Project Background and Problem Statement

Combat Domestic violence remains a pervasive issue in Bangladesh, affecting women across various social strata. Despite legal frameworks and constitutional guarantees of equal rights, women in Bangladesh face systemic discrimination and violence in the family sphere. Gender-based violence, including physical abuse, dowry-related violence, sexual harassment, and marital rape, is unfortunately widespread, yet often remains underreported due to cultural stigmas and fear of retaliation. While offering some protection, the national legal system is insufficient due to the lack of gender sensitivity in both substantive and procedural laws. Moreover, cultural and societal norms often hinder women from accessing justice or speaking out against violence.

Statistics indicate that more than 40% of women experience domestic violence, with nearly 19% suffering life-threatening physical harm. Despite existing laws, such as the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, of 2010, there is a severe gap in implementation and awareness. Women’s legal rights remain a distant concept for many, especially in rural areas where patriarchal control over women’s lives is deeply entrenched. The problem of domestic violence is further exacerbated by a lack of professional investigation, with a significant number of rapists walking free due to poor legal procedures and investigations.

This project, titled Combat Domestic Violence Project – Phase I, aims to address these issues by promoting awareness, legal education, and community engagement, empowering individuals to challenge and prevent domestic violence. By focusing on both women and men, the project strives to shift societal attitudes toward gender equality and encourage more proactive participation in ending domestic violence.

Project Rationale

The persistence of domestic violence in Bangladesh can be attributed to a combination of legal, cultural, and economic factors. The lack of gender-sensitive laws, societal acceptance of violence as a norm, and inadequate support systems for women contribute significantly to the ongoing prevalence of violence.

FAIR, in partnership with the Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association (BNWLA) and with financial support from the Manusher Jonno Foundation, has undertaken this Combating Domestic Violence project to address these challenges. By focusing on grassroots-level awareness and legal empowerment, the project seeks to create lasting change in the communities it serves. The goal is to ensure that women are aware of their legal rights, feel empowered to speak out and have access to support systems that can help them escape violence.

This initiative also emphasizes the importance of engaging both men and women in discussions about gender-based violence. This Combat Domestic Violence project aims to build stronger, more inclusive communities where domestic violence is actively discouraged, and women’s rights are respected.

Project Objective

The primary goal of the Combat Domestic Violence Project-Phase I is to sensitize the community to take a more proactive role in combating domestic violence. By fostering awareness and understanding of legal rights among women, men, and community leaders, the project aims to build a culture of zero tolerance for domestic violence and encourage the protection of women’s rights.

Specific objectives include:

• Increasing awareness of the detrimental impacts of domestic violence.
• Providing legal education and support to women and communities.

Target group: Marginalized, vulnerable and poor sections especially Women and Children

Project duration: July 2004-April 2006

Working Area: Majompur and Haripur Union of Kushtia Sadar Upazila.

Development Partnership with: Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association (BNWLA) and with financial support from Manusher Jonno Foundation.

Project Activities Description

• Group Formation: Establish grassroots groups consisting of men and women, where discussions on domestic violence, women’s legal rights, and gender equality take place.
• Awareness Sessions: Conduct group meetings to educate participants about their rights and encourage dialogue around domestic violence and its prevention.
• Community Collaboration: Partner with local organizations, leaders, and authorities to facilitate discussions and create community-driven solutions.

Achievements and Impact

• Group Formation: Successfully established 100 mixed-gender groups in rural areas, consisting of 50% women and 50% men, to discuss and raise awareness on domestic violence.
• Community Engagement: Conducted 300 group meetings where participants actively discussed issues of domestic violence, legal rights, and how to seek help.
• Partnership Development: Collaborated with 50 grassroots organizations to further amplify the message of domestic violence prevention and gender equality.

Impact: The project has increased awareness among rural communities regarding domestic violence and women’s legal rights. Many women have gained the confidence to speak out, and men are now more conscious of their role in preventing violence. Several local organizations have committed to providing further support for survivors of domestic violence.

Lessons Learned

From the implementation of this project, several key lessons have been learned:

1. Engagement of Men is Essential: Both men and women need to be actively involved in discussions surrounding gender-based violence. Involving men in the process is crucial for long-term societal change.
2. Cultural Norms are Hard to Break: Changing deep-rooted societal attitudes toward women’s rights and domestic violence requires time and sustained efforts, including continued engagement and education.
3. Legal Literacy is Key: Legal literacy among women in rural areas must be prioritized to ensure that they know their rights and the legal avenues available for redress.
4. Importance of Local Collaboration: Working with local organizations, leaders, and stakeholders has been crucial in ensuring that the message resonates within the community and reaches those most affected.

Challenges Faced

The project faced several challenges:

1. Cultural Resistance: Many women in rural areas still view domestic violence, especially physical abuse, as a normal part of family life. Overcoming this mindset remains a major challenge.
2. Men’s Reluctance: Some men in the community are resistant to discussions about domestic violence and gender equality. Overcoming this reluctance requires careful, respectful engagement.
3. Limited Legal Access: While legal provisions exist, accessing legal aid and justice remains difficult for many women due to financial and social barriers.

Conclusion and Future Directions

The Combat Domestic Violence Project-Phase I has made significant strides in raising awareness about domestic violence and the legal rights of women. The project has successfully empowered communities to take ownership of the issue and work toward sustainable solutions. However, there is still much work to be done to overcome cultural norms, provide more legal support, and involve all members of society in the fight against domestic violence.

Future Directions:

• Expansion to Other Regions: The project will be expanded to additional rural areas, ensuring that more women and men are educated about their rights and the need for gender equality.
• Building Partnerships: Continued collaboration with local and national organizations will be essential for scaling the impact of the project.
• Advocacy for Legal Reforms: Advocacy for stronger, more gender-sensitive laws and better implementation will remain a key priority.

Call to Action

Join us in our mission to combat domestic violence and empower women in Bangladesh. Together, we can create a society where women are free from violence, respected in their communities, and fully empowered to exercise their rights. Contact us to learn more about how you can contribute to this vital cause.