YWCA actively works to challenge power imbalances and transform harmful social and gender norms that sustain inequality and exclusion.  YWCA upholds a Zero Tolerance principle against all forms of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), ensuring the safety, dignity, and empowerment of its program participants as well as staff.

Sexual and Gender-based Violence, which is interchangeably termed as Gender-based Violence, is the most pervasive yet least visible human rights violation in Bangladesh like other parts in the world. SGBV includes physical, sexual, psychological, or economic violence or threats of violence inflicted on a person because of socially ascribed power imbalances between genders. SGBV takes numerous forms: domestic violence, sexual abuse, and harassment, child marriage, rape, forced prostitution, exploitation, female infanticide, etc. Women and men, boys and girls, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people (LGBTI) can all become victims of sexual and gender-based violence. It has short and long-term physical and mental consequences including It can happen within marriage, especially when there is a lack of consent for sexual activity by one of the spouses. Women and girls may experience severe physical injuries, unwanted pregnancies, and exposure to HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Across the globe, women and girls-especially young adolescents face the greater risk. SGBV affects multiple human rights including the right to life, the right to be free from torture, the right to health, the right to privacy, the right to education, the right to mobility, the right to freedom of expression, the right to employment, and the prohibition of discrimination. Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the limited ability to complete daily tasks, and suicidal thoughts are also common.

In many societies social norms allow men’s use of violence as a form of discipline and control that reinforces gender inequality and perpetuates SGBV. There had been a significant wake of SGBV during the COVID-19 pandemic time. SGBV also spiked in emergency humanitarian settings. Like in other countries, women and children are the victims of conflict in our society. It is evident that women were physically assaulted, raped, and traumatized during conflicts and violence. Poor security measures, preventive efforts, and the absence of organized peace-building initiatives make weaker sections of the population more vulnerable to conflicting situations.

SGBV is a newly added strategic issue in this SP 2023-2028 considering that it is difficult to address human rights-based efforts and women, young women, and girl’s empowerment opportunities unless the threat and reality of SGBV are recognized and addressed. Therefore, YWCA affirms bringing attention to the SGBV issues faced by grassroots women, young women, and girls in Bangladesh in its projects and programs. The YWCA addresses both the power imbalances between genders as well as the social and gender norms that justify gender inequality and social exclusion through organizational policy. YWCA commits to practicing the  Zero Tolerance principle and ensure res safety and dignity of its program participants as well as staff.

Objectives 

• To make the community aware of gender stereotypes and norms around SGBV and immediate and long-term physical, sexual, and mental consequences.

• To mobilize collective actions of all genders for preventing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the family and community.

Outcomes 

• Positive gender norms are promoted in the community and in the organization that does not justify gender inequality and social exclusion.

• Women, young women, and girls have access to survivor centric SGBV services that promote confidentiality, safety, non-discrimination, and respect for the choices of survivors.

• The Voices of women of all ages are heard which can dismantle harmful narratives. 

Actions 

• Sensitize men, women, and youths of the communities about SGBV through meetings, training, campaign and social mobilization.

• Mobilize community through the gender activist groups to stop child marriage and domestic violence.

• Act promptly to obtain justice for survivors of SGBV with the support of network partners and service providers.

• Sensitize and strengthen survivor-centered responses and preserve confidentiality, safety, and non-discrimination respect for the choices, rights and dignity of GBV survivors.

Achievements 

Bangladesh YWCA has maintained a strong and consistent commitment to preventing gender-based violence (GBV), promoting legal awareness, and ensuring access to survivor support. Through a combination of community-based programs and digital advocacy, the organization continues to reach thousands of women, young people, and families with vital messages on safety, justice, and gender equality. To date, nearly 8,500 community members have been reached with awareness initiatives that address sexual and gender-based violence in its many forms.

Awareness and Education with Adolescents
Recognizing that early awareness is essential for long-term change, YWCA organizes around 70 awareness sessions every year for adolescent groups. These sessions engage approximately 1,500 young participants, encouraging open conversations about rights, gender equality, and personal safety. Young people gain not only knowledge but also the confidence to challenge harmful practices and advocate for a violence-free environment within their schools, families, and communities.

Community Campaigns Against Child Marriage and Domestic Violence
Child marriage and domestic violence remain critical challenges across Bangladesh. To address these issues directly, YWCA facilitates about 70 targeted campaigns annually, reaching over 1,700 individuals. These campaigns use interactive methods—such as street dramas, rallies, and group discussions—to spread prevention-focused messages, encourage community dialogue, and mobilize support for protecting the rights of women and girls.

Public Engagement on Sexual Harassment Prevention
The YWCA prioritizes creating safe public and private spaces by hosting 75 community meetings and discussion forums that engage over 1,600 participants. These forums raise awareness on sexual harassment, inform community members about reporting mechanisms, and encourage a culture of accountability. By equipping participants with tools to recognize and respond to harassment, the YWCA fosters environments where dignity and respect are upheld.

Legal Awareness and Education
Lack of legal knowledge often prevents young people from seeking justice. To bridge this gap, YWCA conducts nearly 20 specialized legal awareness sessions for students, benefiting around 600 young people each year. These sessions cover laws related to sexual violence, rights-based protections, and legal procedures, equipping youth with critical information to safeguard themselves and advocate for others.

Referral Services and Survivor Support
YWCA ensures that survivors of violence are not left alone in their journey toward justice and healing. Individualised assistance is provided through legal aid, referral services, and counseling support. On average, around 75 survivors received counselling services per year that address both emotional needs and legal options, helping them rebuild confidence and regain stability.

Child Marriage Prevention Initiative
At the grassroots level, community leadership is strengthened through 165 active Gender Activist group members. These volunteers are engaged year-round in leading campaigns, conducting awareness activities, and monitoring cases related to child marriage. Their active involvement amplifies the YWCA’s reach and ensures that local voices drive the movement to protect young girls from early and forced marriage.

Digital Advocacy and Online Outreach
With the rise of digital communication, YWCA has expandes its advocacy beyond physical communities. Through creative online campaigns and digital protests, the organization engages around 3000 individuals annually, spreading awareness on GBV, legal rights, and women’s empowerment. These efforts ensure that important messages reach diverse audiences, particularly youth who are active on digital platforms.

Together, these initiatives represent YWCA’s holistic approach to addressing gender-based violence: combining awareness, prevention, legal literacy, survivor support, and digital advocacy to build safer and more just communities across Bangladesh.