One in every three women in the world will be physically or sexually abused at some point in their life. In Bangladesh, every week more than 10 women suffer from an acid attack. This could include the woman sitting next to you on the bus, that girl playing in the garden next door, or even a friend you have known all your life.
When women are not safe on the streets or in their homes - it devastates lives and stalls their potential. And that in turn holds back countries from equitable growth and development. A culture of violence against women leaves a devastating impact on societies.
But enough is enough - now is the time to increase public awareness of sexual assault and other forms of gender-based violence that affect women and girls in both the public and private spheres.
Experts from across South Asia will discuss these issues at a panel at the World Bank’s Spring Meetings in April. To inform these discussions, the Bank is sponsoring a contest for youth, ages 18-25, in eight countries across South Asia.
In Bangladesh, we want to hear your best ideas in response to the question:
“What Will It Take to End Gender-Based Violence in Bangladesh?”
Entries will be in the form of SMS (text messages). These may be up to 140 characters long, including spaces. Messages may be in English or in Bangla. Please include your full name, phone number, and email address, if you have one.
Submit them by SMS to + 88 01823070253, or by email to nogenderviolence@worldbank.org, or by postal mail to:
The World Bank Office, Dhaka
Plot E 32
Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon
Dhaka 1207
Bangladesh
For full contest details, please read the Call for Entries: Bangla (pdf), English
