As many as 65.38% of young women have been a victim of sexual harassment and most of them reported that they do not feel safe anywhere regardless of precautions taken, according to a survey.
The information was revealed in a survey titled "Women's Socioeconomic Context and its Impact on Mental Health'' by Aachol Foundation on Saturday.
The survey included young women aged 18- 30 from various districts and divisions across the country, said a media statement.
The study also revealed that 45.27% of young women were harassed on public transports. Among them, 84.1% of the respondents to the survey said they faced sexual harassment on buses or at bus stops.
Moreover, young women are 75.6% more likely to be harassed while travelling alone.
According to the survey, 31.85% of young women experience psychological distress as a result of a variety of family-related issues. Financial insecurity was the most prevalent factor that had a negative impact on the female mindset, accounting for the psychological distress of 24.46% of the total respondents.
Tansen Rose, founder president of the Aachol Foundation, said: "Our society, state, and family are not yet properly prepared to adapt to established women. The real development of the country is not possible if half of the country's population is left behind. It is our responsibility and duty to provide them with liberty and security."
In the family and society, a young woman should be valued equally to a young man; however, 22.29% of young women said their opinions were abandoned in the family, she added.
Prof Kazi Saifuddin, former chairman of Jagannath University's Department of Psychology, said: “Women are not given the respect and dignity they deserve as members of society, even in modern times.
“Those in positions of power should now provide proper education to the youth. Every educated person in society should understand that society should be built to be an equally safe place for all boys and girls so that girls do not fear going out alone," he added.
The study also revealed that 69.92% of women have received negative comments solely because of their physical appearance.
Of them, 39.49% of young women had received negative comments primarily because of their weight, while 36.95% had been humiliated because of the colour of their skin.
Md Rifat Hasan Tarafdar, project lead of Aachol Foundation, said: "We have started talking about women's rights today, but how much can we ensure adequate security for these women?
“Sexual harassment is common on the streets, on public transportation, and even in public. In the family, women are not safe. Every aspect of the women's movement must be transparent and secure. Only then can we discuss women's awakening and liberation. Otherwise, this is a failure for our family, our society, and all of us," he added.