International Women’s Day: The picture of violence against women is grim

While International Women's Day is a global celebration of women's rights, equality, and empowerment, the statistics from Bangladesh on violence against women paint a troubling and stark reality.

In the past five years from 2020-2024, at least 11,758 women and girls in Bangladesh have fallen victim to torture and violence, with 6,305 of them being raped, according to data from the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).

What's even more alarming is that 3,471 of these rape victims were under the age of 18, making up over 55 percent of the total cases.

Additionally, 1,089 women and girls were gang-raped, and 207 were murdered following sexual assault, including 118 children.

Moreover, at least 50 victims took their own lives due to the trauma they endured.

Violence against women goes beyond rape.

In the last five years, a total of 2,624 women and girls have suffered sexual harassment.

At least 355 faced physical abuse for dowry in this period. Of them, 26 committed suicide, according to HRSS.

Dowry-related violence also claimed the lives of 290 women.

Domestic violence also took its toll, with 1,262 women killed, 386 injured, and 416 taking their own lives.

Acid attacks have also affected 94 women and girls, with nine fatalities resulting from these horrific assaults.

The situation remains equally troubling in 2025, with shocking numbers reported in the first two months.

At least 224 women and girls have already faced violence, including 107 raped, of whom 66 were minors.

A further 27 women and girls were gang-raped, and 29 faced sexual harassment, 16 of whom were children. Six women died due to dowry-related violence, and two were injured.

58 women lost their lives to domestic violence, while 20 took their own lives. One woman was killed in an acid attack.

HRSS executive director, Izazul Islam, highlighted several reasons behind the rising violence, discrimination, and misogyny against women in Bangladesh.

"Superstition and distorted religious interpretations regarding women's participation in education are significant factors," he said.

He explained that while more women seek education and work, it remains taboo in many areas, leading to discouragement and obstacles that marginalise them.

"Religious groups, through misinterpretations of religion, appear as barriers to women's development in social and political spheres. The lack of proper implementation of laws, police ignorance, and delays in the judicial system allow criminals to evade punishment," he added.

He also said social barriers often prevent women from seeking legal assistance, leaving them without proper legal and social protection.

Fauzia Moslem, president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, while talking to The Daily Star, emphasised collective effort to deal with the situation.

"The rising violence, moral policing, and mob justice have turned women's issues into a broader social concern that requires the active participation of all, not just women," Moslem said.

She added, "Society is descending into chaos, where lawlessness and criminal impunity are growing. The failure of law enforcement, compromises, and lack of accountability are empowering criminals."

She said if society as a whole does not wake up, tackling this crisis will be extremely difficult.

"Justice is being replaced by negotiation, giving more power to those who oppose women's rights and exploit the system," she said, noting that complacency, silence of authorities, including women in leadership roles, a general disregard for law – all are fuelling growing hostility towards women.

Eminent social activist Khushi Kabir echoed the same sentiment, saying, "We are facing a deep crisis where some people believe they have the right to abuse others. Some individuals, who act against societal norms, try to legitimise such actions, with support from some members of the public, which worsens the issue."

"The core problem is the weak law and order situation in our country. There are no effective measures against criminals, and often, the public supports the offenders. This makes the situation dangerous for society as a whole," she added.

She said the promises made on International Women's Day must be fulfilled, and women's rights, safety, and dignity should be the government's top priority.

"The government must enforce strict laws to ensure women can live safely and freely," Kabir added.

The HRSS urged the government to strictly enforce laws and expedite legal proceedings in gender-based violence cases. It emphasised the need for thorough investigations and prompt justice for all instances of violence against women.

The organisation also called for increased women's participation in social and political spheres, safer work environments, and stronger measures to address online harassment and ensure digital security for women.