Laws must be enforced to end violence against women

Though there are tough laws and policies to combat violence against women, the crimes can only be stopped if those are implemented, said Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury yesterday at the closing ceremony of the 16-day campaign to end violence against women.

She added, "It is important to make women aware of the acts and policies so that they seek legal redress whenever they are subjected to violence."

Members of parliament, country representatives of organisations working for women empowerment, civil society members, and heads of missions pledged commitment to prevent violence against women.

The programme was organised by UN Women at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Salma Ali, executive director of Bangladesh National Woman Lawyers Association, said, "We often see perpetrators of violence getting bail and living a free life while their victims live like fugitives."

Aasha Mehreen Amin, deputy editor, Editorial and Op-ed at The Daily Star, said, "We are determined to highlight more the role of women in development, and social and economic progress to emphasise the need to create a violence-free environment for women and girls." 

Ayesha Khanam, president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, emphasised the importance of focusing on issues that lead to violence against women.

Christine Hunter, country representative of UN Women, said violence against women occurs across the world. No countries would be able to develop without ending such violence.

Fazle Rabbi Miah, deputy speaker of the parliament, and Robert Watkins, resident coordinator of United Nations, among others, spoke.     

This year UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign was styled "Orange the world", using the colour designated by the UNiTE campaign to symbolise a brighter future without violence. Orange events were planned in more than 70 countries around the world ahead of and throughout the 16 days.