Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, March 3, 2026 (BSS)- An orientation meeting under BRAC's 'Shikha' 
project was held at the Rajshahi District Education Office with the aim of 
creating an environment free from gender-based violence, bullying, and sexual 
harassment.

The meeting was organised at the office of the District Education Officer 
today to strengthen prevention and support mechanisms and ensure safer public 
and private spaces.
 
The meeting was presided over by District Education Officer Zayedur Rahman.
 
Among those present were the Research Officer (Education), Upazila Secondary 
Education Officers from nine upazilas of the district, academic supervisors, 
BRAC district representatives, distinguished members of civil society, 
officials from various government departments, head teachers of different 
educational institutions, journalists and NGO representatives.
 
The 'Shikha' project is a four-year initiative funded by the European Union. 
Its activities have been implemented in nine upazilas of the district since 
February last year.
 
Under the project, awareness programmes to prevent gender-based violence will 
be conducted in 60 secondary schools across the district.

In addition, integrated prevention and support mechanisms will be 
strengthened to ensure safe environments-especially for women and girls-in 
public places, workplaces, public transport, garment factories, digital 
platforms and local communities.
 
During the open discussion, speakers exchanged detailed views on preventing 
sexual harassment in educational institutions, addressing child marriage and 
bullying, improving reporting and response systems, and transforming schools 
into violence-free and safe workplaces.
 
Emphasis was placed on preparing risk maps of students' routes around 
educational institutions and making sexual harassment prevention committees 
more active and effective.
 
The session was moderated by Habibur Rahman, technical manager of the 
'Shikha' project.
 
Other speakers included Technical Officer Mita Rani Sarker, Road Safety 
representative Pankaj Kumar Biswas, Project Officer Motaleb Hossain, Project 
Officer Afroza Khatun, Community Volunteers Shakil Ahmed, Ahnaf Tahamid, and 
Sohanur Rahman, as well as BLAST representative Soma Islam, among others.
 
The project is being implemented in Rajshahi by engaging local government 
bodies, public representatives, civil society members, and local 
organisations, focusing on secondary schools and madrasas.
 
Its main objective is to raise public awareness against sexual harassment and 
gender-based violence, establish effective prevention and support mechanisms, 
and strengthen institutional structures.