On July 21, 2025, a significant workshop titled “Gender Policy and Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Abuse, and Violence” was organized by Nari Unnayan Shakti, a women-led NGO, in Nachole Upazila, Chapainawabganj district. The workshop was attended by executive heads of various small, community-based, women-led NGOs and social organizations from the upazila.

The inaugural session was graced by Mr. Md. Kamal Hossain, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Nachole, as the Chief Guest. Mr. Md. Monirul Islam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Nachole Police Station, and Dr. Sultan Mohammad Razzak, Executive Director of Forum for Culture and Human Development, were present as Special Guests. The session was chaired by Ms. Prabhati Mahato, Upazila Women Affairs Officer, Nachole.

The keynote speech and training session were conducted by Dr. Afroja Parvin, Executive Director of Nari Unnayan Shakti. She presented a practical and action-oriented guideline for NGO representatives, stating that if followed, it could significantly help in preventing sexual violence, domestic abuse, child marriage, forced marriage, trafficking of women and children, and dowry-related oppression in the area.

Mr. Md. Kamal Hossain, UNO of Nachole, said,

“We must work to empower the underprivileged communities of our upazila through awareness, training, and capacity building, so they can participate in decision-making and live with dignity in both family and society.”

OC Md. Monirul Islam declared,

“Work without fear. If you or anyone around you becomes a victim of harassment or abuse, the police will stand by your side—this is my commitment from today’s forum.”

This workshop was organized with the aim of strengthening women’s leadership and building a safe, gender-equal society through awareness and collective action.