“The present government has taken many initiatives to stop violence and torture against women and children, and ensure women empowerment. It’s difficult to stop violence only by enforcing laws. So, families, media, social activists and political parties should come forward to this end,” she said while speaking at a roundtable discussion.

Bhorer Kagoj, Simavi, WaterAid and WASH SDG Programme jointly organised the programme at Bhorer Kagoj office in the city.

Voicing concern over women harassment in public transport and workplace, Indira said, “It’s very sad for us.”  

“We all must work together to build awareness among people to stop violence against women and children. Or else, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) can’t be achieved by 2030. Children have to be educated morality from families,” she said.

The state minister also said around 90 percent children is tortured by family members and relatives.

She said they will set up ‘Mohila Complex’ at the division and district level where women will get various facilities, including training and shopping.

“The government is a women-friendly one. There’s no country in the world like Bangladesh where Prime Minister, Speaker, Deputy Leader of the House and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament are women. Our society is changing,” Indira said.

She said early marriage will be stopped in the country by 2040.

The state minister also underscored the need for changing the mentality of the menfolk to bring an end to violence and rape of women.

Presenting the keynote paper titled ‘Gender equality, women empowerment and social inclusion to ensure SDGs’, Alok Majumder, country coordinator of Simavi, underlined the need for more women participation in decision-making and congenial workplace environment for women. “Separate toilets with the running water and soap facilities for the girls at schools and stopping early marriage should be emphasised,” he added.

Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta moderated the function.

Waseqa Ayesha Khan, MP, Additional Local Government Division Secretary Md Zahirul Islam, Executive President of Environment and Population Research Centre Bilqis Amin Hoque, WaterAid Head of Policy and Advocacy Abdullah Al-Muyeed, President of Bangladesh Nari Sangbadik Kendra Nasimun Ara Huq and ATN Bangla News Editor Nadira Kiron were, among others present.