icddr,b launches study to map gender violence in Bangladesh

Although Bangladesh has attained remarkable success in increasing literacy rates for women, and decreasing the maternal and child mortality rate, studies repeatedly indicate that violence against women and girls is still pervasive is this society.

Inspired by the National Women Development Policy 2011 of Bangladesh and the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2010 a study is being undertaken by icddr,b and Population Council with financial support from  the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DfID) that will map the areas of the country where women are most vulnerable to violence.

The study, titled ‘Addressing Gender-Based Violence against Women and Girls in Bangladesh: From Evidence to Policy,’ will provide evidence-based research to policy makers who are working to fight gender based violence, which is on the rise in Bangladesh. On Wednesday, 1 February, icddr,b formally launched the study which will also identify strategies and mechanisms policymakers can use to prevent violence against women and girls.

Violence remains a problem

“Several indicators over the last decade suggest that women’s status in the country has been gradually improving, yet when it comes to violence against women, we see them increasingly victimised both within their families, and outside”, explained icddr,b scientist, Dr. Ruchira Tabassum Naved as she introduced the study in icddr,b’s Saskawa Auditorium. “This study will try to give policy makers, both in the government and at donor level, a context as to where they might be going wrong, and point out the areas of the country that need more attention”, added Ms Laila Rahman, Senior Program Officer from Population Council who is also a co-author of the study, during her overview of the research project.

Quality information leads to success

“From a donor’s perspective, we need to know what we are doing right and at the same time where we can improve”, said Ms. Gwen Hines, Country Representative of Department for International Development (DfID), Bangladesh, which is funding the study. “I appreciate icddr,b’s continued efforts to provide evidence based research that builds upon previous studies on the topic, while at the same time sheds new light on the issue”.

A fuller picture

The study will use both quantitative and qualitative research methods and will nationally map out the various degrees to which women are vulnerable to violence in the country, which will be important to give policymakers, donors and government officials a more complete picture of how violence against women is spread out geographically. “Evidence-based studies add layers of meanings and context to the existing body of work. I commend icddr,b, Population Council, and DfID for trying to bridge the gap between research and practice”, added Sultana Kamal, the chairperson of We Can Alliance, who was also the Chief Guest of the launching event.  

A history of gender research

icddr,b has been at the forefront of gender research in the developing world since 1980s and our research continues to recognise gender as one of the most important determinants of health, and treat it as a theme that cuts across health and socio-economic status.

For more information on the current and previous gender research projects, please contact Faruq Hasan