Coordinating essential public services, and improving inter-agency relationships can play an important role in addressing gender-based violence. The referral pathway needs to be strengthened at the local level as well as at the national level.

In a recent meeting titled “Introducing Referral Pathway and Inclusive Shelter Management for Women and Girls at the risk of GBV,” organized by Participatory Research and Action Network-PRAAN and ActionAid Bangladesh, key stakeholders highlighted this.

Notable attendees included Noakhali District ADC General Md. Nazimul Haider as the chief guest, alongside Mr. Mostafa Mahmud Sarwar from the Social Services Department, Dr. Masum Iftekhar from the District Civil Surgeon’s office, Kamrun Nahar from the District Women Affairs department, Mohammad Zahid Hasan Khan from the District Relief and Rehabilitation office, Dr. Hasina Jahan from Noakhali General Hospital, and Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury from the District Family Planning Office.

During the discussion, speakers emphasized the need to ensure the inclusion of all vulnerable groups in efforts to eliminate GBV. They highlighted the positive impact of initiatives such as the recently established Women-Friendly Space in Chanandi Union of Hatiya, which supports psycho-social, reproductive, and primary healthcare for women and adolescents affected by river erosion. The speakers also emphasized the importance of providing necessary skills training to empower women in disadvantaged communities, ensuring their inclusion in social safety nets, and promoting family preparedness to mitigate the negative impact of disasters in the region.

Furthermore, the participants stressed the importance of establishing visible links between public and private services, making them easily accessible to the community. Over 40 participants, including journalists, youth, police, and representatives from organizations working with disabled individuals, actively engaged in the meeting.

By enhancing referral pathways and fostering collaboration among various agencies, the collective efforts aim to address GBV comprehensively, promote gender equality, and create safer communities for all.

More than 40 participants including Journalists, youth, police, representatives of organizations working with disabled people participated in the meeting.