RANGPUR, Sept 2, (V7N) - A discussion on "Prevention of sexual and gender-based violence in public spaces, workplaces and tertiary educational institutions" was held at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) today.
The event was organized by the legal aid and human rights organization 'Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK)' in collaboration with the BRUR Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee, with funding from the European Union and support from UN Women.
Vice-chancellor of the university Professor Dr Md Showkat Ali was present as the chief guest at the event held at the conference room of the university's administrative building.
In his speech, the chief guest said, "Ending sexual and gender-based violence in public spaces, workplaces and higher and tertiary educational institutions is not only a social responsibility, but it is a moral commitment of each of us."
It is the institutional and moral responsibility of everyone to be vocal in favor of women's rights, education and safety at BRUR, founded in the name of the great lady Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Hossain.
The Vice-chancellor expressed concern about eve-teasing and online cyber harassment in the country and said that only laws or institutional policies are not enough, but it is necessary to change the mentality and ensure institutional accountability.
He further said, "Our goal is to build a safe and dignified campus where no woman, student or employee will live in fear. With collective efforts, we will be able to build a safe, equal and humane society."
The programme was presided over by President of the BRUR Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee and Professor Mathematics Department Dr Md Tajul Islam.
Member-secretary of the BRUR Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee and Director of the Office of Students' Affairs Professor Dr Md Elias Pramanik moderated the event.
UN Women Bangladesh Programme Analyst Tashiba Kashem, ASK Adviser Mubarak Mohammad, and university teachers, officials and students were present.
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