Published: 30 November 2023
In a poignant tribute to the global fight against gender-based violence (GBV), Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) orchestrated a compelling event - ‘My Role Against Gender-Based Violence’ - on 30 November 2023, involving its Dhaka office staff.
The gathering symbolised a united front in solidarity with the worldwide commitment to combat rampant violence against women and girls. At its core was a powerful and emotionally charged street play titled “No More Silence (আর নয় চুপ থাকা),” presented by the renowned theatre troupe ‘BotTala - a performance space.’
Under the guidance of TIB's Gender Core Committee (GCC), the play artfully unfolded real-life narratives, shedding light on the distressing experiences of women and girls in their daily lives. Weaving through tales of violence in familial, public, and workplace spheres, the interactive performance prompted the audience to reflect, urging them to consider their roles in preventing GBV.
As the final act concluded, TIB's Executive Director (ED) Dr. Iftekharuzzaman highlighted the interconnectedness between corruption and violence against women, emphasising the shared roots of corruption and violence – the abuse of power.
"Corruption embodies exploitation of power dynamics, often intertwining with instances of violence against women. The imbalance of power wielded by men frequently results in physical and sexual exploitation of women. TIB firmly believes that the women's rights movement and the anti-corruption movement are inherently linked, sharing core values," he added.
Reaffirming the organisation's unwavering dedication to combat all forms of violence against women, the TIB ED urged staff to engage in conversations regarding their experiences and roles in combating GBV. Subsequently, the staff members bravely shared their own stories of adversity and triumph, with many men expressing their feelings of helplessness against the brutal forces perpetuating violence against women. The event stirred a spectrum of emotions, as colleagues recounted their harrowing encounters.
Under the guidance of the theatre troupe, all the participants pledged their active involvement in the ongoing crusade against violence targeting women, solidifying a collective commitment to cultivate a world devoid of such atrocities.
