Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)
BNNRC is a national networking body working for building a democratic society based on the principles of free flow of information, equitable & affordable access to Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) of remote & marginalized population. BNNRC is in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. BNNRC is struggling for building a free, independent, and pluralistic community media of voices for the voiceless.

COVID-19 has disrupted the lives and livelihoods of the communities in 210 countries globally. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a dramatic increase has been reported in recorded cases of violence against women and domestic violence worldwide. Bangladesh is also in the same deck.

According to the survey of the Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), in May, some 13,494 women and children became victims of violence in 53 districts of the country. Out of these, 4,180 women and children became victims for the first time. The rate of the increased rate of violence against women was 31% (compared to data of April 2020).

Among domestic violence cases, 45% of victims are women, where 33% of cases due to economic, 19% of physical abuse, and 4% of sexual harassment. There are also incidences of rape, attempted rape, and murder. Some women were sexually harassed while collecting relief.
In May 2171 children were victims of various forms of violence were 75% became victims of domestic violence. The types of violence were child marriage, workplace violence, kidnapping, murder, rape and attempted sexual harassment, etc. Among the abused children, 68% were girls and 32% were boys. Among the girls, 62.5% were victims of domestic violence.

A fundamental problem for citizens, especially women, children, and those in rural communities of our country, is that they are not aware of the rights and services they are entitled to and as a result, they cannot benefit from those opportunities. Therefore, it is imperative to provide better access to laws and services to more people, particularly women, to improve their situation. This can only be achieved by ensuring that they are aware of – and most importantly, understand-relevant information and support from a variety of sources. In this backdrop and to galvanize action to reduce violence against women and children at the grassroots level, community radio can be an easily accessible and effective platform in media campaigns.
Hence, BNNRC has been implementing the project title, “Coronavirus prevention education through Community Radio” with the support of UN Women, Dhaka.

Project Goal:
Reduce violence against women and ensure access to Justice by building awareness of the community people through using Community Radio in Bangladesh.

Implementation of the Project:
BNNRC has been implementing the project on Coronavirus prevention education through 14 Community Radio in Bangladesh to reduce violence against women and ensure access to Justice by building awareness of the community people.

List of Community Radio Stations implementing the project:

1. Community Radio Chilmari, Chilmari, Kurigram.
2. Community Radio Sarabela, Gaibandha Sadar, Gaibandha.
3. Community Radio Mukti, Bagura.
4. Community Radio Borendro, Naogaon Sadar, Naogaon.
5. Community Radio Mahananda, Chapainawabgonj Sadar, Chapainawabgonj.
6. Community Radio Boral, Bagha, Rajshahi
7. Community Radio Jhenuk, Jhenaidah Sadar, Jhenaidah
8. Community Radio Nalta, Kaligonj, Satkhira.
9. Community Radio Lokobetar, Barguna Sadar, Barguna.
10. Community Radio Pollikontho, Moulvibazar
11. Community Radio Meghna, Charfasson, Bhola
12. Community Radio Sagordwip, Hatiya, Noakhali.
13. Community Radio Sagor Giri, Sitakunda, Chattogram.
14. Community Radio Bikrampur, Munshigonj Sadar, Munshigonj.

The project works:
The project has been developed Public Service Announcement and broadcasting all 8 Public Service Announcements (PSA)s on reducing violence against women during COVID–19 pandemic. It has also developed and Broadcasted 8 Radio magazine programs on reducing violence against women during COVID–19 pandemic.

Difficulties we are facing:
Due to COVID – 19 pandemic, 60% Radio Broadcasters are staying at home. Community Radio is running virtually and by 40% of broadcasters. Community Radio Stations have been facing difficulties to organize programs virtually due to poor internet services.

Achievement of the project:
The project has been implementing through 14 community radio stations in Bangladesh. After broadcasting of the Public Service Announcement, the community people are being aware of violence against women. Community peoples are making phone calls and sending SMS to community radio stations to share their queries.

Highlights of the project

• Engage Community Radio, Civil Society Organizations, Local administration, and community people towards reducing violence against women by ensuring access to Justice
• Upgrade skills and knowledge of radio broadcasters on violence against women towards access to justice
• Reach social media users by uploading radio episodes on Facebook

Budget

6,123 US dollars

Duration

July 1, 2020 –August 31, 2020

Contact-

Protiva Banerjee
Asst. Coordinator, BNNRC
Tel: +88 02 48116262 | +88 02 9101479 | +88 02 9138501
Email: protiva@bnnrc.net