EU, UN Women sign €4.8m deal to advance gender equality in Bangladesh

The European Union and UN Women have signed a partnership agreement at the EU office in Dhaka to prevent sexual and gender-based violence in public spaces, workplaces and tertiary educational institutions in Bangladesh. 

Under the deal the EU will provide 4.8 million Euro to UN women for a project that is aligned with the Bangladesh government's commitment to achieving "a society without violence against women and children by 2025," as outlined in its National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Children (2018–2030) (NAPVAWC), said a EU press release today (21 January).

It will also integrate strategies for both the prevention of and response to gender-based violence (GBV). 

The project will focus on addressing sexual harassment and violence in key areas of daily life, including public spaces, workplaces, and educational institutions.

"This intervention is an example of the European Union taking each and every opportunity to advance gender equality and eliminate violence against women and girls.  It will foster safe environments where women and girls can thrive without fear of harassment or discrimination," said Michael Miller, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh. 

Thanking the EU for its support and strategic partnership, UN Women Representative Gitanjali Singh said, "This year marks a pivotal moment for women's rights as we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. 

Building on the EU's political and financial support and UN Women's prevention programming over the last five years, the 4.8 million Euro grant will focus on three key critical areas. 

The areas are strengthening an enabling environment through policies, systems and improving institutional knowledge, resources, and practices to prevent sexual and gender-based violence in public spaces, workplaces and tertiary educational institutions; transforming harmful social and gender norms to address discriminatory practices; and strengthening the agency and leadership of civil society and women's rights organisations to ensure sustained impact.

The collaboration with EU to advance gender equality will enable UN Women to continue the critical work of preventing violence against women and girls, addressing discriminatory norms and investing in civil society to make gender equality a lived reality in Bangladesh.

This partnership underscores the shared commitment of the European Union and UN Women to creating a future free from violence and discrimination for all women and girls in Bangladesh.