As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, BRAC organized a workshop on 28 November 2023 in Cox’s Bazar where ISEC project partners came together for a sensitization workshop dedicated to this critical issue. Aligned with the global campaign’s theme, “Invest to prevent violence against women and girls,” the workshop aimed to deepen staff capacity in tackling gender-based violence (GBV) under the ISEC project initiatives. The workshop aimed to build staff capacity on addressing GBV in ISEC workplaces and communities. During the interactive sessions, over 40 participants from BRAC, ILO, UNDP/A2i, and IOM gained awareness and motivation to create change in communities.
“We reaffirmed our commitment to stop abuse of women that prevails in society,” shared Serajul Islam from ILO. “Awareness must be fostered at all levels - from families to workplaces - to protect women from harm” he added. From understanding GBV forms and laws to identifying barriers faced by women, the workshop content resonated with participants’ ground realities.
“As BRAC staff, I feel proud to be able to help women facing domestic violence,” noted Ashraful Islam, sharing how the sessions made the issues more tangible. Participants gained clarity on relevant laws, identified barriers for women in markets/workplaces and solutions like awareness raising and women-friendly spaces. Videos and discussions strengthened commitment to curb abuse at home and work. A quiz wrapped up the day on a thoughtful note, allowing participants to recap learnings.
The workshop successfully sensitized staff on tackling GBV and upholding safe workplaces. “The multitude of examples made the knowledge click efficiently,” said one participant reflecting on the impact. The workshop marked a meaningful step in ISEC’s journey to engender lasting change. Equipped with enhanced awareness and motivation, staff left energized to drive progress in women’s safety and equality through their work. ISEC plans to build on the momentum with refresher workshops that will keep the flame alive through continued capacity building across teams.
Together, ISEC staff committed to build a world free from violence for women and girls. As ISEC staff carry the messages forward, the ripples of change are bound to stretch far and wide.
