Office Address
Dhanmondi, Joypurhat-5900
Phone Number
+8801719454941
Dhanmondi, Joypurhat-5900
+8801719454941
by Sazzadul Bari
Joypurhat, Bangladesh | 17 October 2026
Action and Light organized a community discussion meeting on “Gender Stereotypes and Prevention of Violence Against Women” on Saturday, 17 October 2026, at 3:00 PM at the CRD Conference Hall in Joypurhat. The event was held under the Community Action Project, with funding from the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implementation by JAAGO Foundation Trust.
The meeting aimed to raise community awareness, challenge discriminatory gender stereotypes, and promote collective action towards building a society based on equality, dignity, and freedom from violence.
The session was chaired by A. R. Asaduzzaman Raju, a distinguished educationist. Rajib Ahmed, Upazila Social Services Officer, Joypurhat Sadar, attended as the Chief Guest. Agricultural scientist Dr. Parimal Sarkar participated as the Special Guest. Dr. Sazzadul Bari, Executive Director of Action and Light, was also present. The session was facilitated by Biplob Ali, Project Facilitator of Action and Light.
Representatives from various sections of society actively participated in the discussion, including youth groups, women’s organizations, religious leaders, teachers, content creators, and other community stakeholders. Their participation provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives and identify ways to address gender-based discrimination and violence at the community level.
Participants discussed the influence of prevailing social attitudes and gender stereotypes on women's rights, opportunities, dignity, and safety. The discussion also addressed direct and structural forms of violence and oppression against women, highlighting the need for coordinated action by individuals, families, institutions, and communities.
Speakers emphasized that transforming discriminatory attitudes requires positive engagement from families, educational institutions, religious and community leaders, and the media. They highlighted the importance of promoting equal rights and opportunities, strengthening public awareness, and encouraging meaningful participation by young people and people from all walks of life.
The meeting further underscored the importance of fostering a non-discriminatory social environment, promoting responsible digital content, and ensuring that women experiencing violence receive appropriate support and solidarity.
The discussion reinforced the understanding that preventing violence against women is a shared social responsibility. Challenging harmful stereotypes, encouraging respectful relationships, and promoting gender equality require sustained engagement from diverse community stakeholders.
Through this initiative, Action and Light seeks to encourage constructive dialogue, strengthen community participation, and contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and violence-free society in Joypurhat.
Project Information