Development organisation Padakhep on Tuesday organised an awareness programme on preventing gender-based violence, cyber harassment and bullying, and promoting safe parenting.

Titled “Know, Speak Up, Stop Violence,” the event was held at Padakhep’s head office with officials and employees from different levels of the organisation participating both in person and online.

The programme focused on different forms and early warning signs of gender-based violence, ways to address misconceptions and potential risks in workplaces and online spaces, and the legal rights and support available to survivors.

It also highlighted responsible parenting and the importance of creating safer and more respectful environments for children, families and communities.

Padakhep Founder and President A.B.M. Siddique inaugurated the event and stressed the shared responsibility of individuals and institutions in preventing violence.

He said speaking up through appropriate channels and standing beside survivors can play an important role in creating a safer environment.

Shazib Hasnat, joint director of Microfinance Operation and head of Safeguarding at Padakhep, highlighted the importance of recognising different forms of violence and their early warning signs and ensuring individual responsibility for maintaining a safe workplace.

Special speaker Liza Begum, PSC, Deputy Police Commissioner (Women Support and Investigation Division) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, discussed the legal rights and protection of survivors and procedures for reporting incidents.

She urged participants to report incidents to the appropriate authorities instead of remaining silent and seek law enforcement assistance when necessary.

She also briefed participants on accessing support and services through the national emergency helpline 999 and women and children helpline 109, among other mechanisms.

The event was moderated by Ummay Sumaiya Mutiatur Rasul, Joint Director of Padakhep’s Brand and Communications Division.