We Can Foundations arranges Roundtable on Violence against Women

According to findings by ‘We Can Foundation’, an alliance of civil society members and organisations, there were 1,441 incidents of violence against women and children in the country last year. Out of the total number of incidents, 996 victims were women. About half of the incidents took place in Dhaka division.

We Can Foundation organised a roundtable on January 26 (yesterday) where speakers discussed how violence against women and children can be reduced in Bangladesh and gradually brought to an end. Executive Coordinator, Zinat Ara Haque, mentioned that there are still a huge number of cases that go unreported. Co-Chair, We Can Foundation expressed frustration at the frequency of such incidents reflected in the media.  “We’re seeing too many cases of violence against women. I will not go into the debate on whether it is rising or declining,” she said. She also called upon the prime minister to take a “zero tolerance” policy to this end.

Findings by We Can Bangladesh

Violence against Women and Children

Murders: 468

Rape: 396

Suicide among women and children: 467

Sexual Harassment: 179

Domestic Violence: 71