As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (25 November–10 December), VAALO avant-garde Ltd. organized a dynamic dialogue session titled “Gender-based Violence: Progress Pathway” under its “Tea, Coffee and We” platform on 10 December, 2025. The event brought together women leaders, educators, journalists, and professionals working at national and international levels to reflect on progress and pathways to end violence against women. The key resource persons were Dr. Saima Khan, Country Director, UNAIDS, Farhtheeba Rahat Khan, Founder, IHSAN Foundation, Mushfiqua Zaman Satiar, Senior Policy Advisor – Gender and Civil Society, Focal Point for SRHR, Youth and NL SCS Partnerships, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, Sumana Binte Masud, Executive Director, Stellar Associates, Dr. Rokshana Rabeya, Associate Professor & Head, Department of Public Health, CUB, Umme Hafsa, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Nutrition, Primeasia University and Rita Bhowmik, senior reporter, Women Eye 24. The dialogue session was facilitated by Dr. Nazneen Akhter, Founder and Managing Director, VAALO avant-garde Ltd.
The dialogue explored key issues including evolving conversations around menstruation, improving access to sanitary pads, the role of government and private institutions, and the growing challenge of digital violence. Participants also emphasized the importance of hybrid work models to enhance social and economic productivity for both women and men.
A key takeaway from the discussion was the urgent need to address power dynamics starting at the personal level, expanding to social spaces, and ultimately influencing policy and state systems. Transforming mindsets and challenging harmful norms were highlighted as essential steps toward preventing gender-based violence.
The dialogue concluded with a shared call to action: ending gender-based violence requires collective effort women and men working together toward a safer, more equitable future.
