- Chowdhury Naim Ahmed Mujib
For mostwomen, something as simple as going out of the house requires a lot of planning, almost like preparing for a battle. From crowded streets and public transport to workplaces, the challenges women face in keeping themselves staying safe are constant and exhausting. A new platform, Amio Jitte Chai, funded by USAID and launched by Democracy International, is now offering a space to discuss these struggles and suggest solutions.
On theirwebsite www.amiojittechai.com, many people have shared their concerns and one topic keeps coming up time and overis harassment free roads. Citizens are speaking out, calling for safer streets and public spaces. Everyone wants change—women want to walk freely without the fear of being harassed or attacked.
Take Raisa, a 24-year-old office worker. She describes her daily ordeal: “Every day when I step out, I have to mentally prepare myself for what might happen. Sometimes it’s comments, sometimes physical advances. It feels like there is no escape, even in broad daylight.”
Sadly, Raisa’s experience is not unique. A study by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and the United Nations Population Fund found that 43% of women in Dhaka have faced sexual harassment in public. This is not just a number; it is women living in fear every day. Poorly lit streets, crowded public transport, and a lack of safe spaces make women feel vulnerable. A separate report also found that 60% of women feel limited by cultural expectations that restrict their freedom and increase their safety concerns.
Women don’t just feel unsafe in road and streets; many garment workers face additional challenges. Farzana, a garment worker who travels from Mirpur, talks about the harassment she faces every day. “On the bus, I have been touched without my consent so many times. I used to speak up, but now I’m just tired. It feels like I am seen as a target, not a person.” For Farzana and many others in similar situations, safety feels out of reach, made harder by long working hours, low wages, and little support from authority.
The issue isn’t just about the harassment, but also the silence that surrounds it. When Sabina, a shop assistant, was followed for blocks, no one helped her. “People looked the other way. It’s not just the harassers; it’s the silence from others that hurts the most,” she says. This indifference among bystanders leaves women feeling even more isolated and unprotected. Many, like Nasima, a university student, feel compelled to change their routines and appearance to avoid attention. Yet, despite these efforts, harassment continues. Nasima’s friend, Meherun, filed a complaint once but was met with disbelief. “I was bombarded with so many questions. It felt like they were doubting my story instead of protecting me,” she says, showing how hard it is to trust the system.
Despite these challenges, there is hope, and it starts with the community. Many are pushing for a change. Fatima, a social worker, believes education is the key. “We need programs about consent and respect, starting in schools,” she says. “Early education can change how young people view gender and respect, teaching them about boundaries and empathy.”
Some people argue that stricter laws and better enforcement are necessary. Amir, a law student, calls for quicker responses and stricter enforcement of harassment laws. “The laws need stronger enforcement, with faster reporting and response systems,” he says. “Public cases where harassers face consequences would set an example and discourage offenders.”
Others think self-defense training could help. Nusrat, a teacher, says that making self-defense training available to women and girls would make a big difference. “If women knew how to protect themselves, it would boost their confidence and reduce fear,” she explains.
Men, too, are stepping up to create safer spaces. Rafiq, a corporate employee, believes men have a r big responsibility in creating safe spaces. “Men should step in when they witness harassment, even if it’s as simple as addressing inappropriate behavior among friends,” he says. “It’s not only about women speaking out; men also need to take responsibility.”
The city itself can play a role in creating safe spaces for women. Ayesha, who works for an NGO, suggests creating designated areas on public transport and improving lighting in public spaces. “Cities need to prioritize safe infrastructure that allows everyone to travel and work without fear,” she notes. Rajshahihas already taken steps in this direction. Their Women’s Safety in Public Places project involved women in urban planning to create safer spaces, setting an example for Dhaka.
Technology could also help. Mobile apps offering emergency support and increased surveillance in public spaces could improve safety, as seen in other cities. With proper planning and the right tools, technology can play a key role in making Dhaka safer.
Creating a safer city for women goes beyond individual actions. It requires a community that is willing to listen, take action, and work together. Policymakers, citizens, and local organizations must unite to build an environment where women feel respected and protected. By prioritizing education, enforcing stronger laws, and improving public infrastructure, Dhaka can transform into a city where women, like Raisa, Farzana, and many others, can live without fear.