SERAC-Bangladesh with support from Ipas Bangladesh has celebrated 16 Days of Activism 2023 from 18-23 November with the theme ‘Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls’ under Improving SRHR in Dhaka project in 21 Schools of Dhaka North and South city corporations (Rainbow Model School-Mohammadpur, Korail Pathshala -Mohakhali, Amzad Ideal School and College -Uttara Sector-10, Pathshala Nobodoy Housing- Mohammadpur, Bir Muktijodhdha Shahid Hafizur Rahman Oli Academy-Matuail, Holy Flower Model School and College- Bazarpara, Vashantek Government School- Vashantek, Sagor School and College- Hazaribagh, Rahmatullah Model High School -Lalbag, Khilgaon Model Laboratory School and College -Khilgaon, Nondipara Ideal School and College -Banasree, Abdul Aziz High School and College -Madertek, Janani Kindergarten School- Kamrangirchar, Dholpur Rose Garden High School -Jatrabari, Bashiruddin Adorsho School and College -Pirerbag, Basic Glory Model School -Mirpur-12, Top Care Coaching Center,-Aga Sadek, South Zone Pre-Cadet School and College -Vatara, Green Garden High School- Manik nagar).
Volunteers under this project named ‘Peer Group Mentor’ and ‘Projonon Shasthya Bondhu’ have organized School Sessions and Quiz Competition by engaging the students. Besides, they have shared information on gender-based violence prevention, counseling services, government call center number, OGSB call Center Number, SGBV related service center and its importance provided by their nearby general practitioners (GP) of their designated areas.
“Peer Group Mentor” and “Projonon Shasthya Bondhu” have organized the events on their own and have also shared their experience regarding this. Md. Robiul Awal (Peer Group Mentor, Khilgaon area) said, “16 Days of Activism was an extremely impactful experience where the entire community came together, concluding events with unity and grace. Witnessing everyone’s efforts was inspiring, propelling us towards a more peaceful and secure society.”
Nadia Sultana (Peer Group Mentor, Mirpur-12 area) shared, “The 16 Days of Activism program aims primarily to eliminate all forms of violence against women. Through this initiative, many now have a better understanding of reproductive health, adolescence, child marriage, family planning, and gender-based violence. These topics are now more widely comprehended, and many are increasingly conscious. Working with SERAC-Bangladesh has allowed me to comprehend these issues, making both myself and my family more aware. I would like to express my gratitude towards them.”
Md. Monir Hossen (Peer Group Mentor, Vatara, Badda) said, “I successfully organized the 16 Days of Activism program, fostering awareness against violence towards women and girls in schools. Through this program’s implementation, my skills have grown, and I take great pride in reaching many students with the message. If we can organize more programs like this in the future, it will further enhance awareness and consciousness among our society’s students. I believe students can play a broader role in creating awareness in society, so organizing various awareness-building programs for them in the future is necessary.’
Each school session had 30 participants along with the teachers. SERAC-Bangladesh’s Program Manager Tasnia Ahmed, SBCC Officers – Md. Nazmul Hasan, Khadija Kalam, Shahida Khatun, Md. Shafiullah and Kakoli Akter have supported the overall activity.
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