PH Embassy in Bangladesh holds VAW campaign seminar

Philippine Embassy in Dhaka organized the seminar at the Six Seasons Hotel in Dhaka on 20 December 2021. (Dhaka PE photo)

DHAKA, 11 December 2021 – In order to refine the Embassy’s response to the growing concerns of Filipino women in Bangladesh on domestic violence, and in furtherance of the global campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), the Philippine Embassy in Dhaka organized the seminar entitled “A Community Free from Violence: Towards a More Responsive and Engaged Sampradāẏ to End VAW” at the Six Seasons Hotel in Dhaka on 20 December 2021. Sampraday is the Bengali word for “community”.

It has been observed that there has been an increase in the number of cases of domestic abuse reported by Filipinas residing in Bangladesh, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. To streamline the available response and improve the coordination with relevant agencies in the country, the Embassy organized the first of the series of seminars to bring together key government, non-government actors, and the academe, along with members of the Filipino community. 

The event helped raise awareness on the social and legal courses of action for women in Bangladesh who have experienced violence and abuse. The following topics were extensively discussed during the seminar: national and local laws that safeguard the welfare of women against domestic violence and human trafficking in Bangladesh, the role of the police, and programs and initiatives that non-government organizations (NGOs) provide to women who are victims of violence and abuse. 

The event also served as a venue for discussion and exchange of ideas among members of the Filipino community and key agencies and institutions. The government and non-government sectors were represented by Ms. Monalisa Begum, Chief Superintendent of the Special Branch of the Bangladesh Police; and Ms. Nazma Akter and Mr. Anisur Rahman Khan, General Secretary and Director for Migration of Awaj Foundation, respectively. 

The academe, represented by Mr. Md. Foyajul Islam of the Islamic University of Technology (IUT), explained the foundations of Islamic teachings with regard to the role of women in the family and society. His presentation helped frame the issue in the context and culture of Bangladesh. 

The resource persons acknowledged the strength of Filipino women, who were represented in the seminar. Ms. Begum of the Special Branch emphasized the need to strengthen partnership between men and women, and together, find solutions to bridge the gender gap. 

Resource persons and participants alike expressed commitment to remain engaged in finding solutions together in making Dhaka a sampraday (Bengali for “community”) free from violence. END

For more information, visit https://www.dhakape.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBangladesh/.