Saving women from sexual harassment

Sexual harassment of women is real in Bangladesh. Women out in public places face various forms of harassment daily. They have to endure it whenever they step outside of their homes for work or for other purposes. The situation has worsened because there is no strict implementation of the laws in the country. As a result, women do not feel safe when they go out alone. According to the national emergency helpline (999), law enforcers have received at least five phone calls from victims of sexual harassment per day on average in past five months. And alarmingly, the number of such phone calls is increasing day by day.
We all should come forward and provide security to our womenfolk, remembering that a country that does not respect its women cannot become a developed one. The authorities concerned must have remedial measures such as fast-track courts dedicated to dealing only with crimes related to harassment and violence against women. Such measure would help clear the cases quickly as well as ensure fair trial. Awareness related to sexual harassment and the importance of speaking up should be created among common people. The law should be strict enough so that nobody would dare to commit such crimes. It is time the government undertook drastic measures to put an end to crimes against women, and make Bangladesh safer for women.

Afroza Sheikh,
Dania, Dhaka,
ilcbd2008@gmail.com