The Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication-BNNRC and the Agrogoti Sangstha held a capacity-building workshop for local NGOs and CSOs to prevent and mitigate technology-facilitated gender-based violence-TFGBV and promote digital development on December 24.
The workshop included 32 representatives from NGOs and CSOs in Satkhira district. Through this workshop, the participants were equipped with the knowledge and skills to address TFGBV in their respective areas, promote digital development and raise awareness in their communities. The workshop also aimed to empower them to take action to mitigate TFGBV and advance inclusive digital development.
The objectives of the workshop were to provide clear insights into the various types and impacts of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, related laws and policies and the potential of Bangladesh’s digital development. It encouraged NGOs and CSO representatives to increase knowledge and accountability regarding TFGBV within their organizations and to contribute to preventing violence and fostering digital development actively.
The workshop also aimed to encourage continued cooperation and the exchange of experiences among participants through networking and advocacy efforts to promote TFGBV prevention at the local level.
This workshop was part of BNNRC’s ‘Strengthening Resilience Against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence and Promoting Digital Development’ project, supported by the Civic Engagement Fund-CEF program. The project is being technically assisted by GFA Consulting Group and financed by Switzerland and Global Affairs Canada.
The workshop opened with welcoming remarks from Abdus Sabur Biswas, Executive Director of Agrogoti Sangstha, who outlined the workshop’s goals and expected outcomes. He also discussed the current situation in Satkhira and suggested actions to address local challenges.
BNNRC’s CEO, AHM Bazlur Rahman, elaborated on the concept of technology-facilitated gender-based violence-TFGBV, its negative impacts and how digital development can help in addressing this issue. He emphasized the CSOs’s role in raising awareness about digital development and TFGBV prevention.
Mahbubur Rahman, the Project Coordinator at Agrogoti Sangstha, shared insights into the current situation of TFGBV in Satkhira, highlighting hopeful developments and offering policy recommendations for the region.
A discussion session was held with 12 designated speakers, moderated by Ziaul Ahsan, Trustee Board Member at BNNRC. Participants actively shared their commitments and ideas for preventing TFGBV, focusing on new stakeholders, including internet service providers, lawyers and mobile money agents such as bKash and Rocket.
Special guests stressed the importance of proactively addressing TFGBV, noting that awareness and early action could prevent violence from escalating. They emphasized the role of the media in disseminating accurate information and the need for government support to help victims of violence.
The Chief Guest, Nazmun Nahar, Deputy Director at the Department of Women Affairs, Satkhira, highlighted the importance of raising awareness in families, particularly to educate children about digital conduct and ethical behavior. She urged the media to play a pivotal role in spreading these messages and ensuring widespread awareness. Press Release