International Women’s Day and Violence against Women in Bangladesh

The International Women’s Day, observed worldwide on March 08 since 1911, reflects unity, action, awareness from global to the local level. International Women’s Day 2020 has special significance for gender equality since this year is the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. ‘Each for Equal’ is the theme for this year’s Women’s Day which is focusing on cultural, political and socio-economical achievements of women across the globe. An equal world represents equal rights and opportunities for both women and men across employment, education, culture, economy and political power. Over the years, employment rate for female labour force has increased, to 36 per cent (World Bank 2019). Among South Asian countries, Bangladesh ranks 5th. Most of the Bangladeshi female workforce are engaged in the Informal Sector. Violence against women has reached an epidemic level globally as well as in Bangladesh. According to Amnesty International UK, one in every three women confesses to torture in their lifetime in some way. Due to lack of safe, proper environment in the capital, women of all ages are facing violence almost every day, on the streets, at workplaces, and educational institutions. On the occasion of International Women’s Day Bangladesh Labour Foundation organized rally and discussion meeting in Keranigong, the largest Local RMG Apparel Hub with a demand of enacting law to prevent gender based violence at work place as well as to ratify the ILO Convention 190.