Sexual assault: An everyday tale (video)

A huge part of the workforce, women contribute greatly to Bangladesh’s economy.

Their contribution is not only limited to the household but great numbers of women form the workforce of the RMG industry, the industry that contributes significantly to the GDP and is the biggest foreign exchange earner for the nation.

They have to take to the streets everyday and underneath the mesh of society’s security they are subjected to sexual harassment.

According to the United States Department of Justice, sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behaviour that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. Falling under the definition of sexual assault are sexual activities as forced sexual intercourse, forcible sodomy, child molestation, incest, fondling, and attempted rape.

Bangladesh won the Women in Parliaments Global Forum award, as a pioneering country in reducing gender discrimination last March.

The honor bestowed upon our nation was deeply insulted when the issue of mass molestation came to the forefront during the Pahela Baishakh celebrations. 

Albeit a common occurrence, the incident of sexual assault on women in DU brought condemnations and a flood of resistance on all fronts including social media.

Although cases of sexual harassment are an everyday occurrence this incident has sparked woman from all walks of life to speak out.

They tell stories of the everyday harassment they face on the streets, in public places and at work regardless of age or class.

As they share their stories, they also urge all women to take to the streets, speak out, and protest against this heinous crime.