The nine-month ‘Nirbhoy Nari’ project was launched on Wednesday at Safura Khatun Pilot Girls’ High School in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, with the aim of raising awareness among adolescent girls about sexual harassment, abuse prevention, personal safety and their rights.
Around 200 students will take part in a series of awareness sessions, training programmes and confidence-building activities under the initiative, jointly organised by Zonta Club of Dhaka III and Survivors Path Foundation.
Narayanganj-3 MP Azharul Islam Mannan attended the launch programme as the chief guest.
The project formally began with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the school authorities and Survivors Path Foundation.
Survivors Path Foundation President Munazia Snigdha Moon said ensuring the safety of adolescent girls requires more than warning them about potential dangers.
“Girls must be empowered with the knowledge and confidence to recognise unsafe situations, understand personal boundaries and seek help without fear,” she said.
She stressed that students should know whom to approach in times of danger and should not remain silent when facing harassment or abuse.
“A girl cannot be kept safe by frightening her; she needs to be empowered through awareness and confidence,” Munazia said. “We want the girls to know their rights, speak out against injustice, and stand beside themselves and others when necessary.”
She also emphasised the role of families, teachers, educational institutions and authorities in creating a safe environment for girls. Seeking support, she said, should never be seen as a sign of weakness, and survivors should not be blamed for violence or abuse committed against them.
Dr A K M Ahsan Habib Nafi, Commonwealth Students Association country representative, highlighted the physical and psychological consequences of sexual harassment and abuse and called for greater empathy towards survivors.
“A girl who experiences harassment or abuse needs safety, support and empathy above all,” he said, urging families, teachers, students and communities to provide timely support rather than blaming or questioning victims.
Zonta Club of Dhaka III President Nasreen Khan said the initiative seeks to challenge the culture of fear and silence surrounding violence against women and girls.
“Why should a woman walk through life in fear? Why should her safety depend on someone else’s mercy? Why should she remain silent even after becoming a victim of injustice? Our answer is one—no,” she said.
She said the nine-month programme would seek to ensure that girls grow up knowing their rights and feeling confident about speaking out against injustice.
MP Azharul Islam Mannan stressed the collective responsibility of families, educational institutions and society to ensure the safety, dignity and rights of adolescent girls. He said initiatives that build awareness and confidence among young girls are essential for creating a safer society.
As part of the project, students will receive practical guidance on preventing sexual harassment and abuse, understanding personal rights and boundaries, identifying risky situations, responding to harassment, seeking emergency assistance and helping create safer environments.
Skino has joined the initiative as the Wellness Partner, supporting its focus on the physical and mental well-being of adolescent girls.
Neela Sanitary Napkin has joined as the Hygiene Partner to support awareness of personal hygiene, menstrual health and essential health practices.
Titu Mia, general manager of Neela Sanitary Napkin, said the partnership would help increase students’ awareness of hygiene practices and the proper use of sanitary products.
Zonta Club Vice President Sanjida Haque said empowering girls with awareness, confidence and knowledge of their rights can help them protect themselves while also positively influencing their families, peers and communities.
The organisers said the awareness, confidence-building and empowerment activities will continue throughout the nine-month programme, with the goal of helping adolescent girls become better informed about their rights, more confident in seeking help and better prepared to respond to harassment and abuse.
