TO FIGHT AGAINST CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

Photo: courtesy

Now-a-days, it is not too unfamiliar when a child is being abused sexually, by strangers and known people alike, including many different types of perpetrators and reprobates. Though in Bangladesh, Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is still a very delicate issue, it is one of the most traumatising experiences for a child. To combat against such experiences, 'Breaking the Silence', a Non-Government Organisation has been working relentlessly since 1994 and hence, is engaging with different types of awareness raising activities.

Very recently, 'Breaking the Silence' has unveiled a year calendar for 2016 themed 'Moments of Childhood' by Jewel Aich, the internationally renowned magician at the "New Perspective" event of Le Méridien Dhaka. Each calendar will be sold at 400 taka and the money will go to the NGO for working against the threat of child sexual abuse.

The calendar has been ideated and shot by Rajesh Ramakrishnan, a passionate photographer who is also the Managing Director of Perfetti Van Melle Bangladesh Private Ltd. It demonstrates different quick looks and flashes of children of Bangladesh.  Their joys, mischief, friendship and fun are the main focus which has been depicted onto the calendar.

"I have been shooting for the calendar since the last few years to support a good cause. I think, it is one of my small efforts to give something to the society", says Ramakrishnan. "It was a great fun to work on this calendar and I have revived some outstanding moments of my childhood while capturing these images", he adds to express his perception about the pictures.

'Breaking the Silence' is working for raising awareness amongst children, caregivers & duty bearers to prevent sexual abuse. Along with these, the NGO also works on promoting social awareness, empowerment and capacity building, rescue and support, community based child protection and child friendly governance. "We are hopeful that this calendar will help create further awareness and raise funds to address this issue" says Roksana Sultana, Executive Director of Breaking the Silence.

Le Meridien Dhaka is the official hospitality partner for the calendar by hosting the event and helping them set up a sales kiosk in their lobby. They are also promoting the sales of the calendar as large numbers of global audiences are engaged with them. The 'New Perspective' is a signature series of events by brand Le Méridien to allow innovative people draw together new insights and arouse dialogues through interactive experiences that explore an artist's talent. Le Meridien came up with the series in 2012 and it has been ongoing at every Le Meridien hotel.

"When Rajesh informed me that he was working on this project, it seemed perfectly in tune with our format. Moreover, the issue raised gave us an opportunity to be a part of a larger and significant objective, which is just the spirit of Le Méridien Dhaka", explains Ashwani Nayar, General Manager of Le Méridien Dhaka.

The event was also attended by eminent personalities from the field of businesses, arts and community service. By sponsoring the paper and printing of the calendar, Coca-Cola also supported this good cause.