End culture of silence

The culture of silence regarding domestic violence against women needs to end to ensure that women enjoy the same rights as men, urged speakers at a conference yesterday.
If more people, particularly men, volunteer as “change makers” to raise awareness then the issue of this form of violence will get more importance, they said.
The conference, “Experience of We Can Approach to End Domestic Violence”, was organised by the national committee of We Can Bangladesh at Spectra Convention Centre in the capital's Gulshan.
“Women are usually taught to stay mum when their husbands are violent towards them,” stated Sultana Kamal, chairperson of We Can Bangladesh.
“Domestic violence against women is acceptable in our society and unless we do something to change this attitude, the situation will not change,” she said.
Sultana Kamal also blamed the state and law enforcement agencies for lack of initiatives to ensure protection of women.
“Even though a domestic violence act was passed in 2010, the rules for its effective implementation are yet to be laid down,” she added.
Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Ragne Birte Lund and Ella de Voogd, first secretary, SRHR, Education and Gender of Netherlands, also spoke at the event.