The OSHE Foundation (Bangladesh Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Foundation), an organisation that works on labour issues, has placed some demands in order to end violence against women in the leather industry and factories in Bangladesh.
The demands include eliminate all forms of discrimination against women workers; establishing complaint boxes and anti-sexual abuse committee in every factory; amendment to the labour law in order to include specific clauses addressing indecent treatment of women; formulation and implementation of comprehensive laws to prevent sexual harassment in all sectors; and carrying out awareness programmes.
The OSHE Foundation made the demands during its programmes arranged on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women-2023.
The day was observed on Saturday (November 25, 2023) with the theme ‘Investing in preventing violence against women and girls’. The theme emphasizes the urgent need for collective efforts to end gender-based violence.
To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the OSHE Foundation arranged a rally and discussion at BSCIC Tannery Industrial Estate in Savar, on the outskirts of the capital city.
Md Alam Hossain, head of the project of Bangladesh OSHE Foundation, presided over the function while Tannery workers union President Abul Kalam Azad read out the declaration. Among others, leaders and workers of trade unions were present.
The OSHE Foundation's activities from November 25 to December 10 aim to raise awareness and promote resistance against violence.
Violence against women takes various forms, including physical, emotional, social, and economic oppression.
Disturbing statistics from a 2011 survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics indicate that 87 percent of women experience some form of abuse from their husbands.
Additionally, a UN special report reveals that 60 percent of married women in Bangladesh face abuse from their families or husbands at some point in their lives.
Women's safety is jeopardized in various settings, from homes and workplaces to streets and educational institutions. Despite these challenges, many incidents go unreported due to fear, societal stigma, and lack of support. The OSHE Foundation underscores the importance of collective action to address and prevent violence against women.