Say rights activists
Safety of women cannot be ensured until men change their attitude, said speakers at a programme yesterday.
Women will be victims of sexual, psychological and physical violence until the patriarchal attitude of our society gives the way to a more tolerant outlook, they said.
They were speaking at the 27th founding anniversary of Rokeya Sadan, a sub-committee of the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP).
Mohammad Ashraf Hossain, director general of the Directorate of Women Affairs, said, “Our society will remain stagnant if we continue with our patriarchal mindset. If we want economic, financial and social growth, we need to form a more equal society which provides the same safety and opportunities for women as it does for men.”
“The first thing that any victim of violence seek is safe refuge. Apart from providing shelter, victimised women need to be provided with counselling to help them get over the trauma of being abused,” said Ayesha Khanam, chairperson of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.
Rowshan Jahan Parvin, deputy director of Ain O Salish Kendra, among others, spoke at the programme.
-With The Daily Star input
