Gender-based violence costs 2.1 percent of Bangladesh GDP: US Ambassador

The US Ambassador in Dhaka has said that there are serious negative social and economic consequences of gender-based violence that no country can afford.

“In Bangladesh, the costs are estimated at 2.1 percent of the country’s GDP,” Marcia Bernicat said on Tuesday at a discussion organised by the American Centre on preventing violence against women.

Citing statistics, the ambassador said one in three women around the world would experience violence in her lifetime. “In Bangladesh, that figure is as high as 80 percent”.

She called for changing social norms to prevent the menace.

Representatives from different NGOs who are the US state department’s alumni took part in the discussion.

Ayesha Siddika who was married off at the age of 12 shared her horrifying experiences in India where she travelled to find a better life but later trapped, tortured and abused by a racket. Finally, she managed to come back in Dhaka.

She painted her pains while staying at a rehabilitation camp. Those paintings have been displayed at the EMK centre.

The ambassador said violence stops girls from going to school and prevents women from taking jobs. “This compromises their individual futures and the economic and social development of their communities”.

“More importantly, gender-based violence is morally wrong. Women and girls should not live lives stunted by violence and the fear of violence. Stopping the cycle requires raising awareness and engaging society at all levels,” she said.

“We are calling for a change in social norms that permit violence against women that often stigmatises the victims. We need to support each other in finding solutions,” she said, adding that “change starts with individual courage and local initiative”.