United in diversity against gender-based violence: GIZ Bangladesh celebrates 16 days of activism

Every year, the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign reminds us to take a stand against violence. The global campaign begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and continues through 10 December, Human Rights Day.

After two years of observing this occasion remotely, this year GIZ Bangladesh organised an in-person event on 1 December. More than 100 colleagues expressed solidarity under the theme “United in Diversity, against Gender-based Violence.” Dr. Andreas Kuck, Country Director, GIZ Bangladesh, in his welcome note urged colleagues to recognise the beauty that lies within diversity. Diversity, he said, should not just be tolerated, but it should also be celebrated.

This was followed by an interactive ‘diversity walk’. Colleagues volunteered in this exercise that made them to ponder where they stood in terms of social security, gender equality and racial prejudices. Probing questions such as ‘do I have role models of my own gender in the arena of my work?’, or ‘do I feel as if caring for my family makes me seem like a less productive worker?’ – can help us better appreciate many societal expectations and realities. Even among a seemingly homogeneous group of professionals, it was evident that the diversity of lived experiences varied across a wide spectrum.

After the walk, colleagues Nabila Tarannum Khan and Sandwip Mondal enacted a roleplay, portraying two instances from everyday lives. The importance of communication, and of raising voices when faced with casual harassment was acted out in the skit.

Next, Nusrat Jahan shared a presentation on GIZ Bangladesh’s Sexual Harassment Prevention and Redressal Policy, highlighting established mechanisms of reporting instances of harassments, and the subsequent steps of investigation. Nahid Shahrin, Head of Unit, Human Resources, answered questions from colleagues during the open discussion afterwards.

The event ended with closing remarks from Werner Lange, Cluster Coordinator, Textile Cluster.

Ananya Rubayat has written the piece

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