NGO workers and paralegals have said violence against women could be eliminated if they become financially self-sufficient.
They said this on Saturday, when The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is being observed across the world, including Bangladesh.
The day, November 25, is recognised by United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness around the fact that women are subject to acts of violence such as domestic abuse and rape.
The awareness programs are only limited to loading one with information, but the number of violence against women cases still remain high in Bangladesh.
On average, about five women per week seek help in the area but barely go through with the case despite the accessibility, according to a study.
The number of unreported cases on domestic violence is too high in Bangladesh.
In Dhaka city, women tend to go back the households where they are abused due to pressure from family and society.
When an NGO worker in Korail slum of Dhaka was asked about this, she spoke for spending funds on how to make women financially self-sufficient.
“There are a lot of awareness programs around urban areas in Dhaka where we teach (women) about sexual reproductive health,” the worker said.
“We offer them free legal services, and hand in pamphlets with numbers on where to report. However, women take in the booklets then go back to their abusive partner for lack of economic self-sufficiency.”
Like her, many field workers and paralegals in slums believe that most women should be taught how to be independent.
When asked where aid organisations are going wrong, they also mentioned that project funds should go to women’s skill development leading to their employment for economic emancipation.
In order to eliminate violence against women, they also urged the authorities concerned to look into the socio-economic factors.