The 16 Days of Activism: Freedom Fund Launches Two New Studies

After cruising through another year, we once again welcome the 16 Days of Activism. From November 25th to December 10, the world comes together to combat gender-based violence during the 16 Days of Activism.

The Freedom Fund, in association with the Population Council, USB Optimus Foundation and the U.S Department of State, has launched two new major studies in a National Level Research Findings Dissemination Event on November 25th. The event attracted some civil society organisations, research partners, and survivor-led groups in Dhaka. 

The Freedom Fund hosted this event to launch two major research studies that shed new light on the vulnerabilities of some of the most marginalised children in the city. The two studies, titled ‘Prevalence of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Girls in Dhaka’ and ‘Socio-Economic Vulnerabilities of Street-Connected Boys in Dhaka,’ have left an insightful mark on the audience on the eve of the 16 Days of Activism. 

The data is devastating to say the least. In the study on girls, 80% reported that their first experience of commercial sexual exploitation was driven by the need to survive, and more than half said refusal would have led to serious consequences, including physical, sexual, or emotional violence, or deprivation of basic needs.

The speakers continued to share in the Dissemination event how credible and robust data is incredibly important for shaping policies that can protect our children. Furthermore, government representatives emphasised that interventions must be in alignment with and be rooted in the actual realities faced by vulnerable children rather than mere assumptions. 

The Population Council has served as the research partner for two studies. While the UBS Optimus Foundation has funded the studies, the U.S. Department of State has supported the program in Bangladesh and has funded the national dissemination event. Researches like this remind us of the global unity it takes to celebrate a milestone like the 16 Days of Activism. Share-Net Bangladesh expresses its commitment to the 16 Days of Activism and congratulates the Freedom Fund on this brilliant study. 

 Source: The Freedom Fund