An upazila-level orientation meeting for BRAC's 'Shikha' project was held in Godagari upazila of Rajshahi to raise awareness on preventing gender-based violence, bullying, and sexual harassment. The meeting was organized at the conference room of the Godagari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO). UNO Israt Jahan attended the meeting as the chief guest while Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Godagari Model Police Station Atikur Rahman, Upazila Youth Development Officer Sohel Rana, and Upazila Women Affairs Officer Nilufar Yasmin were present as special guests. Mita Rani Sarker, technical manager of the 'Shikha' project, delivered the welcome speech at the start of the meeting.
Project Overview and Objectives
Project Officer Motalib Hossain later presented the project's various activities and objectives. He also conducted the meeting. The main goal of BRAC's 'Shikha' project is to build safe educational institutions, public transport, workplaces, and communities free from gender-based violence, bullying, and sexual harassment. Funded by the European Union, the project will run from February 2025 to January 2029 and will be implemented in Rajshahi, Dhaka, Gazipur, Chattogram, Barishal, and Narayanganj districts.
Implementation and Activities
Under the project, awareness activities will be carried out in 270 educational institutions, the ready-made garments sector, public transport, and various communities. Activities will also be implemented to prevent sexual harassment, stop child marriage, and ensure safe mobility, including risk analysis, risk mapping, parent meetings, action plan formulation to prevent gender-based violence, and formation of youth forums.
Key Participants and Stakeholders
Also present at the meeting were BRAC's District Coordinator Farzana Begum; Upazila Secondary Academic Supervisor Abdur Rahman; Upazila Social Services Officer, head teachers of various educational institutions, journalists, and civil society representatives. According to those involved, the 'Shikha' project will play an important role in creating a safe and discrimination-free social environment for women, children, and youth in Rajshahi and other parts of the country.
Significance and Future Steps
The 'Shikha' project is significant as it aims to address critical issues of gender-based violence, bullying, and sexual harassment across multiple sectors in Bangladesh. By creating safe spaces and raising awareness, the project seeks to foster a more secure and inclusive environment for all community members. The next steps will involve the implementation of the outlined activities and continuous engagement with stakeholders to ensure the project's success.
