Around 50 girls and youths from different parts of the country have demanded the government support their legal movement to achieve their constitutional rights and implement the existing law to achieve equality.
However they also urged policymakers, development and corporate partners, civil society members, and other relevant stakeholders to support their movement to achieve their rights and equality.
They demanded action against all sorts of discrimination, violence, and violation of rights of girls and young women across the country.
The speakers raised their voice at a virtual meeting titled “Launch of Girls’ Rights and Equality Movement,” organized by Plan International Bangladesh on Saturday.
Echoing the demand of the youths, the social activists and experts also urged stakeholders to bring about the necessary changes and work together to ensure gender equality and girls’ rights as well as raise awareness among men about the girls’ right and equality.
Sadia Islam, a youth leader from Bhola, said parents are marrying off their daughters at a young age when they start to get their menstrual cycle due to the lack of proper concept of sexual health. The government's action in this regard is not enough.
She also demanded the government implement the Sexual Harassment Prevention Act and the Child Marriage Prohibition Act.
Another youth leader, Samia Khan Priya, said even if some girls become successful in their career, their merit and ability are not acknowledged by their family without getting married.
Another leader, Chansing Mro, said in tribal society, it is customary to discriminate against girls. Girls always have to face bullying and ridicule.
Rashadul Islam, director-general of NGO Affairs Bureau of the Prime Minister’s Office, said to ensure women's civil rights, civic unity must be built with the development of women's education. Everyone must come forward to stop the oppression of women.
Kedar Lele, chairman and managing director of Unilever Bangladesh Ltd, thinks that change has begun. Although there are still many inconsistencies in the society, including child marriage, it will soon change.
Country Representative of UNFPA Asa Britta Torkelsson said: “We are determined to continue to protect the girls’ rights and their safety, health, and lives. When women are in danger, everyone has to come forward. That could be tele-medicine services, police assistance, or something else.”
However, she emphasized that virtual space in Bangladesh needs to be made safer for girls.
At the end of the event, the organizers announced the name of the winners of “Equality Awards: Youth in Action”.
Marking the International Day of the Girl 2020, Plan International Bangladesh awarded five youth organizations for their innovative campaign ideas to promote youth actions for achieving girls’ rights and equality.
