On July 8 at 11:30 AM, a discussion meeting on “Violence Against Women: Perspectives of Female Journalists” was held at the Sufia Kamal Auditorium of the central office of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.
The meeting was presided over by Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. The welcome speech was delivered by Maleka Banu, General Secretary of the organization, while Joint General Secretary Shima Moslem also spoke.
A presentation on “The Scenario of Violence against Women: Female Journalists’ Perspectives” was delivered by Munima Sultana, a member of Mass Media Sub-Committee and Special Correspondent of The Financial Express. Additionally, Afroja Arman, Senior Training and Research Officer of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, briefly presented research findings on “Violence Against Women and Girls in the Context of Bangladesh’s Development.”
In her welcome speech, General Secretary Maleka Banu stated that incidents of violence against women and girls have been continuously rising, with the nature and patterns of violence also evolving. She noted that misogyny in society is being rising in multiple ways. Although laws exist to protect women’s rights, their implementation remains inadequate. In this context, the meeting was organized to gather opinions and recommendations from female journalists to strengthen the women’s movement and enhance collaboration with the media in preventing violence against women.
Joint General Secretary Shima Moslem remarked that the portrayal of women in the media reflects societal attitudes. She emphasized that the media is a crucial ally in the movement against gender-based violence and called upon female journalists to ensure accurate and sensitive reporting on incidents of violence.
In her presentation, Munima Sultana highlighted that despite women’s significant contributions to development, increasing violence continues to undermine their progress. Based on newspaper reports, approximately 1,555 women and girls faced violence in the past six months, with the highest number of cases occurring in March. Although the number of incidents later decreased, this does not signify a positive change for women.
Afroja Arman shared that an analysis of violence over the past year revealed that girls are disproportionately affected, particularly in cases of child marriage, sexual assault, rape, and gang rape, with most victims aged between 2 and 18 years.
During the open discussion, female journalists, including Selina Akter (Ajker Patrika), Drohi Tara (Samakal), Nasrin Geeti (Sangbad), Rafia Chowdhury (Freelancer), Nadira Kiran and Shahnaz Munni (media professionals), Sebika Deb Nath (Bhorer Kagoj), Ummul Wara Sweety (Desh Rupantor), Rita Bhomik (Kalbelaa), Zahida Parvez (The Presenja), Shahnaz Parvin Elisa (Khoborer Kagoj), and Jannatul Ruhi (The Financial Express), shared their insights.
They pointed out that survivors of violence are often further victimized due to insensitive or sensationalist media coverage. Many incidents go unreported, or are misrepresented when published. They noted that misogyny is also spreading through social media and the misuse of technology. The speakers urged the media to adopt strategic measures, ensure gender-sensitive reporting, and called for government action to curb the misrepresentation of violence against women on digital platforms.
In her concluding remarks, President Dr. Fauzia Moslem emphasized that the “The women’s movement and the media are working in a mutually complementary way. She stressed that gender discrimination must be eradicated in order to end violence against women. She further stated that social change requires both personal and institutional reform. Dr. Moslem urged the media to be more responsible in reporting and called for unity to advance the women’s movement globally.
The meeting was attended by print and electronic media journalists, as well as leaders and officials of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. The event was moderated by Mahfuza Jasmine, the organization’s Mass Media Secretary.
