Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, April 30, 2026 (BSS)- An orientation meeting for BRAC’s ‘Shikha’ project was held in Paba Upazila in the district to raise awareness about child protection and preventing sexual harassment.

The meeting took place today in the Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s conference room.

Organizers said the main goal of BRAC’s ‘Shikha’ project is to build safe educational institutions, public transport, workplaces, and communities free from gender-based violence, bullying, and sexual harassment. 

Funded by the European Union, the project will run from February 2025 to January 2029. It will be implemented in Rajshahi, Dhaka, Gazipur, Chattogram, Barishal, and Narayanganj districts.

 Under the project, awareness programs will be carried out in 270 educational institutions, the ready-made garment sector, public transport, and various communities. 
Other activities include risk analysis, risk mapping, parent meetings, action plans to prevent gender-based violence, and forming youth forums to prevent sexual harassment, stop child marriage, and ensure safe mobility.
 
The meeting was told that the law enforcement alone is not enough to protect children and prevent sexual harassment. Collective awareness from families, educational institutions, and society is crucial.

BRAC’s ‘Shikha’ project will play an important role in this area. We must each act responsibly from our own positions to ensure students can grow up in a safe environment.”

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ibnul Abedin addressed the meeting as chief guest. Also present were BRAC’s District Coordinator Md. Mohsin Ali, Senior Manager of the Human Resources Division Md. Ariful Islam, District Assistant Secondary Inspector Farzana Ferdousi, Social Services Field Supervisor, and representatives from civil society.
At the meeting, Technical Manager of the ‘Shikha’ project Mita Rani Sarker presented various aspects of the project. The meeting was moderated by Project Officer Motalaleb Hossain. 
 
Anika Tabassum Hanna, a student at Nowhata Girls’ High School, said: “Through the Shikha project, we’ve become aware of sexual harassment. Earlier, we often faced offensive comments on our way to school. We want a safe learning environment.”
 
Stakeholders believe this type of orientation meeting will raise awareness among students, teachers, and parents, and play an effective role in preventing gender-based violence.

Through this, it will be possible to create a safe social environment for women, children, and youth in Rajshahi and other parts of the country.