A national dialogue on "Fear of Violence" was held in Dhaka Wednesday. Policymakers, law enforcers, and representatives from NGOs, INGOs, and youths from different parts of the country were present. The national dialogue aimed to discuss the situation around fear of violence, how it affects one's daily life, and how to address the situation nationally. Kashfia Feroz, director (girls' rights) at Plan International Bangladesh, moderated the discussion. One of the panellists of the discussion Md Muhibuzzaman, additional secretary at the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, said: "The government has taken initiatives and involved women in all of its systems. We are moving towards transformation, sharing gender-defined responsibilities." Taslima Yesmin, associate professor of law at the University of Dhaka, highlighted the improvement of the Infrastructural system. She said, "We must ensure a rehabilitation system for the victims."MH Tanshen, country representative of the Malala Foundation, said: "We need collaborative space in educational institutes. We need to have quality teachers through proper training. Furthermore, the teaching methods of the teachers need to improve around fear of violence." Kamrun Nahar, member of Naripokkho, said: "We want freedom; we do not need protection." She also emphasised involving more youths and government officials in the process of challenging fear of violence. Maleka Banu, general secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, encouraged the youths to challenge the difficult situations they face. According to her, youths need to come forward and stand up for themselves whenever they face any violence. Kashfia said: "Not only violence but also the fear of violence is a huge challenge for young people. By eliminating the fear, youths will be able to fully develop their potential." To build capacity and sensitisation among the youths about challenging and conquering the fear of violence, Plan International Bangladesh and JAAGO Foundation launched a campaign on International Women's Day 2022. The campaign "Challenging Fear of Violence – Shohingshotar Bhoy ar Noy'' was designed to raise mass awareness among youths in Dhaka, Barishal, Rangpur and Cox's Bazar.Also read: Nationwide youth campaign starts 'challenging fear of violence'

Runa, a youth activist and community volunteer promoting girls’ rights, took over the Swedish Embassy in Bangladesh for a day on Monday to advocate for girls’ rights, equal opportunities and equal chances for girls. The takeover is a part of the global #GirlsTakeover, a signature activity of Plan International. Every year, the international development organisation rolls on this activity all over the world, including Bangladesh, marking the International Day of Girls on 11 October under its Girls Get Equal campaign calling for increased investment in girls’ power, activism and leadership. This year, Plan International Bangladesh is going to mobilize about 70 takeovers leading roles in politics, governance, diplomacy, business etc all over the country throughout the month of October to promote equality, freedom, and representation for girls and young women. Read: Mayor for a day, memories forever Runa, the Ambassador of the day, who is also a sponsored child of Plan International Bangladesh, expressed her excitement, saying, “In my community, girls often don’t realize that they also have the potential to take high positions, lead and make the change." As she takes over the position today, Runa said, "I feel the confidence in me that I can also develop myself as a leader and with my leadership I can influence girls like me for improved opportunity for girls, especially digital literacy.” Runa is also a member of a youth group where she works with adolescents and youth to promote education for children, and rights of girls and advocates against child marriage.

Remarkable gains in education have made little headway in helping shape a more equal, less violent environment for girls, UNICEF, Plan International and UN Women said in a report on Wednesday.