VOICE stresses importance of implementing legal provisions to combat violence against women

Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE) has stressed the importance of implementing clear and robust legal provisions to combat all forms of harassment and violence against women, with strict penalties for offenders to ensure accountability and protection.

VOICE, a veteran advocacy and research organisation, organised a webinar titled "Tackling Violence Against Women and Advancing Gender Equality in Bangladesh" on March 8 marking the International Women's Day 2025.

The webinar concluded with a strong call for immediate and comprehensive action to advance women's rights and ensure gender equality in Bangladesh.

The participants emphasised the need to foster a culture of respect and empathy, alongside training on digital rights, cybercrime, and gender sensitivity.

Women rights activists, CSOs and NGO representatives, journalists, digital right experts, and law practitioners attended the session to discuss the current state of women's rights in the country.

Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, executive director of the VOICE, said, "Women's empowerment and gender equality in Bangladesh remain far from reality, as economic empowerment alone hasn't ensured women's safety or equal participation. Online violence increasingly hinders women's political engagement, silencing their voices and limiting their leadership. True empowerment requires not just economic inclusion but also protection from violence and the dismantling of social norms, stereotypes and ideas that exploit women."

An open discussion was also held to explore actionable strategies for fostering an environment where women and girls can thrive with safety, dignity, and equality.