection session, Umama Fatema, student coordinator at the University of Dhaka, stressed the importance of proper law enforcement.
“It is crucial to clearly specify harassment in public spaces and identify its different types. Using vague terms only makes it more challenging for women.
“Additionally, clauses need to be clarified, and implementation must be prioritised. Ensuring women’s safety starts with making them feel secure. A genuine commitment from the state is essential,” she added.
The panel discussion featured prominent voices such as Shireen Parveen Huq, founder member of Naripokkho, Maleka Banu, general secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, and Salma Mahbub, founder general secretary of B-SCAN. The discussions centered on the importance of addressing GBV as a multidimensional issue requiring comprehensive measures, from increased resources to stronger policies and law enforcement.
The event, which was attended by key figures from the government, civil society, and private sector, was chaired by Mumtaz Ahmed NDC, senior secretary of MoWCA. Mohammad Mukhlesur Rahman Sarker, additional secretary of MoWCA, opened the session with a welcome speech, noting that a series of activities across the country would take place during the 16 Days of Activism.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign running annually from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day. Launched in 1991 by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute, it mobilises individuals and organisations worldwide to advocate for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls, highlighting the need for urgent action to address this critical human rights issue.