The European Union and UN Women have signed a partnership agreement to prevent sexual and gender-based violence in public spaces, workplaces, and tertiary educational institutions in Bangladesh.

The project aligned with the Bangladesh government’s commitment to achieving ‘a society without violence against women and children by 2025,’ as outlined in its National Action Plan to Prevent Violence against Women and Children (2018–2030) (NAPVAWC), according to a statement issued on Tuesday.

It would integrate strategies for both the prevention of and response to gender-based violence (GBV), focusing on addressing sexual harassment and violence in key areas of daily life, including public spaces, workplaces, and educational institutions, the statement said.

The partnership would further support UN Women in advocating for the government to swiftly fulfil its commitments to international gender equality and human rights standards.

These include the recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review, the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the NAPVAWC.

The project wouldl contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal indicator 5.1.1, which aimed to end all forms of discrimination against women and girls, the press release stated.

Building on the EU’s political and financial support, as well as UN Women’s prevention programmes over the last five years, the 4.8 million euros grant would focus on three key critical areas: strengthening the enabling environment through policies, systems, and improving institutional knowledge, resources, and practices to prevent sexual and gender-based violence in public spaces, workplaces, and tertiary educational institutions.

The remaining focus would be on transforming harmful social and gender norms to address discriminatory practices and strengthening the agency and leadership of civil society and women’s rights organisations to ensure sustained impact, the statement said.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the EU office in Dhaka, Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, said, ‘This intervention is an example of the European Union taking every opportunity to advance gender equality and eliminate violence against women and girls. It will foster safe environments where women and girls can thrive without fear of harassment or discrimination.’

The EU is proud to partner with UN Women and support the authorities of Bangladesh in meeting the rightful expectations of its citizens, he noted.

Thanking the EU for its support and strategic partnership, UN Women Representative Gitanjali Singh said, ‘This year marks a pivotal moment for women’s rights as we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.’

The collaboration with the EU to advance gender equality would enable UN Women to continue its critical work of preventing violence against women and girls, addressing discriminatory norms, and investing in civil society to make gender equality a lived reality in Bangladesh, she said.

This partnership underscores the shared commitment of the European Union and UN Women to creating a future free from violence and discrimination for all women and girls in Bangladesh.