Women get sexually harassed more at public places in Bangladesh: Study

A survey has found that women get sexually harassed more in public places than any other areas. The study, conducted by NGO Action Aid in 7 cities and rural areas across Bangladesh for two months, also finds the prevalence of sexual harassment is more in cities than in rural areas. The finds were released on Tuesday afternoon in Dhaka at the launch of a campaign titled ‘Safe Cities for Women’. The survey was conducted on 1200 people – 800 women and 400 men – in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal, Sylhet and Narayanganj. Twenty-one group discussions, analyses of 15 incidents and view-exchanges with police officials, city planners, transport drivers and their helpers and people of different professions happened and 56 people were interviewed in the survey. The report said: ‘Women are sexually harassed more in public places including public transports. Among the interviewees 84 per cent women interviewed said they faced unexpected comments and indecent behaviours many a times since their early teens. ‘Fiftypc women were given indecent proposals and 57pc were subjected to unexpected touches.’ The ActionAid citing the finds said 76pc of under-20 women and 44pc of above-30 females faced sexual harassment. The victims usually did not disclose sexual harassment incidents unless that was severe and 50pc did not protest the harassment, according to the study.