Youths have to be vocal against oppression of women: MJF

Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), a non-government organisation, called upon the young generation to come forward to stop oppression against women and children at a rally in Dhaka today.

"The young generation has to be vocal against repression of women. Only women's protest will not be enough. The men should also come forward. Because equality means happiness and it should be brought among men-women, rich-poor and among people of different nations and religions. Only then will it be possible be build a beautiful Bangladesh," said Shaheen Anam, executive director of MJF.

Anam said this while addressing a women's motorcycle rally organised jointly by MJF and Bangladesh Women Riders Club marking International Women's Day.

With the motto "Let us stop raping and killing women and children", around 50 female bikers took part in the rally, which began from the Teachers Students Centre (TSC) of Dhaka University and headed towards Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi.

Shaheen Anam said the violence against women and children could not be stopped as the mindset towards women at the core of our society has not changed much.

"This attitude towards women has to be changed," she said.

"In society, all should understand that a woman is a human being and equal to a man. We, like men, want equality. We dream of a violence-free and secure Bangladesh, which we have not yet been able to realise," Anam said.

"This year's slogan for the International Women's Day -- 'Generation Equality' -- means that we are putting the responsibility of ensuring gender equality in the hands of the future generation. We have been conducting women's movement over the last four decades. But till now, we have not been able to stop violence against women and children."