An interactive discussion involving stakeholders and young activists was held in the capital on Monday to raise mass awareness to make public places gender-friendly.

Activists also raised their questions before the policymakers. 

Findings of a survey, conducted in 24 districts, over a gamut of issues including harassment in public transport and cyberbullying were presented before a group of over 200 young achievers and volunteers in the discussion. 

The Policy Café is part of a collaborative nationwide campaign on 'Women's Safety in Public Places' by Young Bangla, the largest youth platform of the Centre for Research and Information (CRI), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-HRP, and National Human Rights Commission(NHRC).

Moderated by Prime Minister’s former special assistant Barrister Shah Ali Farhad, the host of the panel  was graced  by Van Nguyen, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh.

Read: Webinar on sexual, gender-based violence held 

Law Minister Anisul Haque, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqul Islam, Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha (BNPS) Executive Director Rokeya Kabir, BPWN President Amena Begum, and National Human Rights Commission Bangladesh (NHRCB) Honorary Member Jesmin Ara Begum. among others, spoke the event.  

Instances of rape and harassment still exist though the legal shield against such acts has helped curb many other social vices including stalking and child marriage, speakers opined.