The NCY of Bangladesh observed the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2025
Last Updated (Tuesday, 23 December 2025 12:48)
The NCY of Bangladesh observed the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2025
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The National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh observed the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2025 with a strong commitment to raising awareness, empowering youth, and fostering collective responsibility toward eliminating violence against women and girls. This year, the Council implemented several impactful programs at both National and International levels, engaging local YMCAs, youth groups, community members, and global partners. The campaign highlighted the urgency of addressing gender-based violence, especially in digital spaces, and encouraged communities to stand together for a safer and more equal society.
The observance began with a Cleaning Program on November 27, 2025, organized across various local YMCAs, including Edilpur YMCA, Kaligram YMCA, Barishal YMCA, Jashore YMCA, and Savar YMCA. The cleaning activities aimed not only to promote community hygiene but also to represent the need to “Clean away” gender-based violence from society. Youth volunteers and local leaders actively participated in cleaning public spaces, school premises, and community environments. This initiative encouraged young people to take responsibility for building safe and respectful surroundings where women and girls can move freely without fear. The effort also created awareness in the community about maintaining cleanliness and safety as part of a broader social responsibility.
On November 30, 2025, the National Council organized a Local Online Webinar as part of the campaign. This session brought together participants from different YMCAs in Bangladesh, including youth leaders, community representatives, and staff members. The webinar focused on the theme “End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls”, addressing the increasing risks women face in online spaces. Speakers discussed various forms of digital violence, its psychological impact, preventive strategies, and reporting mechanisms. Participants shared experiences and practical suggestions on promoting digital safety within local communities. The webinar served as an important platform for educating youth and encouraging them to advocate for safer digital environments.
Continuing the campaign at the international level, the National Council of the YMCAs of Bangladesh organized APAY 16 Days of Activism International Webinar on December 3, 2025, titled “Lighting the Way: An Interfaith Youth Call to End GBV”, with distinguished speakers and participants from across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. The webinar, lasting 1.5 hours (3:00–4:30 PM BD / 5:00–6:30 PM HK), began with an interfaith opening prayer led by volunteers from Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist communities, symbolizing unity and collective responsibility. Following a welcome and interactive icebreaker conducted by YMCA Change Agent Rinku Mankhin, the program featured opening remarks from Ms. Marshia Mili Gomes, President of the APAY Gender Equity Committee and YMCAs of Bangladesh, and Mr. Babu Markus Gomes, Former President of APAY and NCYB. Ms. Sunita Suna, Executive Secretary of APAY, highlighted the importance of APAY’s 16 Days campaign and the need for regional youth engagement against gender-based violence.
The webinar included an interactive Fact or Myth game facilitated by Ringku Mankhin, and a keynote session by Rev. Jenifer Astin, Lecturer at a Theological Philosophy Seminary in Eastern Indonesia, focusing on ending digital violence against women and girls. Following the keynote, participants engaged in breakout group discussions on understanding GBV, taking small actions to make communities safer, and exploring collaborative efforts across the Asia-Pacific region. Each group shared key insights during a group presentation session, emphasizing practical steps such as awareness building, peer support, digital literacy, and interfaith cooperation. The webinar concluded with a Call to Action delivered by Mr. Manik D’Costa, National General Secretary of NCYB, and a final group photo and closing prayer led by Jerome Modhu of Barishal YMCA. This international webinar reinforced Bangladesh YMCA’s commitment to global advocacy, youth engagement, and interfaith collaboration in the fight against gender-based violence.
Another major highlight of the campaign was the Art Competition held on December 1, 2025, which engaged children and youth from local YMCAs across the country Edilpur YMCA, Kaligram YMCA, and Savar YMCA. The competition invited young participants to creatively express their understanding by drawing national symbols such as the national flower, Shaheed Minar, and National Memorial, which helped connect national pride with values of peace, respect, and dignity. Selected artworks will be exhibited in the YMCA International House, Savar, Dhaka.
Overall, the 2025 observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence was highly successful and impactful for the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh. Through community engagement, youth participation, educational sessions, and international collaboration, the Council was able to raise significant awareness and encourage action against gender-based violence. The combination of cleaning activities, art competitions, and local and international webinars allowed participants of all ages to contribute meaningfully to the campaign. The National Council expresses sincere appreciation to all local YMCAs, volunteers, youth members, staff, and international partners who supported and actively participated in these programs. Their contributions have strengthened the YMCA’s mission to build safer, more inclusive, and more dignified communities for women and girls across Bangladesh.