UNOPS co-hosted a roundtable discussion on gender-based violence at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Wednesday.

The event titled "Break the Silence, End the Violence" was supported by its other co-hosts the Danish embassy, and DIPLOMATS World Publication, says a press release.

It brought together government officials, activists, civil society organisations, academia and experts to address gender-based violence (GBV) in Bangladesh and explore effective, survivor-friendly and sustainable solutions.

Held as part of the global campaign for “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” the discussion emphasised the critical importance of fostering advocacy, engaging policymakers, and empowering women and girls to eliminate GBV and advance gender equality.

In his opening remarks, Sudhir Muralidharan, country manager of UNOPS Bangladesh and Bhutan, highlighted the collective responsibility in addressing GBV.

"At UNOPS, we firmly believe that breaking the silence surrounding gender-based violence is essential for achieving sustainable development. Through collaboration, we can create systems that empower survivors and ensure no one is left behind. UNOPS stands committed to supporting Bangladesh in fostering a society where women and girls are safe, respected, and empowered."

In her remarks as the chief guest, Mashfee Binte Shams, rector at Foreign Service Academy, stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder action.

"Achieving gender equality is central to the SDGs. Addressing GBV requires an inclusive approach that engages communities, strengthens institutional responses, and empowers women economically and socially."

Dr Marufa Akter, associate professor at Department of Global Studies and Governance at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), delivered the keynote address. She emphasised the importance of addressing socio-cultural barriers and leveraging innovative solutions to combat violence against women and girls.

Representing the Danish Embassy, Ambassador Christian Brix Møller reaffirmed Denmark’s support for Bangladesh's efforts.

“The commitment to ending violence is central also to our partnerships in Bangladesh. For decades, Danida has supported programmes to promote women’s participation in decision-making processes, improving access to education, and addressing harmful practices such as child marriage. Currently, through our strategic sector cooperation on decent work we are also strengthening institutional capacity for gender-responsive labour market governance and creating safe workplaces.”

The discussion centred on the following key topics:

1. Current State of GBV in Bangladesh: Examining the latest data and trends, as well as the legal framework, protection mechanisms, and gaps in enforcement.
2. Women, Peace, and Security: Lessons learned from women’s empowerment in UN peacekeeping, emphasising their role in addressing GBV and fostering sustainable peace.
3. Strengthening Institutional Response & Educational Empowerment: Evaluating the effectiveness of existing programs, shelters, legal aid services, and law enforcement responses to GBV, and identifying opportunities for improvement. Reviewing the impact of women's education, skills development, and economic opportunities on reducing vulnerability to violence and supporting long-term empowerment.

The session concluded with actionable recommendations for strengthening policies and fostering stakeholder collaboration. Participants emphasised the need for ongoing dialogue, improved legal frameworks, and expanded economic opportunities to address the root causes of GBV.