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.