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The “Empowering Women through Professionalization of the Nursing Sector in Bangladesh” (ProNurse) Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, and implemented by Cowater International in collaboration with the Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM), hosted an event dedicated to the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Dhaka. This year’s observance embraced the United Nations theme: NoExcuse: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls, alongside Global Affairs Canada’s theme, Come Together, Act Now.

Dr. Selina Amin, ProNurse Team Leader, welcomed around 150 nurses, including leaders, managers, educators, students, and other stakeholders. She expressed special appreciation to the male nurses for their participation and hoped the event would deepen participants’ understanding of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, inspiring them to unite against gender-based violence. Selina Ahmed, ProNurse Senior Gender Equality Specialist, provided a brief historical perspective of the campaign and highlighted its significance for the nursing sector. She emphasized the importance of workplace safety and encouraged practicing the campaign’s theme in everyday interactions.

Chief Guest Mohammad Abdus Salam Khan, Additional Secretary (Development Wing), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, highlighted the pivotal role of nurses in combating GBV. “Nurses directly interact with survivors and can drive awareness, and advocate for systemic change to address GBV in Bangladesh”, noted Mr. Khan. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering nurses in the fight against gender-based violence.

Additional Secretary Mohammad Abdus Salam Khan, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, writing his commitment to eliminate and prevent GBV

Special Guest Edward Cabrera, First Secretary (Development-Health), High Commission of Canada to Dhaka, reiterated Canada’s commitment to supporting initiatives through the ProNurse Project that empower women and address gender inequities. He also urged everyone to come together and take immediate action to stop gender-based violence at home, in the community, and in workplaces.

Chairperson Mohammed Shakhir Ahmed Chowdhury, Deputy Secretary and Program Manager of NMES OP, DGNM, underscored the need for ensuring nurses’ safety and well-being. “I urge all nurses to develop a culture of respect and accountability in their workplaces, as this is crucial for building a resilient and effective healthcare system”, noted Mr. Chowdhury.

An interactive session featured a film screening on gender-based violence, followed by an engaging open discussion. Participants actively connected the film’s themes with their personal, professional, and social experiences. A student from Dhaka Nursing College raised concerns about gender biases, noting that iit is disheartening that the female voices are ignored while male voices get priority, despite females being in a majority. A Senior Staff Nurse from the National Eye Hospital highlighted the lack of mutual respect in workplaces and stressed the need for a culture that extends respect to everyone equally, regardless of gender.

The event concluded with a solidarity pledge against violence, where participants added colorful handprints and signatures as a commitment to ending GBV. The campaign will continue with radio talk shows and a social media drive to amplify its message and inspire collective action.