Ending Violence against Women: Everyone must join the fight

Participants of a rally yesterday urged everyone to join the movement to stop repression and violence against women.

"The young generation has to be vocal against repression on women. Only protests by women will not be enough; men should also come forward. Equality means happiness and it should be brought among men and women, rich and poor, and among people of all identities. Only then it will be possible to build a beautiful Bangladesh," said Shaheen Anam, executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), while speaking at the women's motorcycle rally, marking International Women's Day (IWD).

MJF and Bangladesh Women Riders' Club jointly orgnaised the rally that started from the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) of Dhaka University.

With the motto "Let us stop rape and killing of women and children now", around 50 women motorcyclists, took part in the rally that ended at Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi.

Speaking at the rally, president of the club Ismat Kham Mojlish said, "We founded the club in 2012, with an aim to break the social taboo that exists centring women's bike riding. By organising such a rally, we wanted to show that women do not lag behind men in any sector. We also wanted to raise awareness among people from all walks of life against repression on women and children."

Shaheen Anam said violence against women and children could not be stopped as the mindset towards women at the core of our society has not changed too much.

"This attitude towards women has to change," she said.

"We, like men, want equality in all human beings. We dream of a violence-free and safe Bangladesh, which we have not yet been able to do," Shaheen Anam added.

"So I urge the new generation to stand against it. Not just women, but men will have to come forward for this."