Press Release:
While commemorating the 16 days of Activism to combat gender based violence, Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), in a statement expressed outrage at the slow pace of reforms to reign in violence against women and children which continues unabated. The Statement further adds that the existing structures and institutions set up to combat GBV have failed to provide the minimum security to women and girls. While Child marriage remains the highest in South Asia, reports of rape, gang rape and other sexual assaults even against children as young as 6 or 7 continues. Women and girls with disabilities and those from ethnic minority communities are also regular targets of sexual violence. Under this scenario, MJF demands a stronger commitment from the State to ensure security of women and girls by ensuring institutions such as committees to prevent violence and child marriage at every tier of local government are functional and accountable. With only 2 to 3% conviction for rape the justice system is not women friendly and laws meant to ensure justice are not implemented.
MJF strongly demands a State level National Campaign to change cultural norms and practices that blames victims and not perpetrator, build respect for women and girls in private and public domain, ensure justice and support for violence survivors. MJF expects the commission for Women Affairs to start functioning and submit report without delay plus also set up a commission for Children Affairs. Women and girls deserve and want to live in safety, security and without discrimination in the “New Bangladesh”.
