The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh and UN Women have agreed to work together to eliminate sexual harassment and gender-based violence at higher educational institutions.
This announcement was made after a three-member UN Women delegation paid a courtesy call to UGC Chairman SMA Faiz on Thursday, according to a press release.
"A three-year project is underway to eliminate sexual harassment and gender-based violence in public spaces, public transport, workplaces, and higher educational institutions. The project aims to ensure safe workplaces for women, change attitudes, values, and behaviours towards women, and strengthen institutional mechanisms," UN Women Bangladesh Deputy Representative Navanita Sinha said.
The project, funded by the European Union, will be implemented by UN Women, and will be carried out in five public and private universities selected by the UGC, she added.
"We look forward to UGC's cooperation in this regard. A memorandum of understanding will soon be signed with UGC in this regard," Navanita added.
UGC Chairman Muhammad Fayez said, "Effective measures will be taken to eliminate sexual harassment and gender-based violence at universities. Policies will also be formulated for teachers, students, and all stakeholders in this regard."
UGC's International Cooperation Division Director (Current Charge) Jesmin Parvin, UGC members Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, Mashuma Habib, Mohammad Ayub Islam, UN Officials Sadia Tasnim, and Tosiba Kashem, among others, were present at the meeting.
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