DHAKA, June 26 (V7N)– Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid today urged girls across Bangladesh to draw inspiration from their bravery during the "July uprising" (Student-People's Uprising Day) and "speak out and stand up against violence."

Speaking as the chief guest at the National Workshop on Prevention of Violence Against Children And Women, organized by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre, Sharmeen Murshid, who also serves as the Adviser for the Ministry of Social Welfare, emphasized the need for collective action.

"All forms of violence against women and children must be prevented through collective efforts," she stated. "Girls must raise their voices and take a stand against such violence—just as many did last July, demonstrating courage, protest, and a call for change. These girls are not merely protesters; they are the architects of our future." The "July uprising" in 2024 saw significant participation from women and girls, with many on the front lines of protests, symbolizing a newfound boldness and resilience.

Murshid acknowledged that the government alone cannot prevent such widespread violence. "We seek to begin this new journey through the collective efforts of every individual, every family, community, and people from all walks of life. We envision a new Bangladesh—one rooted in care, compassion, and justice," she articulated.

She reiterated the interim government's commitment to creating a safe haven for women and children in the vision of a new Bangladesh. "This new journey of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs is dedicated to building that safe haven—inspired by the spirit of the July uprising, in honour of the 11 female martyrs, the hundreds of injured women and children, and the brave warriors of July," she added, highlighting the sacrifices made during the recent mass movement.

The adviser pointed out that women and children are frequently subjected to various forms of violence and abuse across diverse settings, including families, workplaces, public spaces, public transport, educational institutions, and increasingly, online and digital platforms. She stressed that the nature and intensity of such violence have continued to evolve, making it a clear violation of human rights.

In line with its official mandate, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs is tasked with protecting women and children by implementing effective measures to prevent all forms of violence against them. To this end, the ministry has launched several new initiatives.

Sharmeen Murshid elaborated on these efforts:

Quick Response Teams: Formation of teams from the union to the central level to ensure immediate integrated services for preventing violence against women and children, with activities expanding to the community level.

One-Stop Crisis Centre/Cell: Providing comprehensive services from a single location, including medical services, psychosocial counseling, legal assistance, police aid, shelter, economic and social reintegration, and DNA testing facilities. Referral services are also offered through One-Stop Crisis Cells.

Trauma Counseling: Providing psychosocial services through National and Regional Trauma Counselling Centres.

Specialized Pools: Formation of cyber expert, legal expert, gender expert, gender club, helpline service provider, and psychosocial counseling/psychiatrist pools to address specific needs.

Monitoring and Follow-up: Preparation of daily reports on violence against women and children and continuous follow-up of sensitive and sensational cases.

Legal Implementation: Ensuring proper implementation of existing laws and regulations on violence against women and children, in line with the Ministry's organogram.

Toll-Free Helpline: Operation of the 109 helpline for immediate assistance.

Safe Shelter Homes and Community Hubs: Establishment of safe shelter homes and community hubs for vulnerable individuals.

The event, chaired by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Momtaz Ahmed, also featured speeches from Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter, Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder, members of the Women's Affairs Reform Commission, and the Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force. Dr. Prakash Kanti Chowdhury, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, delivered the welcome address.

Representatives from various ministries, civil society organizations, educational institutions, "Julykanya" (daughters of July, referring to female participants in the July uprising), students, scouts, girls’ guides, and media personalities were among the attendees, signaling a broad commitment to fostering a violence-free and equitable Bangladesh.