By Ranjan Niskrity (The Gangchil )

A Powerful Beginning in Dhaka

The One Billion Rising (OBR) campaign for 2025 kicked off with an impactful event in front of Bangladesh’s National Parliament building on Manik Mia Avenue.

Drums echoed through the air, symbolizing the collective demand for justice. Activists, feminist leaders, and human rights advocates gathered to reaffirm their commitment to ending violence against women.

This year’s campaign holds special significance, marking a decade since One Billion Rising began in 2013. The movement has since evolved into a global force for change, bringing together voices from diverse communities to fight against gender-based violence.

Bangladesh’s launch event saw a powerful turnout, with participants from various human rights organizations, legal advocacy groups, and grassroots movements joining forces. Their presence underscored the urgency of addressing violence against women, a pressing issue in the country and worldwide.

Key Voices and Messages from the Event

Highlighting Feminist Leaders and Activists
Prominent figures from Bangladesh’s feminist and human rights community spoke at the event, reinforcing the importance of unity in the fight against gender-based violence.

Tasafi Hossain, a feminist researcher and the founder of Bahnishikha, read out the theme for One Billion Rising 2025. Her words set the tone for the movement’s direction this year, emphasizing resilience, solidarity, and collective action.

Rekha Saha, a human rights activist from Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by women in both urban and rural areas. She stressed the importance of policy changes to protect women’s rights.

Ilira Dewan, an activist advocating for indigenous communities, addressed the unique challenges faced by women in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. She called for inclusive activism that represents all marginalized voices.

Thematic Focus of OBR 2025

This year’s One Billion Rising campaign centers on justice, safety, and empowerment. Speakers reiterated that justice is not just about legal recourse but also about societal change. Safety for women and marginalized communities must be prioritized through policy reforms and cultural shifts. Empowerment is key to breaking cycles of violence, ensuring that women and girls can lead without fear.

Upcoming Events and Call to Action

February 14 Human Chain
As part of the OBR 2025 campaign, activists will form a human chain on February 14 to raise awareness about violence against women. This demonstration will serve as a visual representation of solidarity, urging policymakers and the public to take immediate action against gender-based violence.

Day-Long Program on February 22
A full-day program is scheduled for February 22, featuring panel discussions, performances, and interactive sessions. Participants will engage in dialogues about gender justice, legal frameworks, and survivor support systems. This event aims to inspire collective action and equip individuals with the knowledge to advocate for change.

The Impact of One Billion Rising in Bangladesh

Role of Local Organizations and Activists
Over the years, One Billion Rising has created a strong network of activists and organizations dedicated to ending violence against women in Bangladesh. Groups such as Naripokkho, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, and BLAST have been instrumental in pushing for legal reforms and raising awareness.

Collaboration among human rights organizations, legal aid groups, and community-based initiatives ensures that the movement’s impact reaches across different sectors of society. Their joint efforts continue to drive progress in policy advocacy, survivor support, and public awareness campaigns.

How You Can Support the Movement

Change begins with collective action. Here’s how you can support the One Billion Rising movement in Bangladesh:

Join upcoming events like the February 14 human chain and the February 22 day-long program.
Spread awareness by sharing information on social media using hashtags like #OneBillionRising and #EndViolenceAgainstWomen.

Support local organizations working on gender justice and women’s rights.
Engage in conversations about gender-based violence to challenge harmful norms and advocate for policy changes.

The One Billion Rising 2025 campaign is a reminder that the fight against gender-based violence requires continuous effort. With solidarity, advocacy, and collective action, a future free from violence is possible.

One Billion Rising is more than a campaign—it’s a movement fueled by the voices of millions standing against oppression. As Bangladesh continues its journey towards justice and equality, the 2025 launch event serves as a powerful call to action, inspiring individuals to rise and create lasting change.