Rootless girls
Khalid M. Shaheen, Architecture Discipline, Khulna University
The present generation of youngsters will ultimately have to bear the responsibility of future leadership in all national activities. Actually, the children are the dream of the nation. But in our country they are neglected, especially the girl child.According to UNICEF, there are 13.7 million adolescent girls aged 10-19 years in Bangladesh and it can be assumed that 20 percent of the total girls lead a miserable life with no permanent shelter. Most of them have no parents and no fixed address. Actually, they are born on the street and live on the street. Many children are deprived of their basic rights to education, health, nutrition and housing. Girls become victims of domestic and sexual violence during their street life that offers little protection, privacy or security. Gender discrimination and related violence, including abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and acid-throwing create a socio-economic context that is challenging the promotion and the protection of the rights of children. Sometimes they are used or trapped by the criminals and finally engaged in anti-social activities. Another serious threat to the young girls is AIDS/ HIV. According to UNICEF, only 57.2 per cent of the adolescents aged 10-19 years have heard of HIV/AIDS and 30.7 per cent are aware of preventive measures. It is a matter of great concern.
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