Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, May 12, 2026 (BSS)- A call was made to strengthen coordinated initiatives between government and non-government organizations to prevent and address violence against women and girl children at an advocacy dialogue.

The dialogue took place on Monday at the BRAC Learning Center in the district. The event, organized by BRAC’s Gender Justice and Diversity (GJD) Program, was attended by various government officials, development workers, and local representatives.
 
Paba Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ibnul Abedin was present as the chief guest, saying that administrative initiatives alone are not enough to prevent violence against women and girl children; people from all walks of life must come forward.

He added that incidents of violence will decrease significantly if family values, social awareness, and proper enforcement of the law are ensured.

He also emphasized that coordinated activities between government and non-government institutions are crucial to ensure a safe environment for women and children.
 
Special guests who spoke included Paba Upazila Youth Development Officer Johurul Islam, Social Services Officer Mohammad Hossain Khan, and Women Affairs Officer Fatema Khatun.

The speakers said that violence against women and girl children is a major obstacle to the overall development of society. To address this problem, families, educational institutions, local administration, and social organizations must work together in coordination.
 
The keynote paper on “Prevention and Remediation of Violence against Women and Girl Children” was presented by Apurba Saha, Regional Manager of BRAC-GJD.

In his paper, he highlighted various aspects of violence against women, child marriage, sexual harassment, and online violence.

He also stressed raising public awareness, providing legal aid to victims, and making social prevention mechanisms more effective to prevent violence.
 
Participants in the dialogue said that not just law enforcement, but a change in social attitudes is also necessary to build a violence-free society.

Emphasis was also placed on adopting long-term programs based on public-private partnerships to ensure the safety of women and girl children.

Present government officials, NGO representatives, Shopno sharothi members, and health workers pledged to work together to prevent violence against women and girl children.

At the event, an action plan was formulated by setting priorities for the next year.