Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is a widely recognised problem in Bangladesh, driven by factors like poverty, cultural norms, exclusion from education, migration, criminal enterprises, and climate change. In Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, CSEC is prevalent in brothels, red-light zones, hotels, private residences, slums and streets, where children face high levels of violence and coercion. However, there is limited evidence on this issue making it challenging to formulate effective policies and interventions.
Drawing on insights from a study commissioned by the Freedom Fund titled ‘Through her eyes: Measuring commercial sexual exploitation of girls in Dhaka, Bangladesh’ and conducted by Population Council, our webinar presented key findings on the nature and scale of CSEC in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The webinar also features insights from Aparejeyo Bangladesh, a national human rights NGO, to highlight the realities faced by girls involved in CSEC and to identify critical gaps in policies and programs.
Date: Monday, 30 September 2024
Speakers:
- Khaleda Akhter, Program Manager, Bangladesh Hotspot, The Freedom Fund
- Sigma Ainul, Senior Program Officer, Population Council
- Md. Irfan Hossain, former Senior Program Officer, Population Council
- Wahida Banu, Executive Director, Aparejeyo Bangladesh
- Michelle Mendonca [Moderator], Program Manager, Bangladesh Hotspot, The Freedom Fund
Download the report:
Photo credit: Tareq/Adobe Stock
