The existing patriarchal social system in the tea gardens keep women away from decision-making activities and make them more vulnerable to violence and discrimination, said litterateur Selina Hossain yesterday.

Men, in particular, must come forward to abolish this culture, she added.

She made the remarks while addressing as chief guest in a dialogue and book launching programme organised by Society for Environment and Human Development (SEHD) marking "16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence" at Brac Learning Centre in Sreemangal upazila of Moulvibazar.

When it comes to violence against the female workers in tea gardens, the level of impunity is higher, mentioned Selina Hossain.

"We need to educate the women in tea gardens and simultaneously be aware of the deprivation and discrimination that we face ourselves," said Jasmine Akhter,

vice president of Bangladesh Cha Sramik Union (BCSU).

Philip Gain, director of SEHD made the welcome speech while Raya Yampolsky, representative (political), High Commission of Canada to Bangladesh, Mitali Datta, vice chairman of Sreemangal upazila, Rambhajan Kairi, executive advisor,  (BCSU) attended as special guests at the programme.