Violence against women must stop

Violence against women is increasing in our country. It is alarming. The women consist half of our population and we cannot expect to achieve the desired level of progress keeping them neglected and backward. Nearly 60 per cent of women in our country face some kinds of violence like dowry killing, rape, sexual harassment, stalking, sexual and mental abuse and sex trafficking. Prevention should start early in life through promotion of gender equality. Thanks to RMG sector more women have joined workforce than any time before.

Most cases of rape do not get registered at the police stations as the families of victims do not want to face further harassment. In our society, we blame the victims instead of criminals - and blame the victims for being raped!

We need to build a women-friendly society. We must improve transport sector and make it women-friendly so that they are encouraged to come out and join work or pursue education and be what they want to be in life.

Ayesha Afrin

Uttara, Dhaka