On the occasion of International Day of the Girl (IDG) 2022, ARTICLE 19 organised four live talk shows with four Community Radios, namely, Radio Lokobetar, Radio Chilmari, Radio Sarabela and Radio Meghna in Rangpur and Barisal divisions.
Speakers on the talk shows spoke of the need to raise awareness about the human rights of girls, including right to civic engagement, right to vote, right to protest, right to association, freedom of expression and right to information.
Women and Children Affairs ministry officials, women’ rights activists, representatives from among Dalits, minorities and marginalised communities and local teachers and journalists were present as discussants on the four live shows.
A decade ago, the United Nations declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl (IDG). The theme of the day for this year, its 10th anniversary, is “Our time is now; our rights, our future’.
Speakers on the radio talk shows said a lack of awareness, unequal opportunities, harmful social norms and practices, insecurity and other systematic barriers stifle the potential of girls. In Bangladesh, especially in rural areas, Covid-19 has deepened existing challenges and barriers for girls, an example being child marriage.
“If we ensure the opportunities they deserve, they will have the potential to change the world. They could be equal partners in democratic practices with their participation and contribution in politics, protests, processions, and sustainable development,” said a statement from ARTICLE 19.
ARTICLE 19 in partnership with Plan International Bangladesh hosted the radio talk shows as part of its ongoing programs under the project, “Our Voices Our Choices: Women and Youth for Democratic Civic Space (OVOC)”. The project aims to ensure that young people, especially women and girls in Bangladesh, enjoy fundamental human rights and are actively engaged in improving their lives and communities through inclusive, effective, pluralistic and civic participation as responsible citizens. The project is funded by the European Commission.
Faruq Faisel, Regional Director of ARTICLE 19 South Asia, said: “The fullest enjoyment of human rights by girls requires respecting, protecting, promoting and empowering them. The government and other relevant stakeholders need to take effective steps to make young girls aware of their civic rights, ensure their space to avail and exercise their rights and address the challenges and discriminations they currently face.”
It is the obligation of the government to take steps to do away with existing discriminatory laws and practices against girls and enact girl-friendly policies and laws, he added.
