By Rina Akter from Manikgonj
Children need a safe environment to grow and develop properly. A healthy childhood is essential for building a healthy society. Violence or abuse against children can make them fearful, angry, and psychologically harmed, affecting their future.
Child abuse and sexual violence remain serious but often hidden problems in Bangladesh. Many cases occur within families or among people the child knows. According to UNICEF, 9 out of 10 abused children in Bangladesh are harmed by someone familiar to them.
To prevent child abuse, awareness must start at home and continue in schools and communities. With this aim, BARCIK has been organizing awareness activities in Singair, Manikganj. These activities include discussions in primary schools, sessions with adolescent girls’ groups, and community awareness meetings.
One important activity focuses on teaching children about “good touch” and “bad touch.” The sessions have received positive responses from students, teachers, school management committees, and parents.
BARCIK has long worked in the Singair area to promote gender equality and social awareness. Through close engagement with communities, the issue of child abuse emerged as an important concern that needed open discussion.
Although discussing such sensitive topics with children was initially challenging, cooperation from teachers, parents, and community members made the program successful. The sessions are now being conducted in schools, adolescent groups, and women’s organizations.
Children are learning to understand which types of touch are safe and which are harmful. They are also learning what actions to take if they experience inappropriate behavior and whom they should inform.
Students are sharing these lessons with their classmates, helping awareness spread. Teachers have also decided to discuss these topics regularly in classrooms, as children can sometimes face abuse even in educational environments.
BARCIK believes that protecting children today ensures a safer future. Building a just and caring society requires ensuring a safe childhood for every child in Bangladesh. This safety can only be achieved through collective responsibility and community participation.
