A sharing meeting with film entrepreneurs on addressing the growing spread of misogyny, hate speech, and violence against women on digital platforms was held at 4:30 PM on 7 June 2026 at the Anwara Begum Munira Khan Auditorium of the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Central Office.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. The welcome address was delivered by Maleka Banu, General Secretary. Remarks were also delivered by Shima Moslem, Joint General Secretary; Rekha Saha, Legal Aid Secretary; and Parveen Islam, Environment Secretary
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Participants in the discussion included filmmaker Shamim Akhtar; documentary filmmakers Mehjad Galib and Shabnam Ferdousi; Jhumur Asma Jui; Fahadul Haque; Shahinur Akhtar; Chaitali Samaddar; documentary filmmaker and trainer Farid Ahmed; Farzana Afroz, Content Writer of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad; Dolon Krishna Shil, IT Coordinator; and Pragya Laboni Sadia, member of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.
The participants observed that although they have worked for many years to reach their current positions, the representation of women in films remains limited. They emphasized that filmmakers must be more conscious in portraying women and addressing violence against women on screen. They noted a disconnect in depicting the real struggles of women’s lives. During the 1970s and 1980s, the environment was not conducive for women in filmmaking, and there were very few female filmmakers. Even today, society has not fully accepted women’s participation in workplaces beyond evening hours. They stressed the need for state initiatives to support the development of women filmmakers.
The participants further noted that while women enjoyed relatively greater freedom of movement during the 1990s, that space has since narrowed. The film industry continues to remain male-dominated. In this context, they called for greater outreach to young people through online platforms to raise awareness about the work of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.
They also observed that although awareness initiatives on violence against women had been undertaken a decade ago, recent incidents of violence against women are increasingly alarming. Legal action often appears to be initiated only after incidents go viral. Both men and women have increasingly become abusers on social media. They expressed concern that consumerism has negatively influenced Bangladeshi society.
Although many challenges in film production are discussed, these challenges are not always reflected in film scripts. Therefore, filmmakers must carefully consider the context of stories and how issues can be presented with sensitivity. They stressed that films should be reviewed critically after release, and that platforms created by women’s organizations are important in facilitating dialogue between filmmakers and audiences.
The speakers highlighted that women have always faced neglect and continue to do so. They emphasized the need to ensure punishment for cyber violence against women and suggested developing content on legal consequences of digital violence against women for dissemination at the district level to enhance awareness.
They also noted that awareness-raising content posted online often attracts negative comments, reflecting a lack of responsible online engagement. They emphasized the need to build awareness regarding ethical online behavior and to continue producing awareness content on violence against women despite negative reactions.
The participants further stated that the journey of women filmmakers is not easy; many have progressed by overcoming significant barriers. They stressed that filmmakers and women’s organizations must work together in solidarity and expand awareness activities beyond Dhaka to reach marginalized and remote areas.
Dr. Fauzia Moslem stated that incidents of murder and hatred against women have increased in recent times, while the influence of social media has grown significantly. She emphasized that social media should be used to promote positive values and aspirations and to foster positive attitudes toward women. She called upon all stakeholders, including film entrepreneurs, to work collectively in advancing the women’s movement and combating misogyny.
Maleka Banu, General Secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, stated that filmmakers and Bangladesh Mahila Parishad have long been working to raise awareness against violence toward women. However, current realities suggest that society is moving in the opposite direction in many respects, which is deeply concerning. She explained that the event was organized to explore how the scope and impact of their work could be expanded further.
She added that it is essential to collectively consider how the creativity, experience, and insights of filmmakers can contribute to building a women-friendly, equitable, and humane society. In particular, ensuring the positive and responsible use of technology through film initiatives can help bring positive changes in people’s attitudes and mindsets. The exchange meeting was organized with the objective of working together toward building the society they envision.
Rekha Saha, Legal Aid Secretary, stated that society, family, the entertainment industry, and educational curricula often perpetuate negative attitudes toward women. In this context, organizations and filmmakers must work together to re-educate society. She noted that women are repeatedly portrayed as victims of oppression and violence, while their resilience and achievements despite adversity receive less attention. She emphasized that no woman has advanced without struggle.
Shima Moslem, Joint General Secretary, observed that technological influence in society is expanding rapidly, enabling information to spread quickly. She stressed the importance of collaboration between women’s rights activists and technology stakeholders to promote positive attitudes toward women and advance women’s human rights.
Approximately 60 participants, including leaders, executive members, and staff of the Central Committee of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, attended the meeting.
The session was moderated by Dil Afroz Begum, Acting Secretary of the Finance Sub- Committee and Information Technology Sub-Committee of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.
