EU and BRAC officially launch SHIKHA project to combat gender-based violence

Recent studies reveal that 80 per cent of women in garment factories, 74 per cent of female students in educational institutions, 94 per cent of women using public transport, and 68 per cent of women on online platforms have experienced some form of violence or harassment in Bangladesh. 

In response to this urgent issue, the European Union and BRAC have officially launched the SHIKHA project at an inception event held at the Renaissance Hotel, Dhaka, on Thursday, 27 February 2025. This initiative aims to create safer public and private spaces by strengthening prevention and response mechanisms against gender-based violence, bullying, and sexual harassment.

The event was graced by H. E. Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, who attended as the Chief Guest. Also present were Omar Md. Imrul Mohsin, Inspector General (Additional Secretary) of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, Government of Bangladesh; Shams Mahmud, Member, Support Committee, BGMEA and Managing Director, Shasha Denim Limited; Inamul Haq Khan, Member, Support Committee, BGMEA; Professor Iqbal Hossain Raju, Vice President, Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association and Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC.

In his address, Ambassador Michael Miller emphasised that building a new Bangladesh requires the active participation of women across all sectors, from education to the workforce, with a focus on shared ownership and decision-making. He highlighted that the European Union views gender-based violence not merely as a women's issue but as a broader human rights, development, and societal challenge. Addressing it, he stressed, requires collective action from all.

Asif Saleh stressed the urgent need to prevent the regression of women's progress in Bangladesh, calling for collective action beyond feminist organisations. He urged policymakers, private sector leaders, academics, students, and activists to take ownership of the issue and work together to drive change. Highlighting the role of leadership, he emphasised that accurate cultural shifts happen only when those at the top personally recognise the importance of gender equality.

Omar Md Imrul Mohsin stated that the SHIKHA project aims to create public and private spaces free from gender-based violence, bullying and sexual harassment. He reaffirmed that the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) fully supports this initiative.

Shams Mahmud underscored the garment industry's commitment to collaboration with stakeholders to build a resilient and responsible sector that aligns with evolving global standards, particularly in support of women. He highlighted the SHIKHA project as a significant step in this journey.

Professor Iqbal Hossain Raju emphasised the importance of a collaborative approach to ensuring safer roads for women, acknowledging that meaningful change takes time. He reaffirmed a commitment to working with all relevant stakeholders to eliminate harassment and violence in public spaces.

The event began with an overview of the SHIKHA project, presented by Jenefa Jabbar, Director of Social Compliance and Safeguarding at BRAC. She emphasised that social awareness and community engagement, leading to behaviour change, are essential in tackling gender-based violence and creating safer public and private spaces for women. 

A key event highlight was a panel discussion moderated by Moutushi Kabir, Senior Director of People, Culture, and Communications at BRAC, who stressed that building a safer world for women requires collective action. Preventing gender-based violence is a shared responsibility. Along with personal awareness, strong leadership commitment and decisive action are essential for lasting change. To ensure a future free from harassment, violence, and abuse for the next generation, we must stand together and take action.

The panel featured esteemed experts, including Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Chair of the Labour Law Reform Commission; Kamran T. Rahman, President of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a member of the Law Reform Commission; Sara Hossain, Honourary Executive Director of BLAST; and Rupali Chowdhury, Managing Director of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited. The panellists emphasised that gender-based violence is a deep-rooted societal issue that requires multi-level interventions. They highlighted the need for collective action across sectors to drive meaningful change. 

BRAC's SHIKHA project, implemented in partnership with the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), will foster safer environments in workplaces, educational institutions, public spaces, and digital platforms. The initiative will advocate for legislative reforms, enhance enforcement mechanisms, and raise awareness to challenge harmful social norms and gender stereotypes. 

Over the next four years, the project will be implemented across key urban districts, including Dhaka, Gazipur, Chattogram, Barishal, Narayanganj, and Rajshahi, focusing on achieving sustainable and systemic change.