In Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, more than five hundred individuals participated in various events held to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence in 2023. Participants included refugees, members of the host community, government officials, and development partners.
The Cox’s Bazar Cultural Center hosted a vibrant launch event to kick off the program, which then carried on in the Rohingya Refugee Response Camps. A human chain, an interactive theater performance, and an art campaign featuring slogans, wall paintings, and street art turned ordinary areas into colorful canvases that promoted gender equality and women’s empowerment. The Rohingya Art and Craft Fair, which included handicrafts and handmade goods created by the host and Rohingya populations, was another feature of the event.
The events were supported by a variety of humanitarian response partners, including the Government of Bangladesh, UN agencies, international and national non-governmental organizations, women’s rights organizations, and activists. The events were led by the Gender-based Violence (GBV) Sub Sector and the Gender in Humanitarian Action Working Group (GiHA WG).
The “16 Days” campaign, which ran from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25, 2018) to Human Rights Day (December 10, 2018), highlighted how critical it is to make investments in ending violence against women and girls. Over 500 advocacy activities—ranging from lectures, seminars, and conversations to sports, music, and theater—resonated with the global call to join and invest in this vital cause, with orange serving as a sign of optimism for a future free of violence.
“Promoting Gender-responsive Governance in Rohingya Refugee Camps” dialogue
‘Advancing Gender-responsive Camp Governance’ was the topic of discussion held by Cox’s Bazar Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
Camp-in-Charges from all around Cox’s Bazar, representatives from women’s rights organizations and UN agencies (such as UN Women, UNFPA, and UNHCR), sector representatives/coordinators, members of the GiHA Working Group, and the GBV-Sub-Sector were present at the discussion.
The topics of discussion included the difficulties faced by women and girls in the camps and the significance of gender-responsive camp governance. Proposals pertaining to augmenting the security and welfare of females in the Rohingya camps were made, with a particular emphasis on the necessity of improving cooperation and communication.
“In order to connect with survivors, we must establish communication channels. “My concern is not about being a man or a woman; rather, it is about being gender sensitive,” said Mr. Sarwar Kamal, the camp-in-charge of the Rohingya Refugee Camp in Cox’s Bazar.
UN Women also provided support for several events in different camps, including 467 stakeholders. The activities included special events marking International Women’s Human Rights Defenders Day, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, World Volunteer Day, World AIDS Day, and Human Rights Day, all aimed at providing the community with tools to advocate and raise awareness about various issues. Every camp-specific activity promoted community-driven action against gender-based violence, inclusivity, and awareness.
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