Women get sexually harassed more at public places in Bangladesh: Study

A survey has found that women get sexually harassed more in public places than any other areas.

The study, conducted by NGO Action Aid in seven cities for two months, also finds the prevalence of sexual harassment is more in cities than in rural areas.

The finds were released on Tuesday in Dhaka at the launch of a campaign titled ‘Safe Cities for Women’.

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu, UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development Lynne Featherstone and Narayanganj City Corporation Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy jointly launched the campaign at Spectra Convention Centre.

The survey was conducted on 1200 people -- 800 women and 400 men -- in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal, Sylhet and Narayanganj.

Twenty-one group discussions, analyses of 15 incidents and view-exchanges with police officials, city planners, transport drivers and their helpers and people of different professions happened and 56 people were interviewed in the survey.

The report said: “Women are sexually harassed more in public places including public transports. Eighty-four percent women interviewed faced unexpected comments and indecent behaviours.

“Fifty percent women were given indecent proposals and 57 percent were subjected to unexpected touches.”

The ActionAid citing the finds said 76 percent of under-20 women and 44 percent of above-30 females faced sexual harassment.

The victims usually did not disclose sexual harassment incidents unless that was severe and 50 percent did not protest the harassment, according to the study.

However, 54 percent victims informed their families of the harassment and 41 percent protested it instantly.

It said most of the victims did not move the authorities in fear of social stigma and further harassment.

Eighty-four women respondents said they did not inform police or any other law-enforcing agency of the harassment they underwent.

Sixty-five percent said police usually blamed the victims for the harassment and 57 percent said the law enforcers procastinated in recording cases.

Fifty-three percent said they did not get any remedy after lodging complaints with police.

The report recommended enactment of law relating to sexual harassment, and establishment of harassment prevention cell and 24-hour helpline centres at the police stations to combat the harassment.