EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: 

Domestic violence (DV) is a significant social problem in Bangladesh. Studies in the context of

Bangladesh identify patriarchal norms and beliefs as the main factors behind DV. The current study

analyzes some patriarchal justifications and perceptions of Bangladeshi men and women using the

2004 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) as the data source. The data source consists of a

nationally representative probability sample from 10,811 households. Both multinomial and binomial

regression analysis was computed. The results indicate that rural wives were more likely to respond

that the husbands had final say even in their own health decisions compared to their urban

counterparts. Also, rural husbands were more likely to justify wife beating. Increased age,

education, and active employment status of the wives were associated with their having greater say

in their own health care. However, interestingly, some of the outcomes in the multinomial analysis

revealed that men’s economic independence gives him more power of domination. From the

binomial analysis, it is found that with increased education (both of wives and husbands) the odds

of husband justifying wife beating decreased. 

A. Z. M. Saleh 12.00

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

 International Women's Day (IWD) is observed once a year on March 8 to celebrate women's achievement throughout the world. It is also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women's Rights, equality-equity and International harmony. 8th March is a vital event to celebrate the successes and gains made by women and girls to focus on the job still left to achieve equality for women and girls around the world. In a message, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said ‘Until women and girls are liberated from poverty and injustice, our entire goals -- peace, security, sustainable development -- stand in jeopardy. Let us work with renewed determination for a future of equal rights, equal opportunities and progress for all’. This year 2012, the theme of IWD is “CONNECTING GIRLS, INSPIRING FUTURES”. Following this theme, this paper is going to study about a deprived but major segment of girls who are street girls and their social connection in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. On this occasion discussion, meetings, rallies, exhibition, human chains will be conducted and media and national dailies will mark the observance in Bangladesh as well.

In Bangladesh, much progress has been made to protect and promote adolescent girls and girl children's rights in recent times. However, girls are found in continuous victimization of violence, deprivation of basic human needs and rights worldwide. From this study, it has been revealed that majority of the street girls (37.50 percent) are flower sellers whereas, 18.80 percent are prostitutes, 6.25 percent are garments worker, 6.25 percent are beggars, 12.50 percent are shopkeepers and 6.25 percent are paper-hawkers. Five of every ten street girls have their daily income Tk. 101-299 whereas, only 6.25 percent girls earn less than Tk. 100. Furthermore, 43.75 percent of the girls have their daily income Tk. 300 and above. About 45 percent of the respondents are taking treatment from other sides rather than public medicals or clinics. It was also observed that about 3 of every ten respondents are not enrolled in educational institutions. On the other hand, Street girls accumulate numerous experiences of violence from an early age in different range of different circumstances. Their high risk of exposure to multiple abuses is consistently overlooked in policy development and service delivery. Since girls especially those, live on streets are in a relatively disadvantaged position even with no work facility. The government must put more emphasis on ensuring their socio-economic development as social, political and economic development cannot be achieved keeping the girls aside. For that reason, the vision of this study is to elevate a dialogue on street girls in Bangladesh through comprehensive efforts and for making arrangements to develop a violence-free and equitable society. Its mission is to create responsiveness among the people regarding various types and severity of gender-based violence and to make arrangement for reporting all incidence of violence against girls. This will help to develop our national government in providing all sorts of support to rehabilitate girls living on streets.

In reducing gender gap not only between men and women but also among women and girls’, participation must be increased at all tiers of our society. The 8th March, international women’s day calls for connecting girls in all events to inspire future of the entire world. This manifestation of connecting Girls cannot ignore the particular proportion that means association of street girls. Therefore, their connection must inspire the future of Bangladesh. Considerable progress can be gained if much more work is done for street girls. Therefore, it is high time to let involve these girls, including street girls in all events to focus their issues, challenges, prospects, deservingness, and responsibilities. A dialogue can be introduced to raise a voice for them. Let’s start it from now!

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