60pc women of reproductive age abused physically or sexually
Monday, 25 April 2011
FE Report
Academicians and development activists at a seminar said Sunday about 60 per cent women of reproductive age (15-49 years) are physically or sexually abused during their lifetime while two-thirds of them never reveal such experiences. Reports show about 19 per cent women experienced severe physical tortures, and six per cent die during child birth. Often homicide and suicide occur as a result of rape and illegitimate pregnancy. They also said though some women have access to education or resources their voice is still unheard or ignored by the society keeping them away from the power regime. They were speaking at Bangladesh Social Econo-mic Forum 2011 seminar on 'Changing Paradigm of Women's Empowerment: Education, Health and Violence Against Women' organised by Dhaka School of Economics in association with Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) and managed by Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city. Nazmunnessa Mahatab, chairperson of department of Women and Gender Studies of Dhaka University presented the keynote paper on the theme at the seminar while Rasheda K Chowdh-ury, executive director of Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) chaired the programme. Rasheda said women's participation in many sectors has increased in the country. She said if education is the door to poverty alleviation, girls' education is the key to that door. "There is tremendous demand for education in the country but opportunity and resources are still limited to ensure education for the poor and girls," she added. Ms Rasheda, a former caretaker government adviser, asserted the need to determine whether education and health service providing system is women-friendly or not. Regarding violence against women the development activist said it has no socio-economic status in society and most of the women do not talk about the violence committed to them.
Academicians and development activists at a seminar said Sunday about 60 per cent women of reproductive age (15-49 years) are physically or sexually abused during their lifetime while two-thirds of them never reveal such experiences. Reports show about 19 per cent women experienced severe physical tortures, and six per cent die during child birth. Often homicide and suicide occur as a result of rape and illegitimate pregnancy. They also said though some women have access to education or resources their voice is still unheard or ignored by the society keeping them away from the power regime. They were speaking at Bangladesh Social Econo-mic Forum 2011 seminar on 'Changing Paradigm of Women's Empowerment: Education, Health and Violence Against Women' organised by Dhaka School of Economics in association with Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) and managed by Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city. Nazmunnessa Mahatab, chairperson of department of Women and Gender Studies of Dhaka University presented the keynote paper on the theme at the seminar while Rasheda K Chowdh-ury, executive director of Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) chaired the programme. Rasheda said women's participation in many sectors has increased in the country. She said if education is the door to poverty alleviation, girls' education is the key to that door. "There is tremendous demand for education in the country but opportunity and resources are still limited to ensure education for the poor and girls," she added. Ms Rasheda, a former caretaker government adviser, asserted the need to determine whether education and health service providing system is women-friendly or not. Regarding violence against women the development activist said it has no socio-economic status in society and most of the women do not talk about the violence committed to them.