Draft A Study Report on Situation of Violence Against Women (VAW) in Six Selected Districts under Dhaka Division Prepared By : Mahmuda Khandker PRIP Trust House # 72, Road # 8/A, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1209 April – 2009 Study Team Members: • Study Coordinator: Mahmuda Khandker Bithi • Research Assistance:, Nural Huda, Supti Dibra and Shishir Ghose from PRIP Trust and 6 Partner NGOs of the project. • IT support: Emran Bin Nasir Study Report on VAW 2/47 Abbreviations: VAW Violence Against Women PNGO Partner Non Government Organization INGO International Non Government Organization JS Jagorani Sangastha GBSS Gram Bikash Shohayak Sangstha MPS Manob Progati Sangho NUSA Naria Unnayan Samity BBS Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics Govt. Government GO Government Organization UN United Nations GDP Gross Domestic Product IDI In-Depth Interview FGD Focus Group Discussion PRA Participatory Rural Appraisal UP Union Parishad UNO Upazila Nirbahi Officer BRAC Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee MoWCA Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs PS Police Station BNWLA Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association MALA Madaripur Legal Aid Associations Study Report on VAW 3/47 Table of Contents Subject Page No. Chapter One: General Information: 5 1. Introduction 5 2. Rational of the study 6 3. Objectives of the study 7 4. Methodology of the study 7 5.Tools and techniques used 7 6. Selection of study areas and respondant 8 7. The study target groups 9 8. Limitation of the study 9 Chapter Two: A Brief Description of the Project: 10 Chapter Three: Organisational Capacity of the PNGOs: 11 3.1. Overall situation of the organisation 11 3.2. Existing capacities of the organisation to combat VAW 11 Chapter Four: Situation of VAW in the Project Area: 22 4.1. Conceptual Clarity about VAW 22 4.2. Nature of violence against women 23 4.3. Top ten contributor of VAW 24 4.4. Underlying causes of VAW 25 4.5. Position of women in family 28 4.6. Position of women in society 29 4.7. Mobility of women in the study area 30 4.8. Awareness on available support to combat VAW 30 4.9. Institutions which can play important role to combat VAW 31 4.10. Knowledge on existing laws to combat VAW 33 4.11. Role of PNGOs to combat VAW 34 Chapter Five: Capacity of the grass-root level women 37 5.1. Socio-economic profile of community women 37 Chapter Six : Recommendations 42 Chapter Seven : Conclusions 44 References: 47 Annexure Study Report on VAW 4/47 Chapter One: Introduction: 1.1 Context of the study: The constitution of Bangladesh provides equal rights to both men and women of the country. The ratio of women: men in Bangladesh is 100:106 (BBS 2006). Excessive mortality among women due to discrimination has resulted in a sex ratio in the population of 106 men to every 100 women (source-Ref.no. 6). There are various legal provisions that can easily safeguard women from domestic oppression and violence. But inactiveness of law lies in the fact, that both substantive and procedural laws are not gender sensitive. Violence against women is a common occurrence in Bangladesh regardless of violence whether it is physical or mental. Women and girls are generally looked down upon, trapped within cultural framework and rigid perceptions of patriarchy. Any form of torture (physical or mental) can be considered as an offensive and inhuman act against women. The Beijing Platform for Action (’95), declared by UN 4th International Women Summit, defined VAW to be “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or likely to result in, physical, sexual or physiological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life”. Women’s empowerment through establishing and upholding their rights and dignity are two of the many pre-requisites for national development, and is recognized nationally, as well as globally. The level of violence against women is directly related to the development process of the country. High school, health and economic cost to individuals and society can be associated in the context of VAW. Violence against women in Bangladesh is vast. The accurate information regarding domestic violence, sexual harassment, dowry, rape and other types of violence remains unknown, due to social harassment of victims of VAW. A research found that 80% rapist are set free due to unprofessional investigation, the existing legal system and victims lack of interest in providing testimony. There is an idea that more than 40% women face domestic violence and 19% have experienced of life threatening physical torture. According to CPD, 4.1 % of GDP is spent to bear the cost of health sector due to violence of women. It is our existing socio-economic condition, which makes women from all walks of life, vulnerable to different forms of violence. Women’s rights are violated everywhere. Women are subject to many fold discriminatory behavior and repression at all stages within the -family, community, workplace and society, at large. Study Report on VAW 5/47 A finding, commonly identified by various researches, demonstrates that, domestic violence, sexual harassment, dowry, eve-teasing is closely interlinked reinforcing each other, and when we mention ‘Fighting violence against women’ we mean reducing domestic violence, we mean ending of eve-teasing too. While the govt. is talking about taking different positive steps for women empowerment, where there are serious and real allegations for failing to provide a secure environment to women in the public sphere. The role of NGOS and voluntary organizations in Bangladesh’ is the sector of social development is earning increasing recognition. NGOs, especially, those working on women issues, perticularly to combat violence against women, and to ensure women rights. The involvement of NGOs concentrates on women’s empowerment, legal protection, awareness raising, networking and advocacy. They are disseminating information through various print, electronic and interpersonal methods. Bangladesh Mohila Parishad, Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association, Ain-O-Shalish Kendra, Steps Towards Development, Naripakkha, Bangladesh Nari Progoti Sangstha, Nijera Kori and PRIP Trust are some of the leading women’s organizations amonggest many other reputed ones. Realizing the magnitude of the problem, government is increasingly recognizing NGOs role in building a united social movement against issues on violence against women. In order to combat violence against women a project, “Facilitate Women Leadership Development Process at Grassroots Levels for Reducing Violence Against Women” was initiated by PRIP Trust. This aimed at strengthening the capacities of 6 women headed civil society organization of Dhaka Division for combating violence against women. Technical support was provided to the targeted NGOs for establishing a network for strengthening institutional capacities and management abilities. Most of the partner Women Headed NGOs are small in size, local in character, exists and operates in a village or few villages, limited in resources and simple in structure. Functionally, most of these NGOs undertake one or a few projects with major focus on Women’s Empowerment. This study is a snap shot of situation of VAW within the 6 districts (project area) of Dhaka division, namely Narshingdi, Tangail, Gopalganj, Shariatpur, Narayanganj and kishorganj. 1.2 Rationale of the study: This study will help to learn about the present situation of VAW in 6 project Districts at the end of the project. The immediate effect of the project can be seen through the comparison of present study and baseline survey, which was conducted on 2008 and also will help us to Study Report on VAW 6/47 understand the kind of support they will require to improve the capacity to combat VAW further within their working areas. 1.3 Objectives of the study: To gain in depth understanding about the existing status and conditions of VAW in the project areas To capture the present level of participation of women in public functions To identify the level of awareness of community, including other relevant stakeholders regarding women’s rights and the consequences on violation of those rights To identify the nature of violence and their underlying causes, which prominently exists in the project areas To get information on the existing Govt. and Non Govt. Agencies, where the victims of VAW received support at local level To examine the current level of women’s accessibility in the facilities which contribute in women empowerment, both at family and societal level To suggest necessary measures to improve the situation of VAW 1.4 Methodology of the study: The study was designed and conducted by PRIP Trust involving 6 partner NGOs. PRIP Trust took lead role in the development of the study design, setting of methodologies, tools and techniques. The selection of study area and sample was done in consultation with the PNGOs. According to the plan, 6 PNGOs shouldered key responsibilities for data capturing/collection on the situation of VAW in their respective areas. PRIP Trust organized an orientation for the participating NGOs on the study methodology, data collection tools and techniques, and provided regular follow-up during data collection. Data entry, compilation, analysis and report preparation was ensured by PRIP Trust. 1.4.1 Tools and techniques used: The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection. Five sets of checklists/questionnaires was used for collection of data. Two checklists have been used for qualitative data collection. One checklist has been used for data collection of rural community women, using FGD and Perception Scoring Scale, the other was used for collecting data from the VAW actors of that area through In-depth Interview (IDI). Study Report on VAW 7/47 Quantitative data was collected using three sets of Semi Structured Questionnaire through one to one interview. Among those, two were used for the assessment of organizational capacity to address the issues of VAW. The 3rd one was used for collecting data from grassroot community women. 1.4.2 Selection of study areas and respondents: Multistage random sampling (purposive) approach was followed for Stydy Area: 6 Districts under Dhaka Division (April, 2009) the study. The working participating districts NGOs of the were six covered under the study. TANGAIL KISHOREGANJ Given the time and resource NARSINGDI N constraints, selective Upazials and NARAYANGANJ Unions from the respective districts were brought under the coverage of the study using purposive sampling. SHARIATPUR Study Districts GOPALGANJ KISHOREGANJ NARAYANGANJ NARSINGDI SHARIATPUR TANGAIL 10000000 Name of the Organization District GOPALGANJ 0 Upazila 10000000 20000000 Kilometers Unions Jagorani Sangastha (JS) Gopalganj Kotalipara Radhaganj & Kandi Bandhan Society Kishorganj Sadar Latibabad & Rashidabad Gram Bikash Shohayak Sangstha (GBSS) Norshingdi Polash Danga & Jenardi Manob Progati Sangho (MPS) Tangail Sadar Enayetpur & Korotia SHAREE Narayanganj Sadar Tanbazar & Gonoktuli City-colony Naria Unnayan Samity (NUSA) Shariatpur Naria Bhumkhara & Kederpur Study Report on VAW 8/47 Criteria Unit Number District (1 from selected project area) 6 Upazila (1 from each selected District) 6 Unions (2 from each selected Upazila) 12 NGO staff (5 from each project ) 30 Actors on VAW (5 from each project area) 30 (5 from each project area) 30 (50 from each project area) 300 (Doctors, Advocate, Journalists, Police officials, Upzilla level GoB Officials, UP Chairmen, Representatives of the women organizations & Women UP members) Local Elites (Non-elected elites, Women teachers Group Member (Community female, male, Ethnic/ Disable groups) TOTAL 390 The participants and respondents for FGDs and in-depth interviews were selected from among the local actors on VAW, local elites and community members with ensured representation of female and male. The table below shows the area coverage and respondent coverage of the study. The geographic area and respondent was selected with the participation of PNGOs. Total respondent was 330 and each NGO covered 55 respondents. The table below shows in details about the sampling approach of the study. 1.4.3 Study target groups: • Community female • Upzilla level GoB Officials • Community male • UP Chairmen • Ethnic/Disabled groups • Representatives of women led organizations • Doctors • Women UP members • Advocate • Non-elected elites • Journalists • Women teachers • Police officials • NGO representatives 1.5. Limitations of the study: Due to time constraints the allocation of time for data capturing from the field/study areas had to be kept short. The staffs of the partner NGOs were involved in the data collection. Though they were guided by PRIP Trust through orientation, but close supervision directly by PRIP was not possible. Study Report on VAW 9/47 Chapter Two: A Brief Description of the Project: 2.1 Basic profile Reference Number Duration Budget Implementing Agency Funding Agency 5167. June 2007 to May 2009. Euro 20,061 (equivalent to BDT 18,05,500 PRIP TRUST Women’s World Day of Prayer – German Committee 2.1 Overall objective: Facilitate Women leadership development process at Grassroots Levels for reducing Violence against Women (VAW) 2.2 Specific objectives: Strengthening the Capacities of 6 Women headed Civil Society Organizations of Dhaka Division, for combating Violence against Women (VAW) through women’s empowerment. 2.3 Expected results: • • • Increased Institutional sustainability and appropriate use of funds; Compliance with legal and administrative regulations Development of viable internal governance for organizational effectiveness 2.4. Targeted beneficiaries: The direct Beneficiaries of this Project are Six (6) Women Headed Small Civil Society Organizations of Dhaka division. These NGOs have been selected with the expectation that the efficiency levels of the performance of these NGOs will be enhanced. The proposed Project will ultimately benefit the greater community through the targeted beneficiaries of these Organizations supported by the increased levels of performance. The selected PNGOs and their area of specialization are given below: Name of the Organization • Jagorani Sangastha • Bandhan Society • Gram Bikash Shohayak Sangstha • Manob Progati Sangho (MPS) • SHAREE • Noriya Unnayan Shamiti (NUSA) Study Report on VAW District Gopalganj Kishorganj Norshingdi Tangail Narayanganj Shoriyatpur Area of Specialization Religious Minority Ultra poor (for legal support) Disabled people Victim women Untouchables (sweeper/Dalits) River Basin Vulnerable Communities 10/47 Chapter Three: Organizational Capacity of the PNGOs: 3.1 Overall situation of the organizations: Each of the selected NGO’s has different feature and background, but has a common thematic approach to ‘Stop Violence Against Women’. Geographically these NGOs are located at Dhaka Division. The age and capacity of the organizations and their program coverage varies from each other. These are related to geographic coverage, staff number etc. The rate of female staff is about 40%. Most of the beneficiaries of the NGOs are women. The NGOs are presently working with small scale VAW related projects. A significant change is observed as compared to the baseline situation in respect of the organizational capacities and program coverage. Table 1: At a glance Area coverage, VAW related project/activities, staff & beneficiaries: No. of Staff Name of Organization Year of Establishment MPS 1999 7 2 NUSA 1979 73 GBSS 1988 Bandhan Society Total Beneficiaries Working Upazilas Working Unions Working Villages VAW Related Projects 9 1,200 3 6 10 2 133 206 18,183 6 65 341 2 76 133 209 115,700 6 65 341 2 1998 27 21 48 50783 3 24 75 4 SHAREE 1992 231 347 578 93,624 21 74 444 2 JS 1983 9 12 21 1,840 1 12 206 3 Female Male Total 3.2 Existing capacities of the organizations to combat VAW: One of the main reasons of selecting these organizations for this project was, they were working on VAW issues and their target beneficiaries are different type of vulnerable women, with a view that they already have some existing experiences working on combating violence against women. To assess the capacity of the organizations in dealing with violence against women issues, information was collected from two sources. One was the management of the organisation who themselves assessed the capacity of their organisation and another source was the beneficiaries. To receive a clear overview, the study has also collected information form the beneficiaries, and other VAW actors in their respective areas. Study Report on VAW 11/47 The organizational assessment by management covered three boarder aspects. These included are: Organizational VAW related activities and policy capacity, staff capacity and network & liaison capacity. A base line survey conducted a year before with same organizations, which created the scope of comparison about the situation. According to the baseline survey, most of the NGOs had VAW related activities and policy capacities and other form of capacities, many of them claimed that either they have accumulated more capacities or at least they feel that there are still some scope and requirement for further capacity enhancement. Study Report on VAW 12/47 Table 2: Organizational Capacity to address VAW: 2008-2009 Sl. Name of the Activities / Tasks No. ORGANISATIONS SHAREE NUSA GBSS MPS Jagorani Sangastha 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 1 The issue VAW is addressed in the Mission, Vision of the Organization Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 2 Have activities /projects for addressing VAW Yes Yes Yes Exists but need more emphasis Yes Exists but need more emphasis Yes Yes 3 Gender policy in the organization Yes Yes Exists but need more emphasis Yes Not Exists Yes Not Exists but Exists need more emphasis 4 Addressing the gender issues in the HR policy Yes Yes Exists but Exists but Exists but need more need more need more emphasis emphasis emphasis Yes Not Not Exists Exists but Exists need more emphasis Score 8 8 6 6 5 7 4 Score: Yes=2, Exists but need more emphasis=1, Not exists =0 Study Report on VAW 13/47 5 2008 2009 Exists but Exists but need more need more emphasis emphasis Bandhan Society 2008 Yes 2009 Exists but need more emphasis Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Exists but need more emphasis Yes Yes Yes Yes 7 7 7 6 3.2.1 Organizational VAW related activities and policy capacity: The organizational assessment of the organizations gave an in-depth understanding about the varying capacity of the individual PNGOs. It also gave a basis for comparison of the present status with the baseline situation. • According to the assessment score (Table 2), SHAREE appears to be the most capable organization among the six. SHAREE secured the same status in the baseline study. • Bandhan Society, Jagorony Shangstha and GBSS have the second highest score. As compared to the baseline situation, it is found that the status of Bandhan Society remained unchanged. The capacity of Jagorony Shangstha and GBSS has improved to some extent. • The condition of NUSA, in comparison with other organizations, is not at a level of satisfaction (second last score). NUSA has reviewed their gender policy after baseline survey. However, according to NUSA, they are yet to incorporate/address gender issues in the HR policy. They are in need of more projects to address VAW issues. • Though being the least scorer, Manob Progati Sangho (MPS) has slightly improved its position from the baseline situation. MPS developed gender policy after baseline survey. They need to address gender issues in their HR policy. Table 3: Current Projects of PNGOs to combat VAW SHAREE 1.Increase Responsivenes s Urban Governance Promote and Protect Women Human Rights and Increase Participation of Women in Decision Making Process NUSA 1. BNWLA GBSS 1. VAW and Disability 2. WDP-VAW 2. WDP-VAW Study Report on VAW 2.WDP-VAW Jagorani Sangastha MPS 1. Direct Legal Aid (Networking, Salish & Movement) 1. Women In Developme nt 2. Empowerm ent of women Project 2.WDP-VAW 3. WDP-VAW Bandhan Society 1.Combating Domestic Violence Against Women 2.Legal Awareness and Legal Aid 3.Gender and Social Jjustice 4.WDP-VAW 15/47 3.2.2 Staff capacity of PNGOs: The study assessed the staff capacity of the PNGOs in the context of dealing with VAW issues. Some selective indicators have been chosen to assess the staff capacity to work with VAW issues; the same indicators were used during the baseline survey. The study also looked in to the results of the 4 technical trainings provided to the PNGO staff members under this project. All most all PNGOs mentioned that their staffs have clear concept about VAW issues, and they have adequate trained staff to work on VAW issues. This is absolutely a direct effect of the trainings, which were provided by PRIP Trust through the support of the project. However, they have mentioned that their training units should have better capacity to organize and deliver training on VAW issues. Other that Bandhan Society and Jagorani Sangastha, the NGOs reported that their staff are not skilled for documentation of violence against women issues and dissemination of VAW related information. 4 PNGOs mentioned that the training on ‘Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation’ and ‘Planning through Participatory Rural Appraisal’ enhanced their ability to plan, monitor and evaluate project on VAW. MPS and NUSA think that they need to further improve their ability in this field. It is remarkable that all PNGOs made some improvements in their staff capacity from the baseline situation. Another important observation is that the NGOs with lower capacity made significant improvement through the intervention by PRIP Trust. Study Report on VAW 16/47 Table 4: Organizational staff capacity to address VAW: 2008-2009 Sl. No. Name of the Activities / Tasks ORGANISATIONS SHAREE 2008 NUSA 2009 2008 GBSS 2009 2008 MPS 2009 2009 2008 2008 2009 Yes Exists but Yes need more emphasis Yes 2 Adequate and trained staff to Yes work for VAW issues Yes Exists but Yes need more emphasis Exists but Yes need more emphasis 3 Capacity of training unit to Exists but Yes provide training on VAW need more issues emphasis Not Exists Yes Exists but Exists but Not Exists Not Exists Exists but Exists but Exists but Exists but need more need more need more need more need more need more emphasis emphasis emphasis emphasis emphasis emphasis 6 Yes Yes Yes Not Exists Exists but Exists but Yes need more need more emphasis emphasis Yes Yes Exists but Not Exists Exists but Exists but Exists but Exists but Exists but Exists but Yes need need more need more need more need more need more need more more emphasis emphasis emphasis emphasis emphasis emphasis emphasis 5 Ability to Plan, Monitor & Exists but Yes Evaluate project on VAW need more emphasis Score Not Exists Exists but Yes need more emphasis 2009 Bandhan Society 1 Clear conception on VAW Yes issues among the staff members 4 Adequate and skilled staff Not Exists members present for proper documentation of VAW issues and dissemination information when required Yes 2008 Jagorani Sangastha Exists but Exists but Not Exists Yes need more need more emphasis emphasis 9 3 8 5 Exists but Exists but Exists but Yes need more need more need more emphasis emphasis emphasis 8 2 Score: Yes=2, Exists but need more emphasis=1, Not exists =0 Study Report on VAW Yes 17/47 4 6 Yes Exists but Yes need more emphasis 9 8 9 3.2.3 Organizational network and liaison capacity assessment: Women headed 6 PNGOs are small in size, and working with limited resources. It is important for them to be more involved with networks, affiliation and make liaison with govt. and non-govt. agencies. Five indicators were chosen to examine the organizations’ networking and liaising capacity. These are i) Affiliation with network / forum / coalition on gender issues ii) Affiliation with network / forum / coalition on VAW issues, iii) Liaison or coordination with the administration, iv) Liaison or coordination with Local Elected Bodies and v) Provision to provide legal support on VAW. Among the PNGOs, SHAREE, MPS and NUSA have strong liaison and networking capacities. Bandhan Society improved their networking and liaison capacity. The status of GBSS and Jagoroni Shangstha remained unchanged, as compared to the baseline situation. The Executive Director of Jagoroni Shangstha has recently elected as women Vice Chairman of Upazila Parishad of Gopalganj Upazila. This is likely to be contributing towards improving the network and liaison capacities of the organization. Table 5: Types of Network / Liaison: SHAREE 1.Steps Towards Development 2.Ain O Salish Kendra 3.GAD Alliance 4.Dhaka Development Forum 5.BLAST 6.BNWLA 7. Student Volunteer NUSA GBSS MPS 1. Motharipur Legal Aid Association 2. Women’s Lawyers Association 3. VAW Concern 1. Nari Forum 1. Durbar network 2. National Women and Human Rights Foundation 2. SANGATH 5. CWFD 4.Shishu Adhiker Forum 3. Action Aid 3. Mohila Parishad 4. Muslim Aid 2) Social Volunteer Forum 5) NNPC 10. Steering Committee of Govt. 8.CDD 8. SUPRO 2. Ain O Salish Kendra 3. Netrokona SelfSufficient Sangstha 4.VAW 9. Nari mukti 10. Member of District Zail Visit Study Report on VAW 1. Gender and Developmen t forum (GDF) 4) VAW 7.CDL 6.ADAB 1) Nari Nirjaton Protirodh Committee 3) ASK 9. Durbar network 5.PKSF Bandhan Society 6. BLAST 7. Council of Acid Throughing Control 8. Social protective committee Jagorani Sangastha 6) TMC Club 5. Women’s Lawyers Association 18/47 Table 6: Network and liaison capacities to address VAW: 2008-2009 Sl. Name of the NGO Activities No. / Tasks ORGANISATIONS SHAREE 2008 2009 NUSA 2008 GBSS 2009 2008 MPS 2009 2008 Jagorani Sangastha 2009 2008 2009 Bandhan Society 2008 2009 1 Affiliation with network / forum / coalition on gender issues Yes Yes Exists but need more emphasis Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Exists but need more emphasis Exists but need more emphasis Yes 2 Affiliation with network / forum / coalition on VAW issues Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Exists but need more emphasis Exists but need more emphasis Exists but Yes need more emphasis 3 Liaison or coordination with the administration Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 4 Liaison or coordination with Local Elected Bodies Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 5 Provision to provide legal support on VAW Yes Yes Yes Yes Exists but Exists but need more need more emphasis emphasis Yes Yes Not Exists Not Exists Exists but Yes need more emphasis Score 10 10 9 10 9 9 10 Score: Yes=2, Exists but need more emphasis=1, Not exists =0 Study Report on VAW 20/47 10 6 6 Yes 8 10 3.2.4 Training programs of PNGOs: In many cases it is found/observed that some of the employees possess sound knowledge but don’t have practical experiences. Some have practical sense but not enough knowledge on law and legal issues. Appropriate training can make them more efficient in utilizing their knowledge, skills and experiences, towards having better results. Sometimes, the women employees are required to be more vocal and proactive in protesting violence against women involving people from different layer in the society. These NGOs, therefore, are giving greater emphasis in providing training on VAW issues, which are listed in Table 7. All NGOs have training program both for staff and beneficiaries. The PNGOs, except NUSA and MPS, have their own training module on gender. SHAREE prepared their module with the support from Steps Towards Development. As NUSA and MPS don’t have their own module they use the module of Concern World Wide, Jatio Mohila Sangstha and The Hunger Project’ respectively. Table 7: Types of Trainings provided by PNGOs: SHAREE NUSA 1.Transparency of the idea on VAW 1. Gender Awareness 2.Impact of Domestic violence 2. Dowry 3.Protection of VAW at national election 3. Early marriage 4. Health & Education GBSS MPS 1. Gender and human rights (to the students) 1.Types of work between man and women 2. Adolescent Health Education (for the students forum) 2. Training on Patriarchy 3.Vocational training. 3.Feminism 4.Relationship between man and women. JS Bandhan Society 1.Gender and development. 1. Gender relation analysis 2. Gender and Violence 3.Gender rights 2.Human Rights and Legal Aid 4.Women In Development 3. Paralegal training 4. Family law 5.Domestic violence 3.2.5 Ability to plan, monitor & evaluate project on VAW: All PNGOs except Jagorani Sangastha informed that they involved their beneficiaries while doing plan for VAW project. They involved the community people to select areas, select target group and to learn their problems-demands. During the baseline survey, the PNGOs demanded for developing their monitoring and evaluation system with assistance from PRIP. Accordingly, PRIP provided two trainings on M&E and Planning through PRA for PNGO staff. The study findings show that all PNGOs have their own M&E system to monitor their activities/ projects on VAW related issues. Generally they conducted activity monitoring assess the implementation status on regular basis. The staff performed the task of M&E most often, by using their own format but they involve target people to collect information on VAW, and to learn results of activities, which helps them to take appropriate decisions, and to work out future strategies. Study Report on VAW 21/47 Chapter Four: Situation of VAW in Project Area To have a clear understanding about the situation Occupation of CIvil Society Member of VAW in the project area, that study covered 3 Social w orker category of population. Information was collected Teacher Advocate from 300 community people (60 were directly Journalist interviewed, 240 male and female attended in the FGD). 30 NGO staffs (field level and senior Doctor Businessm an Student Politician Imam Farmer management both) were interviewed. Apart from this, the study interviewed 60 VAW actors from civil society from 6 Districts, of whom 67% were male and 33% female. Including different category Service of people has provided the scope to analyze data from various perspectives. 4.1 Conceptual Clarity about VAW: The understanding level of VAW by community women, VAW actors and NGO staffs and even by sex varied from one to another. The level of conceptual clarity on violence is not the same in all organizations. In most cases, it is seen that the senior management has clear idea about VAW. The field level staffs lacks clarity. The beneficiaries of the organizations do not perceive the similar understanding of VAW. • SHAREE: The beneficiaries and senior management of SHAREE have clear idea about VAW. The beneficiaries of SHAREE specially mentioned that, they are tortured by the addicted male family members. • Jagorani Sangastha: Members of this organisation explained that violence means all kind of physical and mental torture against women. The staff stated that all form of mental and physical torture and inhuman attitude, which affect women’s personal and social life, are considered as VAW. • Bandhan Society: The beneficiaries of Bandhan Society described VAW as physical and mental torture towards women. The view of staff about VAW is also clear. They mentioned all physical, mental, economical and sexual torture towards women is VAW. • NUSA: According to the staff of NUSA violence means physical and mental violence and discrimination from different types of rights; such as dowry, early marriage, polygamy, divorce and domestic violence. In the FGD the beneficiaries also came out with a similar perception on VAW. Study Report on VAW 22/47 • Gram Bikash Shohayak Sangstha: The beneficiaries of Gram Bikash have clear idea about VAW. Both the staff of the organization and the beneficiaries have similar concept about violence. According to them both physical and mental torture are violence. • Manob Progati Sangho (MPS): According to the management, violence against women is all type of discriminative attitude, injustice and mental, physical, social, economical, family torture. The beneficiaries have identified violence as domestic violence, dowry, lack of access to resources, rape, acid throwing and trafficking. 4.2 Nature of violence against women: The study investigated the intensity of women rights violation like sexual harassment, women and child trafficking, early marriage, dowry, physical torture, polygamy, suicide, divorce, murder, illegal divorce, eve teasing, rape, acid throwing, temporary marriage (hilla) and extra marital affairs- in all the six districts. In all the six organization’s, beneficiaries have stated that violence due to “Dowry” is the most severe problem in their areas. Other statement also proved that there is a strong dowry-violence link. Some of the violence’s were not noticed by the male while doing FGD whereas the female respondents mentioned about polygamy, extra marital affairs, mental torture. Surprisingly none mentioned about suicide, though it is increasing day by day. In most cases, suicide by women directly relates with VAW. Table 8: Incidence of Top Ten Violence: Ranking of VAW by Community Women Ranking of VAW by Civil Society Ranking of VAW by NGO Staff Physical torture 1 1 1 Sexual Harassment 2 11 5 Dowry 3 3 2 Early marriage 4 2 3 Left-off by husband 5 10 Polygamy 6 4 4 Divorce 7 5 6 Illegal Divorce 8 8 Eve teasing 9 9 10 Rape 10 6 8 Women and Child trafficking 11 13 Type of Violence Against Women Acid throwing 12 7 7 Extra marital affairs 13 12 11 Hilla marriage 14 14 9 Study Report on VAW 23/47 Several types of violations are being evident in the six districts under the Top 10 Violences study area. Physical Torture (1) It is evident that physical torture is at the top of the list of VAW whereas incidence Sexual Harassment (2) Rape (10) Dowry (3) of rape is at the bottom of the list. TOP TEN VIOLATION ISSUES Eve Teasing (9) During both quantitative and qualitative survey, the community women Illegal Divorce (8) Early Marriage (4) Left-off by Husband (5) mentioned that they suffer most due to physical and mental torture both at Divorce (7) Polygamy (6) home and outside. 4.3 Top ten contributors of women rights violations: The study made a list of persons by whom women were tortured. Through FGD and questionnaire survey the respondents were asked to make a list first, then to rank the listed persons considering the magnitude of their negative role in women rights violations. Respondents in the study area considered “Husband” as the top most violator of women rights. The others according to the ranking included “Mother in Law”, other In-laws, village leaders (Matabbars), police, relatives and neighbors, local miscreants (Mastans), doctors journalists and even rickshaw pullers. In addition to the above list, the respondents also mentioned the names of political leaders, colleagues, money lender, bus conductors, passengers, road-side shopkeepers/hotel staff, advocates, stone traders, mason, NGO and class mates etc. Study Report on VAW 24/47 4.4 Underlying causes of VAW: Respondents mentioned manifold reasons and conditions against each of the violation issues during the survey. The major causes of violence against women in day-to-day life as viewed by the community women and PNGO staff have been presented below: Physical Torture • • • • • • • • • • Reluctance of other people (friends/relative/neighbor) to be involved in family disputes Lack of Awareness Drug addiction Women are not habituated to protest Patriarchal mentality of the society Dowry Early marriage Less compromising attitude of man Drug addiction Economic dependency of women on men Sexual Harassment • • • • • • • • • • Girls and women are not habituated to protest male’s evil approaches Patriarchal mentality of the society Lack of proper actions happen against the criminals in area Being beautiful or young Getting alone at workplaces or home Love-trap of bad boys Traditional social system Evil notion of male towards girls and women Joblessness of youths makes them doing evil activities Less scope of other entertainment males concentrate to women • • • • • • • • • • Every one takes it as a social culture Bridegroom’s parents consider this event as a money making scope Unemployment provokes in demanding dowry Parents think that dowry would increase their draught’s acceptance in the husbands family Lack of Education Bridegroom’s father doesn’t want to spend money for marriage purpose Negligence to women or less respect Not knowing the law against dowry Brides’ family often consider of giving dowry as an issue of prestige Number of male (bridegroom) is less compared to female (brides) Early Marriage • • • • • • • • Less dowry required at early ages Parents can not provide security of a growing girl Poverty of parents influence them for early marriage Lack of awareness on consequences of early marriage Lack of Education More demand at early ages Increase number of female child Unable to bear girls educational expenses by the parents Left-off by Husband • • • • • • As for getting married with a man of a different district For not getting dowry Insolvency Extra marital affairs Suspicious character of wife Early marriage Dowry Study Report on VAW 25/47 • • • • • • Bride’s family doesn’t get justice for being poor If husband goes out of the area for working for a long time Bad relation with wife For not being able to produce a child or boy child If anyone from husband or wife are mentally retarded or disabled Addiction of husband to other women Polygamy • • • • • • • • • • • Patriarchal mentality Greediness for dowry Bad character of male leads to having marriage one after another If the first wife gets older Not having a child from first wife without knowing his own problems Local pressure as for extra marital affair Not for being officially and socially punished for 2nd marriage Wife for not being as per liking Expecting a boy child Expecting that wife would work and earn Lack of intimacy between husband Divorce • • • • • • • • • • • • • Not being able to meet the demand for dowry Conflict between husband and wife Extra marital affairs of husband For not doing everything according to the instructions of husband Poverty Wife for not being as per liking Being instigated by others If husband works at a place outside own district and gets married there Not registering the marriage For not having a child For wife’s being sick or ill-character For quarreling with 2nd wife For not being able to tolerate torture Illegal divorce • • • • • • • Illiteracy/ignorance No judgment of such incidence Not being able to protest Fatwa uttered by religious leaders Demand for money Victim of conspiracy Misunderstanding by husband Eve Teasing • • • • • • For being beautiful Lack of punishment for such behavior Joblessness of youths makes them doing evil activities Less scope of other entertainment by males and concentrate on women Lack of education No restriction of parents towards young boy Rape • • • • • • • • • • Not being able to protest as poor Being tempted/pretended If found alone at workplace/house Not agreeing to sex-proposal Threatening through showing power For not having any judgment Can manage with the power of having money if punished For not having the capability of seeking legal action by victims For not having proper guidance of guardians Victim are overemphasized Study Report on VAW 26/47 Extra marital affairs Acid Throwing Women and child Trafficking • • • • • • • • • • Affection of boys and girls over the mobile phone For possessing bad character Addiction to other women Husband and wife not staying together at home for long Not having intimacy between husband and wife Sickness of Wife Lack of religious and ethical education Taking the advantage of simplicity of wife For free mixing opportunity Lack of fulfilling sexual need • • • • • Refusing love offer Anger For not getting dowry Extra marital affairs Revenge • • • • • • • • • • • • • Parents selling their Daughters Greed for money Negligence of guardians Husbands sells wife for not getting dowry Proposing of employment offer Negligence of law enforcing authority Trafficking gang not being punished Pretending/trapping in the name of marriage Not being married even after passing the age of marriage Over aged girls some time accept any offer from bad persons for enjoying better life Lack of education and orientation on trafficking Sever Poverty Lack of Knowledge on Law In Bangladesh, dowry is a major factor for violation against women. The above findings reveals that It breeds many-fold sufferings for women like mental and physical torture, polygamy, marriage as money making business, early marriage, Effect of Dowry on VAW divorce. All these types of violence Physical Torture associated with the practice of dowry. Dowry is a ruthless practice Mental Torture in Bangladesh. Many frightening incidents are heard about where Early Marriage not only the wife but also the children and other family members have fallen victim to inhuman Deserted by Husband Polygamy Dowry creates many fold and its side effects are some how Marriage is Money Making Business Divorce Unhealthy Competition cruelty and torture by the husband or family members. In such cases, meeting the demand of dowry becomes compulsory to retain the marriage on the part of the wife and her family. This practice also has created an Study Report on VAW 27/47 unhealthy competition among the rich families of the society, and as a consequence, the women and girls of the poverty stricken families are the worst victims. Lack of economic and self-sufficiency of women is also a major cause of severe violence. The parents are not aware about the consequences of early marriage. It is also evident that rural people are not aware about child and women trafficking. It is commonly seen among the girls and women that they normally don’t protest against any kind of violence they face regularly. Men take advantage of this accommodative behavior of women and girls. Lack of knowledge on laws by the different stakeholders is also one of the important underlying causes of violation. 4.5 Position of women in family: Women suffer the most, because of their secondary citizenship in the family and society. Most often their rights are ignored by all. From their childhood, women are forced to live in a culture, which tolerates and permits inhuman treatment to them Family is the first and most important institution of all values, respect, ethics and morality. If women are not receiving recognition of their rights by the family, then it is not possible to promote a safe environment in the society for women ? Family, in our society, is the primary source of VAW. Staring from birth, a girl child becomes the victim of gender disparity and discrimination in her position in the family, areas of work, distribution of property rights, livelihood opportunities etc. which continues through out her different stages of life. The study intended to learn the position of women in the family by collecting information against some selected indicators. Position of Women in Family Not at all Few Very good 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% Ta ke Ta ke de ci sio n fo od sa sn Co ee de nt d ro lo v er Sc op re so eo ur fE ce du s ca tio n/ Tr ai ni ng In vo lv ei Fr n ee IG do A m to sp en d m on Re ey ce W iv in ea g rc tre lo at th m es en as t pe rr eq ui re m en Sc t op eo fr ec Ca re n at vi io sit n ou tsi de of ho m e 0% Study Report on VAW 28/47 4.6 Position of women in society: It is obviously true that position of women in the family leads to their position in the society. Society has been traditionally exerting its controlling influence on women through various economic, social, political, cultural and religious activities, and via ideological ascendancy. It is generally assumed in our society that men are superior to women, and thus, possess the exclusive rights to ensure security to women. In many cases, acts of VAW is tolerated, particularly those occurring in the family or within the residence. Such social practices degrade women’s already lower position in the society and add to the practice to taking actions of abuse for granted. For example, spousal abuse, including beating is still not treated as an offence, moreover, in many cases, overlooked by the society. The position of women in society were seen by collecting data on whether there are Eve-teasing, Restriction in mobility, Involvement in social activities, Security, Scope of play role in election, Involvement in different committees. The chart besides display the same result. The table beside depicts condition of women and Position of Women in Society severe girls societal in Involved in diff. committees the context, which is almost same Play role in election Security as their position in the family. It is essential to bring changes present about to Modarat Few Restriction in mobility Not at all the perspective of women’s status in our Good Involvement in social activities society. Eve-teasing 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% %. of Respondent Fulfillment of women rights is the basic condition for the empowerment of women in the society. Study Report on VAW 29/47 4.7 Mobility of women in study area: Mobility of women is significant empowerment indicator for Empowerment. The fear of violence, including harassment, is a permanent constraint on the mobility of women which limits their access to resources and basic activities. Eveteasing is a hurdle to young women’s mobility. Mobility of Women in Study Area The study found that the women in the study areas often go to the NGOs, UPs, Govt. agencies, police stations and hospitals in relation to different needs. Hospital 15% The most frequent movement of the women is seen NGO 41% Govt. Agency 22% with NGOs. As most of them are NGO members, and they often need to participate in NGO organized events/programmes/orientations. A reasonable percentage of women go to various government Police Station 6% UP 16% agencies, Union Parishad and hospitals. Only a few are found to go to the police stations. It is appreciating that the women are going to various govt. departments and Union Parishads for different purposes. 4.8 Awareness on available support to combat VAW (from FGD): • Manob Progati Sangho (MPS): The beneficiaries of Manob Progati Sangho don’t know that there is a Government Women Affairs Office which can play role to reduce violence against women. Role of UP is not strong on the issue and not a single NGO are working in this study area, on violence issues. They informed that 7/8 women victim received legal support from MPS. • SHAREE: The findings from the FGDs with male and female beneficiaries of SHAREE reveals that they are aware about various govt. departments and NGOs (BRAC, SHAREE) who can provide support service to stop violence against women. They mentioned that, in their area, community as well as Municipality also plays a role in dealing with VAW issues. • Gram Bikash: Group member of GBSS informed, that they are not aware about the services of Govt. Women Affairs Office. As mentioned by them the UP collects information on VAW and activates the VAW committee. Gram Bikash Shohayak Study Report on VAW 30/47 Sangstha arranges shalish in the presence of Union Parishad Chairman and members. BRAC provides technical support in this regard. • Bandhan Society: The beneficiaries of Bandhan Society are aware about the existence of a Govt. Women Affairs Office, but is not aware about their services. Local elites and UP members arrange salish whenever on a case basis, but can’t always deal with faire justice. • Jagorani Sangastha: The male and female group of Jagorani Sangastha are not aware about the role of Upazila Women Affairs Officer. The salish is conducted by UP Chairman or members and local elites to deal with cases of violence against women. Women UP member play active role in this connection. They also stated that Jagorani Sangastha plays a major role in providing awareness on VAW, training, arranging shalish in the area. • NUSA: The group members of NUSA are not aware about the Upazila Women Affairs Officer. The community people are do go to UP Chairman or members for receiving support when case of violence against women takes place. 4.9 Institutes, which can play important role to combat VAW: Most of the beneficiaries showed their satisfaction activities of on NGOs the Institutions as NGO UP (Union Parishad) Police Station Ministry of Women & Childrens Affairs Hospital Municipality Educational & Cultural Institution Political Party compared to the other selected institutions. Being directly associated with NGOs Table 9: Institutions to combat VAW, mentioned by respondents highest they are satisfied with their present Score by Community Women Score by Civil Society 81 34 24 13 5 4 120 49 6 37 8 4 27 7 active role. They mentioned UP as the most effective local organization, next to the NGOs, which significantly contributes in minimizing violence against women. They gave police station a reasonable score on the basis of their understanding that it has a vital role to play in reducing VAW. In the other hand, the civil society representatives firstly mentioned the name of the NGOs and then the UP as effective role player, in combating VAW. They also mentioned Ministry of Women & Child Affairs as another important role player as they often come in contact with Study Report on VAW 31/47 that agency. They also feel that ‘Educational & Cultural institute’ could play a significant role in reducing VAW. ‘Political Party’ also came in the list of the civil society representatives a potential role player in combating VAW. The beneficiaries of SHAREE don’t treat Ministry of Women and Child Affairs as an actor of combating VAW. MPS and GBSS think that UP is not playing strong enough role in reducing VAW. All beneficiaries of the PNGOs, except GBSS, believes that ‘Police Station’ could play Role of Stakeholders to combat VAW 25 20 NGO UP Police Station Ministry of Women & Children Affairs Hospital 15 10 5 0 Bandhan GBSS MPS NUSA Openion of NGO Respondent SHAREE JS effective role in reducing violence against women. Services of GoB agencies are still not known to rural people, NGOs can play a role in making them awareness about different available govt. services. In order to create a healthy and human-friendly culture, it is essential to accept an inclusive approach. Family, educational institutions and all other actors of the society should accept the humanitarian perspective towards women by developing humanitarian values among the teen aged and adult people. Study Report on VAW 32/47 4.10 Knowledge on existing laws to combat VAW: There are many laws prevailing across the country in combating Knowledge of Community Women Regarding Laws on VAW violence against women. Acid attacks act, Family law, Muslim Rape Divorce family law, Dowry prohibition Suppression of VAW & children act act are worth mentioning. Most Acid attacks act significant findings from the study was that, 60% community women don’t have any knowledge about the existing Polygamy Dowry prohibition act Muslim family law Child marriage restraint act 0 laws in the country to protect 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 No. of Respondant women rights. Only 40% have some idea on this subject. The reasons of not being interested about various laws are several and among those, failure to apply the law, absence of laws, discriminatory laws, misuse of laws/abuse of process and many practical obstacle. Personal laws have reenforced age-old patriarchy and hindered women’s enjoyment of equal right under the law. During data collection the respondents, described their knowledge against the same issue differently. Actually, as found from their statements, the respondents have been aware of the general consequences of the incidents, but they did not have specific knowledge in legal action or punishment. However, the actual pictures of their level of understanding, as they stated, have been presented in the chart above. Most of the respondents can explain about women and child exploitation (VAW) law, law regarding dowry and acid attack. The community people complain that these laws are not implemented properly, and have many shortcomings. The civil society actors on VAW Civil Society Identified Laws to Reform are found quite aware about the All existing laws existing laws. 78% of the civil Dowry prohibition act society members are aware Access to equal property of women about the implementation complicacy of some of the laws, 28% 22% 18% Child marriage restraint act 12% Family Law Suppression of VAW & Children act 10% 7% 48% among them thinks that Guerdianship & Inharitage law 5% these laws are not sufficient to Poligamy 5% prohibit violence against women, 20% refrained from giving any opinion. Study Report on VAW 33/47 4.11 Role of PNGOs to combat violence against women: The PNGOs have taken different types of initiatives to combat violence in their areas. SHAREE, NUSA, GBSS and MPS each have two, and Jagorani Sangastha have three, and Bandhan Society have four project directly on VAW. The mentionable initiatives are rally, campaign, day observation, court yard discussion, awareness raising program, arranging salish (legal alternative dispute resolution), legal support, treatment support, education for women, formation of committee on VAW, provided technical training Union Parishad members, Provided subjective training for community, counseling, meeting, seminar and workshop etc. The most common mechanism used for reducing VAW are briefly described below:4.11.1 Participation in Salish: As the implementation procedure of court cases are quite lengthy and hazardous, ‘Salish’ is found to be the most popular medium to tackle with women rights violation issues. Salish is regarded as a most effective social method for setting disputes which is quite popular in our society. All most all NGOs have ‘Salish’ program and except SHAREE, all NGOs have role in the ‘Salish’. Generally they form ‘Salish’ committee, involve UP representatives in salish, develope their skills by providing training, provide support to arrange salish, and act like a watch dog to create a pressure to ensure that victims receives fair treatment. The salish committee consists of 7-10 members selected from NGO staffs, local elites and UP representatives. If the problem is minor, in that case the committee tries to solve the problem mutually with victim & the opponent party. As the ‘Nari Nirjatan Protirodh Committee’ of Union Parishad is not always found active, the NGO’s try to involve them in Salish in addition, provide them with technical training to develop their skills in dealing with VAW related issues. While doing in-depth interview of civil society actor on VAW, 91% stated that they have salish system in their locality, which is quite effective and popular. 4.11.2 Courtyard discussion and Training: About 87% beneficiaries stated that they have participated in VAW related meeting or courtyard discussion, which was organized by the respective NGOs. Beneficiaries of Bandhan Society informed that they participated training on “Gender” only, but they discussed about dowry, early marriage and marriage registration, domestic violence, women’s rights, gender equality and Para legal support in their courtyard meetings. The targeted women of GBSS said that they had training on Gender, and their topic of meeting discussions were Domestic violence, Dowry, Early marriage, Gender equality and Para legal Study Report on VAW 34/47 support. According to the beneficiaries of Jagorani Sangastha they received training on Domestic violence and Gender. They discuss about Domestic violence, Para legal support, Early marriage, Women rights, Dowry and Para legal support etc in their meetings. Beneficiaries of MPS informed that they received training on Development of relationship between men and women, Family law, Reproductive health and Gender. They also attended discussion on early marriage, dowry, gender equity, domestic violence and Para legal support. Beneficiaries of NUSA mentioned that they did not receive any training on gender or VAW, but they have regular meetings with a common agendas, like dowry, early marriage domestic violence etc. According to the beneficiaries of SHAREE, only 4 members received training on VAW, and have courtyard meeting on Gender equality, Dowry, Para legal support and women rights. 4.11.3 Legal Aid support: To fulfill the objectives of establishing women’s rights, to prevent VAW and to be more responsive towards women, it is important to ensure appropriate reformation of current laws, setting of new laws to address women’s needs. ‘Violence Against Women should be seen as an obstacle towards the national development. The people of SHAREE’s in their working areas generally receive legal support, if any domestic violence occurs. SHAREE and GBSS arrange linkage with Ain-O-Shalish Kendra and BNWLA, for legal support for the victims. MPS is used to observe the VAW situation through their committees. They file case if any incidence of VAW takes place, and provides financial support, and other form of support as per requirement. NUSA directly provides support to the women victims by engaging their own lawyer and by ensuring support from BNWLA. Jagorani Sangastha provides the similar support with the help of Madaripur Legal Aid Association (MLAA). Bandhan Society also provides legal support to their beneficiaries. They have fulltime lawyer to deal with the case, and provides full financial support for the victims. They often receive financial support from Ain O Shalish Kendra. Though all PNGOs render legal support for the women victim, but they have to undertake series of challenges and undergo and struggle due to lengthy process oriented and uncomfortable legal aid system of the state. 4.11.4 Rally or gathering: All most all PNGOs informed that they observe International women’s day on 8th March and other relevant rights related special days by involving community people in their project area. Beneficiaries of SHAREE informed that they never attended any rally or gathering in protest of violence against women. Apart from SHAREE, the group members of NUSA, Manob Study Report on VAW 35/47 Progati Sangho, Jagorani Sangastha, GBSS and Bandhan Society regularly arrange rally, provide memorandum to DC and participate in gatherings on different related issues such as women’s day, human rights day etc. GBSS also organizes rally on disabled day. In most of the cases, the PNGOs are used to organize rally or gathering on any women rights related issue, and most of the time the community people participate and exchange their experiences. 4.11.4 Play advocating role with different agencies: Besides providing their usual support, PNGOs play some additional role by acting like a mediator. Being situated in that area, PNGOs maintains some communication and coordination with other potential VAW actors/ agencies. In order to provide all kind of support to the VAW related cases, sometimes PNGOs face obligation when they fail to provide any important additional support due to capacity limitations. However, in some cases they can manage to render support through other related GO and NGOs. The PNGOs collects information on VAW in the area, sends victims to appropriate places, referre cases for further support (sending victims to shelter homes etc.), send victims to hospital, inform journalists, acts like a pressure group for receiving justice in favor of the victim. All PNGOs reported that they go to Women Affairs Officer of the govt. to seek further support for victims. The NGOs of this project have strong relationship with Union Parishad. They work with UP in a supplementary and complementary way through involving them in “Shalish”, collect information on VAW, provide technical service and acts like a watchdog. They also update different media, forum, network and other INGO/NGOs at national level by sharing their information. 4.11.5 Types of support by civil society actor: Violence against women is a vast issue and NGOs is not in a position to accomplish much alone to reduce VAW. The demand of assistance is enormous, and there are not any other alternative avenues without the Table-10: Services of Civil society to combat VAW Types of Supports by Civil society Number Provide awareness on VAW 65% Legal Aid Support 40% Rescue victim 12% Rehabilitation and shelter home 7% Mental support 5% coordinated support of GO, NGO and Civil society. The representatives of VAW, actors from civil society informed that they are also rendering supports to the community to combat VAW. Mechanism of supports are either preventive (awareness on VAW, rally, camping etc.) and post incident (legal aid, rehabilitation and moral support to victim etc) in nature. Study Report on VAW 36/47 Chapter five: Capacity of the grass-root level women: To understand the capacity of the grass-root level leaders, individual level questionnaire survey, and FGD has been conducted. Information of this section will explore the current scenario of the community women of the selected six Organizations of six Districts. 5.1. Socio-economic Profile of Community Women: 5.1.1. Association of community women with NGO: All most all community women have membership with local NGOs, and majority of them have 2-3 years of memberships. Generally we know that, all women’s have experience of violence, irrespective of NGO or non-NGO members but one positive issue was identified that most of the NGO members at least know about VAW related services of NGOs in that area. Among GBSS, Jagorani Sangstha, NUSA and Bandhan Society majority of respondents are general member of the group. Whereas half of the respondents of SHAREE, are executive committee member of groups. As MPS used to provide support to the victims, irrespective of membership, they have interviewed 60%, who are not their group members, but victim of VAW. A good proportion of respondents also group members of other NGOs. Overall 37% respondents are group members of two NGOs. The percentage is significant among the group members of Jagorani Sangastha, Bandhan Society and MPS. They have 50% group members, who are also involved with other NGOs. The respondent of the study represents 72% from Muslimls and 28% Hindus. Surprisingly only Jagarani Sangastha interviewed 30% hindu women. Table 11: Involvement of respondent with NGO’s and their position in groups:Group Position Bandhan GBSS Society Chairman Member Vice Chairman Non Member Grand Total Jagorani Sangtha MPS NUSA SHAREE Total 10% 80% 10% 50% 50% 100% 100% 12% 77% 2% 10% 100% 100% 10% 90% 100% 40% 100% 100% 100% 60% 100% Study Report on VAW 37/47 5.1.2 Marital Status of the Respondents: Table below reveals that majority of respondents 88% are married. The next highest percentage (8%) are divorced and widow women. Among the respondents found of Bandhan 10%, and MPS 10% unmarried women . Table 12: Marital status of Community Women: Marital Status Unmarried Married Divorced Total Number Bandhan 10% 90% 10 GBSS JS 90% 10% 10 100% 10 MPS 10% 50% 40% 10 NUSA SHAREE 100% 100% 10 10 Total 3% 88% 8% 60 5.1.3 Educational Status of the Respondents: From this survey we found that most of the surveyed community member have high school education which is about 45% of respondents read up to 6-10 class (Table-13). The second largest respondent, 25% found illiterate/who can sign only, Only 3% respondents reported that they have higher education (HSC and above). The striking findings in Jagorani Sangastha and Bandhan Society is that, none of the respondents are illiterate. Whereas majority of respondents of NUSA (60%) and GBSS (60%) are illiterate/ can sign only. If the community women have some educational qualification it especially helps them to combat VAW at various levels. Generally, we see education have a positive effect on men’s behavior and for women not to tolerate it. Table 13: Educational Status of the Community Women Education Status Class 1 to 5 Class 6 to 10 SSC HSC and above Illiterate/ Can sign only Total Number Study Report on VAW Bandhan Society 30% 50% GBSS 40% Jagorani Sangtha 10% 90% 60% 10 10 MPS NUSA 20% 40% 20% 30% 10% 20% 10 60% 10 SHAREE Total 70% 20% 22% 45% 5% 3% 25% 60 20% 10 10% 10 38/47 5.1.4 Occupation of Respondent: Majority of the respondents 83% are found housewives from this study. Among the working women, most commonly reported occupation is service, overall 15% respondents are service holders. Very few women are involved in business or handicrafts work and the percentage is only 2%. This is one of the important findings that, most of the women are not self-reliant, and as a consequence they suffer most on from VAW, due to their lack of economic empowerment. Table 14: Percentage Distribution of Occupation Type Among the Respondents Occupation House Wife Handy Craft Service Total Number Bandhan Society 80% GBSS 90% Jagorani Sangtha 100% 20% 10 10% 10 10 MPS NUSA SHAREE Total 80% 10% 10% 10 100% 50% 10 50% 10 83% 2% 15% 10 5.1.5. Average Income of Respondent Family: The income level of highest percentage of respondent household (HH) 30% falls in to ‘Less than 2000’ income categories. As 83% respondent women are not involved in income earning, they have to depend on their husbands or other family members income. Their income level is minimal. If a large number of women were involved in any types income generating activities, no doubt they could have contributed to their family income, and their economic status could have brought significant change. Table 15: Percentage distribution of Monthly Income Among the respondents Household : Monthly Income in Taka Less than 2000 2000- 3000 3001- 5000 5001 - above Average Income found from current study (’09) Average Income found in last year survey (’08) Study Report on VAW Bandhan Society GBSS Jagorani Sangtha MPS NUSA 20% 20% SHAREE Total 10% 30% 60% 40% 50% 60% 23% 20% 40% 30% 20% 10% 20% 14% 40% 60% 10% 40% 40% 10% 20% 4189 6438 3750 4875 5300 2911 4535 4515 2358 6615 4000 4525 2740 4284 39/47 There is variation in the level of income among the households in the six NGOs work areas. The economic condition of the respondents HH of GBSS, NUSA and MPS is better than that of Bandhan Society and Jagorani Shangstha. The average Comparision of Average Monthly Income of HH monthly income Ave. Income '09 of the household of SHAREE is 6000 Last year, during baseline survey, the monthly income of Income in Taka lowest, which is 2911 taka only. Ave. Income '08 7000 5000 4000 3000 2000 the 1000 household of all 0 Bandhan GBSS JS MPS NUSA SHAREE PNGOs, except Bandhan Society and Jagoroni Sansgtha, have increased during the project period. The overall average income also increased from 4284 to 4535 taka. There could be other reasons, including inflation rate. Economic empowerment is a precondition for establishing women’s rights. Economic solvency of women may not directly stop violence’s towards them, but can reduce the sufferings and degree of violence. Generally women’s economic status can make them more immune to violence, or in a position to resist it. But most of the researches that women’s employment doesn’t ensure prevention from violence. 5.1.6 Awareness about government support: Most frustrating findings from the survey was that, the community male and female are not aware about the government services in their area. While doing FGD with male and female community people, the below mentioned question were asked to all in order to learn about the service delivery status of govt. agencies. Among the 6 PNGos, only half of respondent of Bandhan Society are aware about the existence of Government Women Affairs Officer (MoWCA), but they never approached to seek any support on VAW related issues. The reasons they expressed that they do not know the role, function and services of MoWCA. The 50% who reported to know about MoWCA, most of them are male. In limited way the respondent from Bandhan have visited Government Women Affairs Officer to solve their problems. The survey findings indicate that they have good liaison with Study Report on VAW 40/47 government administration. NGOs can work on this issue by providing awareness to community about govt services to protect women’s rights. The group members of NUSA and Bandhan have experience to go to the chairmen for any types of violence against women or women rights-related issues. Most of the community people irrespective of male and female reported that they know about the role of Union Parishad (UP) in minimizing violence against women related problems. Study Report on VAW 41/47 Chapter Six: Recommendations: Though some achievements have been made through out the project, still the condition of women in the project area is not up to the mark. The respondents mentioned the following indicative factors, which contributes in establishing women friendly climate in the society. It means they need to see improved scenario in these areas. Therefore, according to their view, the followings can be considered as the major parameters to measure the status of women in the society. 6.1 Recommendations from the community women: • Ensuring access to Education for girls • Educating people on moral ethics • Increase public awareness on VAW related issues by NGO and govt. • Ensure rights to property of women by ensuring laws • Review the law on protection of Violence Against Women, and ensure proper implementation • Ensuring access to legal aid for the victims on emergency basis • Create sensitization against domestic violence against women among village people through meeting, gathering, drama, folk songs, poster and campaign • Campaign to stop early marriage and divorce by GO & NGO • Ensure participation of both male and female in Salish, and encourage young groups to stop VAW • Giving priority to the opinions of women in family • Setting up a legal aid center in the locality by GO & NGO • Arrange meeting and training on VAW related issues in all villages by NGO’s • Formation of Violence Against Women committee in each ward • Take initiative to reduce VAW socially • Progressive thinking towards women • Pay importance to the complains brought by the women • Create opportunity for women to earn money • Being sensitive to gender issues • Ensure 100 % marriage registration • Social movement against dowry and early marriage • Reducing social superstition, religious dogma and gender discrimination, through massawareness. Study Report on VAW 42/47 6.2. Recommendation by the Civil Society representatives: • Ensure education for all without any restriction and age bar • Educate women and provide employment • Increase empowerment of women involving them in income generating activities • Make women aware of their rights • Ensure access to social activities for women • Reform law regarding gender issues and ensure proper implementation • Reduce discrimination between men and women • Arrange seminar and workshop to increase awareness on VAW issues • Change of mindset of the society through campaign (specially through electronic media) • Elimination of all types of discrimination towards women at state level • Govt. and NGOs should take women- friendly programs • Create new opportunities/ avenues/ scopes of work for women • Increasing social awareness and religious values among people • Take effective motivational activities in protecting values for women • Take initiative to address inappropriateness of state laws • Ensure equal access to property for women by constitution • Formation of VAW committee in each wards • Smooth and comfortable system for false case on VAW issues • Ensure fare wage for women by Govt. and NGO • Reduce religious dogma through involving religious leader, Imam, Kazi and Principals of Madrasa • Increase awareness program for men on VAW issues • Promote positive mentality towards women in home, community and workplace • Adequate funding to work on establishing women rights • Take multiple comprehensive and coordinated steps to increase public awareness by Govt. • Identify the top major contributor in women rights violation to be pinpointed with much focus by NGOs Study Report on VAW 43/47 Chapter Seven: Conclusion The issue of Violence Against Women (VAW) is increasing alarmingly day by day, but it is still not considered as a serious issue for all citizens. The issue of inhuman, animalistic and shameful acts are considered as a serious problem by a particular segment of the society. Generally, it has become the responsibility of women in the society to fight against VAW, and providing efforts to bring other fellow citizens in the society, to initiate action to prevent violence. Women’s rights still has not been recognized as the fundamental and constitutional rights. In order to combat violence against women, a change in the mindset is crucial. An all out united effort is required for addressing VAW in collaboration with GO and NGO on urgent basis. The Partner NGOs ( PNGO) have taken some initiatives with their limited capacities along with GO, NGO, and other organizations to combat VAW in their programmatic areas. They are providing training for awareness building, offering legal support for women victims, and empowering women to raise their voice through various socio-economic activities. The issue on VAW was addressed in their mission, vision and objective of the PNGOs. Though some of the PNGOs did not have any standard Gender Policy and HR Policy before this particular project was initiated, through this process, the PNGO’s were inspired, and developed Gender and HR Policies. In the previous year, all the PNGOs strongly felt that they need to improve their capacities to plan, monitor and evaluate project related on VAW issues from the current year, most of them enhanced capacities in those particular areas, only NUSA and MPS requires further improvement. Each PNGO have now adequate skilled staff to deal with VAW related issues. The finding reveals that, four PNGOs SHAREE, MPS, NUSA and Bandhan Society have strong affiliation and liaison with Government; dealing with gender issue, but JS and GBSS requires more effort to build relationship with Govt. In order to combat VAW, NGOs expanded their activities in different dimension than previous year in their project areas. The initiatives are• Introducing different Shalish System • Awareness raising, and training • Court yard dialouge • Rally and Day observations • Legal Aid support • Advocacy and Policy. Study Report on VAW 44/47 In the project areas of 6 PNGOs, about 300 grass-roots Women and Men clearly stated about the nature of violence’s against women, and they clearly stated, Physical torture, Sexual harassment, and Dowry are the most intensive violence. Moreover, the community people identified top 10 aggressive actors of VAW, where they stated, ‘Husband’ as top most actors of Violence Against Women. The study also identified the underlying causes of VAW from community people, and civil society. They made some recommendations to combat violence against women. In general, the position of women in the family are not favorable towards promoting women empowerment. About 50%, or even less women have access to basic minimum food intake, clothes and medical treatment. Women’s mobility remained restricted within NGO’s, and limited within Govt agencies and Union Parishad (UP), as most of them are closely associated with NGO’s. Both the community people, and civil society ranked NGOs, UPs and Govt. agencies as the potential institutions, who are in a position to play important role to combat VAW. Among the grassroots women, majority of them are not aware about the existence and role of Ministry of Women and Childrens Affairs. The opinions, of the civil society representatives of selected 6 districts were found significant about the impact of PNGOs on reducing VAW in those particular geographical areas. The civil society representatives of 6 Districts of project areas were found quite aware about the programs/ activities taken by PNGOS in order to reduce VAW in the locality. According to the opinion of surveyed civil society members, two major impacts of these PNGOs activities were observed in the locality in reducing VAW, 33% stated that the acceptance of the PNGOs has increased, compared from the previous context , and 42% informed that both PNGO and the Beneficiaries gained confidence in dealing with VAW as a separate issue. About 87% beneficiaries stated that they have actively participated in VAW related meetings or trainings. Around half (49%) of the group members have reported that they participated in various campaigns, meetings by demanding women rights and to combat violence against women. More than 80% women are aware about the local “Shalish System” of NGOs and UPs. All above findings indicates that, these 6- PNGO’s have played a vital role in their operational areas to combat violence against women, during the project period. From the overall findings, it reveals that, the women are found more deprived of being first, as “women” and second, as “poorest of the poor” (according to the study of Dr. Abul Barkat titled ‘Economic empowerment in Bangladesh: Should incorporate in National Human Development Plan, 2008)’. Dr Abul Barkat stated that, there are 6 crore 20 lacs poor women (who are 85% among total) in the country, and this particular section of the population demands “alternative” by the Govt and the NGO’s on most priority basis , His study revels Study Report on VAW 45/47 that, there are no alternative of long term program on awareness for Women’s rights. As the study reveals that those women who had gone through a awareness building process on women rights for last 10 years, are far more aware on “Rights based Issues”, active in establishing human and women rights, achieved their rights to some extent, and as a consequence their socio-economic status has improved compared to the section of women who were deprived from receiving awareness program. Women receive minimal support from family members and from society, when they experience violence, because if they protest, they loose their family support including shelter, and all related security. The study also reveals that they are not aware about Govt. Services, or they consciously avoid, because of the lengthy process. and as an alternative they seek assistance from the NGOs mostly. The existing power structure is not in favor of “victim women”, because most often, women are victimized by the elite or powerful men from the society. In order to minimize Violence Against Women, NGOs have to work more intensively on this particular issue, by taking “Violence Against Women” as a cross cutting theme, with a social and political commitment, with the community itself, and government in particular. Highest effort required for coordinated effort between government and NGOs. Based on the study, few issues are urgently required to address: • Ensure secondary education for girls • Comprehensive awareness raising program on Women’s Rights, • Formulate appropriate Laws on Domestic Violence, and ensure effective implementation • A comprehensive action plan to reduce VAW, and incorporate in national budget for effective implementation • Formulate Laws to stop Eve-teasing by keeping provision for strict punishment. • Ensure prompt justice and settlement of cases related to VAW • Initiate a social Safety Net Program for women by the Govt. • Punishment of the violator • Coordinated initiative to reduce poverty of women, at large, by Govt., Civil Society, NGOs inclusive various development players. Study Report on VAW 46/47 References: 1. Baseline Survey report on Facilitate Women leadership development process at Grassroots Levels for reducing violence against women (VAW) by Shahana Rahman 2. Baseline Survey for Legal Project by PROMT 3. Violence against Women and Girls: assessing the legal framework by Barrister Sara Hossain 4. ‘Dharshan Chittra’ by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad 5. ‘Unnayan Padakhep’ and ‘New Steps’ by Steps Towards Development 6. Expert Group Meeting ,11-14 April 2005,Division for the advancement of women 7. ‘Economic empowerment in Bangladesh: Should incorporate in National Human Development Plan, 2008, Dr. Abul Barkat ANNEXURE: • Aneex-1: Study Operation Plan • Annex-2: Tool-package • Annex-3: Study Report on VAW 47/47