CSDF organises Int’l Day for violence against women in Ctg 

The Chittagong Social Development Forum on Monday observed the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Begum Rokeya Day with the theme, "Protect Women and Girls, Build a World Free of Violence."

SM Nazer Hossain, vice-president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh and chairperson of CSDF, presided over the programme while Jasmine Sultana Paru, convener of Stop Violence Against Women, addreessed the event as chief guest . 

CSDF coordinators Shampa K Nahar and Jahurul Islam conducted the discussion while Sayera Begum, Sayera Begum, Saima Haque, Momena Akter Nayon, Zeenat Ara Begum, Ferdousi Begum Mausumi, Ruby Khan, Sanchita Barua, Ayesha Begum Madhavi, Md. Jane Alam, among others, addresed the event. 

Speakers highlighted Begum Rokeya’s tireless efforts in spreading women’s education, emphasizing that her spirit inspires organizations like CSDF. They noted that CSDF is actively working to build a society free from violence against women by involving social entrepreneurs, women leaders, students, and community resource persons.

However, they criticized some NGOs for reducing women’s rights work to formalities like roundtable meetings and newspaper supplements, leaving societal issues unaddressed. Speakers expressed concern that women continue to face daily violations of their rights without avenues for recourse, often leading to their silence on such matters.