Bangladesh takes a stand: Nationwide push for safer, inclusive educational institute & workplaces

DHAKA (ILO News) – An innovative initiative is transforming educational institutions across Bangladesh into safer, more inclusive spaces, with the support from ILO’s ProGRESS Project, funded by the Government of Canada.

Building a violence-free future

A dedicated Gender and Skills Taskforce – formed under the ProGRESS Project – is leading the charge to combat gender-based violence and harassment in educational institutes and workplaces. With support from the Directorate of Technical Education, the taskforce has rolled out eye-catching posters and informational boards nationwide. These materials, packed with actionable steps and key messages, aim to raise awareness and empower students, teachers, and communities to recognize, prevent, and report incidences of harassment and violence.

Students lead the charge

In March 2025, over 200 students and 25 teachers from Dhaka Mohila Polytechnic Institute and the Graphic Arts Institute joined dynamic workshops to tackle harassment head-on. The sessions ignited powerful conversations:

Nadia Sultana, a student at Dhaka Mohila Polytechnic, declared, “Change starts with us! We must speak up when we witness violence.”

Tahmina Israt Jahan, another student, emphasized societal responsibility, “Everyone must step forward to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.”

Md Mridul, a student at Graphic Arts Institute, emphasized the campaign’s impact, “The message that exclusion or isolation in any form is unacceptable deeply resonated with me. It’s our responsibility to treat everyone equally—regardless of class, religion, ability, or disability. Inclusion begins with us.”

Students from the Graphic Arts Institute pledged to safeguard peers and challenge harmful behaviours, while teachers vowed to strengthen reporting systems and weave anti-harassment themes into daily lessons.

Commitment to lasting change

School leaders are doubling down on awareness efforts. Ms. Shahana Begum, Principal of Dhaka Mohila Polytechnic, announced plans for regular workshops for students, staff, and even parents during annual meetings. Engineer Md. Rejaul Karim, Principal of Graphic Arts Institute, stressed the urgency: “These campaigns are critical as our nation navigates complex social challenges.”

The campaign kicked off in November 2024 during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, when the ILO’s Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen handed over awareness materials to the Ministry of Education and 18 other ministries. Government bodies have pledged to display these resources in schools nationwide and host training sessions, signalling a unified commitment to dignity and safety for all.

Why it matters

Gender-based violence remains a barrier to education and employment for millions. By equipping young people with knowledge and fostering a culture of respect, Bangladesh is paving the way for safer classrooms, workplaces, and communities.

The ProGRESS Project is a joint initiative of the Government of Bangladesh and the International Labour Organization (ILO), funded by the Government of Canada.The partnership will strengthen TVET and enterprise development systems, to make these more inclusive and accessible for women by working on policies, systems, and operational levels. ProGRESS stands for ‘Promoting Gender Responsive Enterprise Development and TVET Systems’.