A training session was organised at the office of the Bangladesh Abhibasi Mahila Sramik Association of Darussalam under Mirpur in Dhaka on Sunday, with the participation of women migrants.聽
The event aimed to raise awareness about preventing sexual harassment and AIDS risks among migrant women, said a press聽release.
The training was jointly organised by Nari Unnayan Shakti, Bangladesh Abhibasi Mahila Sramik Association, Young Women for Development Rights and Climate and Forum for Culture and Human Development.
Afroja Parvin, executive director of Nari Unnayan Shakti, attended as chief guest and delivered the keynote speech at the event.
Sessions were conducted by BOMSA president Lily Jahan, executive director Sheikh Rumana, YWDRC programme officer Selina Khatun, and FCHD programme officer Sabina Sultana.
Several contexts and issues were highlighted at the event, including 42 per cent of women migrants face workplace sexual harassment and 18 per cent face physical abuse.
WHO reports that women migrants in south and Middle Eastern countries face an average 2.5 times higher risk of HIV infection, mentioned the press release.
The event also demanded the government to allocate a separate budget for women migrant protection and AIDS prevention.
Implement awareness initiatives and pre-departure orientation. Provide rehabilitation support for abused returnees. Ensure healthcare and enforce employment rights, the speakers said,
Establishment of special cells for justice and rehabilitation services for abused women migrants also demanded at the event.