Combating violence against women and adolescent girls in Bangladesh

Breaking the Silence on Violence Against Women and Adolescent Girls in Bangladesh

A woman’s right to live a life free of violence is not a privilege— it is a fundamental human right. Yet, for millions of women and girls worldwide, including in Bangladesh, this right is routinely denied and remains out of reach. As one of the most pervasive human rights violations, violence against women and girls not only impedes their potential but also limits a nation's progress, growth, and stability. It is not just an individual tragedy, but a lived reality and a systemic crisis that weakens families, communities, and the society at large. 

In Bangladesh, the scale of the problem demands our urgent attention. Findings from the recent Violence Against Women Survey 2024 released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics reveal a sobering reality — 70% of women have experienced at least one form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime, with 41% facing such violence in the past year alone. The forms of intimate partner violence surveyed include physical, sexual, economic, and emotional violence as well as controlling behaviours. Equally concerning is the prevalence of non-partner violence, which encompasses physical and sexual violence. About 16% of women reported experiencing non-partner violence from relatives, neighbors, or strangers since the age of 15.

We must bear in mind that media reports are just the tip of the iceberg, as violence against women and girls is often silenced due to fear, stigma or lack of support systems. Service providers, civil society organisations, police, and health workers play a crucial role in responding to cases, yet their data only reflects incidents that are reported. The Violence Against Women Survey reveals a staggering 64% of survivors never share their experiences. Many believe it is a “normal” family matter. This silence is even more pronounced among older women, rural populations, and those facing multiple forms of discrimination. Data from service providers does not capture the scale of violence. The prevalence survey is the closest we can get to understanding the scale of violence against women. 

The survey reveals that women in disaster-prone areas experience higher levels of violence than those in non-disaster-prone regions. 74 per cent of women in these areas have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime, compared to 68 per cent in other parts of the country. The survey confirms what we have long recognised: the climate crisis is not gender-neutral. Disasters intensify existing inequalities, disrupt protection systems, and restrict women's and girls’ access to essential services. With inadequate shelters and safety nets, women are at greater risk.

Furthermore, the survey also reveals the intersectionality between gender and age, which deepens the vulnerabilities of adolescent girls. The data shows that married adolescent girls in Bangladesh experience disproportionately high levels of intimate partner violence in the last 12 months, making them the most affected age group. This is unfortunately linked to child marriage, which affects nearly half of the girls in Bangladesh who are married before their 18th birthday. The adolescent girls are also highly vulnerable to non-partner violence.

One enumerator recalls being alarmed by the extent of violence experienced by older women. “Honestly, I didn’t expect them to face violence at this stage of their lives,” she said. However, her perspective quickly shifted as she interviewed many older survivors of violence, who perhaps never disclosed their experiences to anyone before. 

Even when survivors do come forward, they encounter several challenges—from social judgments to financial costs. According to the survey, out-of-pocket expenses for legal and medical support likely deter women from pursuing justice or treatment. High healthcare costs, lengthy legal processes, and fear of family backlash all converge to keep survivors trapped in cycles of violence.

There is an urgent need to expand survivor-centered multi-sectoral services and break the culture of silence around violence against women. Greater awareness of toll-free hotlines—999 and 109—is crucial as current use is low. ​​Survivors need to have timely, compassionate, and comprehensive access to the Essential Services Package, which includes health, social services, police, and justice sectors. It is equally important to address the root causes of violence against women and harmful practices by investing in women's and girls' empowerment, leadership, education, and economic opportunities along with actively engaging men and boys as allies. The UN is working closely with the Government of Bangladesh and civil society partners to strengthen both response and prevention of violence against women and girls. By reinforcing legislative frameworks, investing in prevention, and ensuring services are accessible and effective, Bangladesh can move toward a reality where every woman lives free from fear and harm.

Ending the pandemic of violence against women is not just a moral obligation—it is essential for the nation’s sustainable development. There are signs of hope. We have seen communities rally to end violence against women, local councils promote safe spaces, and youth speaking up against violence. The momentum for change is here. It requires sustained collective efforts from government institutions, civil society, development partners, media, and local communities. 

If more women and girls can safely engage in their communities, schools, and workplaces, Bangladesh will be stronger—both in fulfilling its gender equality commitments and realizing the sustainable development goals (SDGs). This International Women’s Day, let us commit to ensuring that every survivor has access to quality healthcare, justice, and dignity. This is very much within reach, only if we act decisively, collectively, and with urgency.

This opinion article is authored by Gwyn Lewis, UN Resident Coordinator; Gitanjali Singh, UN Women Representative; and Masaki Watabe, UNFPA Representative a.i.