To address the alarming rates of gender-based violence in Bangladesh’s garment industry, the European Union and BRAC officially launched the SHIKHA project in Dhaka. The project aims to create safer working environments by strengthening prevention and response mechanisms against violence, harassment, and bullying within garment factories.
Recent studies reveal that an astonishing 80 per cent of women employed in garment factories have experienced some form of violence or harassment. This stark statistic underscores the urgency of the SHIKHA initiative, which seeks to foster a safer atmosphere for women in the workplace.
The launch event was attended by notable figures, including H.E. Michael Miller, the Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, who served as the Chief Guest. He emphasised the critical role of women’s active participation in all sectors, particularly in the workforce, and urged collective action to combat gender-based violence, framing it as a broader human rights and societal challenge.
Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, also stressed the need for urgent action to prevent a regression in women’s progress within the country. He called on policymakers, business leaders, academics, and activists to unite in addressing this pervasive issue, highlighting that true cultural change requires commitment from leadership.
Omar Md. Imrul Mohsin, Inspector General (Additional Secretary) of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, reaffirmed the department’s full support for the SHIKHA project, which aims to ensure garment factories are free from gender-based violence and harassment.
The garment sector’s commitment to improving conditions for female workers was echoed by Shams Mahmud, a member of the BGMEA Support Committee and Managing Director of Shasha Denim Limited. He described the SHIKHA project as a vital step toward building a resilient industry that aligns with global standards for women’s rights and safety.
During the event, Jenefa Jabbar, Director of Social Compliance and Safeguarding at BRAC, outlined the project’s goals, emphasising the importance of social awareness and community engagement in fostering behavior change to combat gender-based violence.
The SHIKHA project, implemented in partnership with the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), will target garment factories and other key urban districts over the next four years. It aims to foster safer environments in workplaces, advocate for legislative reforms, enhance enforcement mechanisms, and challenge harmful social norms and stereotypes.
By focusing on creating safer spaces for women, the SHIKHA project represents a crucial step toward addressing the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in Bangladesh’s garment industry and beyond.
