Rajshahi: Community support, alongside combined efforts from both governmental and non-governmental organizations, is crucial in shielding boys from sexual abuse and exploitation. There is a pressing need to expand services and assistance to protect boys from sexual violence, with the community playing a pivotal role both online and offline to achieve this goal.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, development activists and social watchdogs shared these insights during a stakeholder dialogue with service providers titled “Blue Umbrella Day- April 16: Raising awareness of sexual violence affecting boys,” held in the city today. Blue Umbrella Day, observed annually on April 16th, is an international awareness day that draws attention to the issue of sexual violence against boys. The blue umbrella symbolizes protection and safety, underscoring the necessity of creating a secure environment for boys globally.
The Association for Community Development (ACD) organized the meeting at Hotel Warisan in collaboration with Family for Every Child to mark the occasion. The session was chaired by former Chairman of Rajshahi Education Board, Prof Dipkendra Nath Das, and featured addresses from Divisional Director of Islamic Foundation Abdur Razzak, Deputy Director of the Department of Youth Development ATM Golam Mahbub, and Officer-in-Charge of Shahmakhdum Police Station Sabnam Mustari.
ACD Project Manager Monirul Islam welcomed the attendees, while Project Coordinator Subrata Kumar Paul facilitated the discussion. The speakers collectively emphasized that the community’s proactive involvement is essential for safeguarding boys from sexual abuse, assault, and various forms of violence, as they are the future driving force of the country.
For the sake of the boys’ proper physical and mental development, violence and repression against them must be eradicated through the concerted efforts of government and non-government organizations. The society at large should unite and collaborate to protect boys from all forms of oppression, as nurturing their latent talents is essential for developing them into worthy citizens, the speakers asserted.
Furthermore, the proactive involvement of teachers is identified as one of the most effective ways to shield boys from sexual abuse, assault, and exploitation, recognizing them as the nation’s future driving force. Participants, divided into six groups, engaged in discussions on the issue and put forth a set of recommendations on ways to protect boys from sexual abuse.