All events in Asia-Pacific

Recognising Women’s Movements in Bangladesh

UN Women Bangladesh interviewed two feminist activists to mark this year’s 16 Days of Activism in order to recognize their contribution in advancing gender equality. A veteran feminist, Sultana Kamal, and a young activist, Tosiba Akter (pseudonym)from Cox’s Bazar, were interviewed to bring out the intergenerational feminist movement aspects of Bangladesh. Read more:

• Take five with Sultana Kamal: If you believe in Human Dignity, then the Principle of Leaving No One Behind should automatically be in your agenda
• Take Five: "I am also your child, and you should treat me equally."

UNiTE! 16 Days Joint Campaign Launch in Cox’s Bazar

Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Cox's Bazar to mark the start of the 16 Days of Activism campaign. The Gender in Humanitarian Action Working Group (GiHA WG), co-chaired by UN Women, coordinated the rally bringing together the Government, development and humanitarian actors, civil society, women’s organizations, young people, the private sector, the media, and the UN system to support the activism of women leaders and women’s movements working to end violence against women and girls. The launch also included a photography exhibition and cultural shows. GiHA WG partners organized more than 300 local events in the Rohingya refugee camps. Watch this short video of UN Women Rohingya Volunteers speaking up to end violence against women and girls.

Video Message from Women Ambassadors

In light of this year’s 16 Days of Activism to end GBV theme “UNiTE! Activism to End Violence against Women & Girls”, five Bangladeshi female ambassadors in Bangladesh gave a joint video message to amplify the feminist and activist voices from the country and demonstrate their commitment to ending gender-based violence.

Video Message Series from Male Ambassadors

A series of video messages from six male Ambassadors were published during 16 Days of Activism. The Ambassadors focused on the need to prioritize women’s meaningful participation in decision-making and their education, healthcare, and livelihoods, in order to end GBV. They also spoke about their own roles in working with survivors of violence, women’s financial empowerment, and how working with men and boys will be key in achieving gender equality. Message from Australian High Commissioner; British High Commissioner; EU Ambassador; Dutch Ambassador; Norwegian Ambassador; and US Ambassador.

Be the Light in the Dark Multi-Media Exhibition

The exhibition showcased an immersive journey of first responders. It gave the audience a chance to step in the shoes of a hotline who answers lifesaving phone calls; a social worker who accompanies a survivor to leave the violent environment; a lawyer who facilitates access to justice; and a frontline worker who advocates for ending violence against women and girls.

Date: 25th-28th November 2022 (exhibition closed down due to COVID19 restrictions) Reopen during 7th–10th December 2022

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