All women, whether rich or poor, in Bangladesh are victims of one or other kind of violence and repression, women rights activists and businessmen observed on Sunday.
Women should be brave and fight against such violence and repression, they told a programme organised by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad at its office in the city to mark the 25th founding anniversary of Rokeya Sadan.
Parishad president Ayesha Khanam said women’s rights, including the political ones, were still being seriously violated in the country.
‘It does not matter what dresses we wear or what our social statuses are, the fact is our rights are violated many times in our life,’ she said.
Ayesha Khanam said the Parishad provided temporary shelter to some women victims of violence in the Rokeya Sadan as a stepping stone for reintegration into society.
‘You have to understand that we built this Sadan from the idealism of persons like Begum Rokeya, Sufia Kamal, and Hena Das,’ she told the members of the Sadan, adding, ‘So, you have to be strong.’
Parishad vice-president and acting president of the Rokeya Sadan said the shelter home was established in 1985 and to date it had provided shelter and training to more than 1,000 women.
She said at present the Sadan was providing 21 women with training in tailoring and educational support.
Parishad general secretary Maleka Banu urged ever individual and organisation concerned to come forward and help these women to return to a normal life.
Former president of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry MA Momen also spoke on the occasion.
Certificates were distributed to eight members of the Sadan and a cultural programme followed the discussion.
news source : New Age