UNICEF, the European Union and the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs

(MoWCA) are working together to implement community led Child Protection

in Bangladesh to prevent violence and harmful practices.
On 5 February 2023, MoWCA Minister Fajilatun Nessa Indira and UNICEF chief of child
protection manager held an official ceremony to strengthen child protection systems through
the National Program on Prevention of Violence and Harmful Practices. At that time, Reverend
Fazilatun Nessa Indira distributed projectors to DWA officals across eight divisions and initiated
another round of capacity building for 65 Officials of the Department of Women Affairs. This
program is financially supported by the European Union.
The Master training on community led child protection will be held from 5th November to 7th
February 2023 at her BIAM Foundation in Dhaka. The approach chosen is called "Journey of
Life" that has been internationally tested and adapted in the national context of Bangladesh to
prevent harmful practices and violence against children and women.
Fajilatun Nessa Indira, Member of Parliament, Honorary Minister of the Ministry of Women and
Children Affairs (MoWCA) opened the event. She acknowledged the government's continued
efforts to prevent violence against women and children. There are rules and regulations to
protect the rights of children, such as the National Child Policy 2011, Children Act 2013 and
Dowry Prohibition Act 2018. 8,000 children and adolescent clubs have been established to
prevent child marriage, violence against women and children, and raise awareness for women
and children. Disseminate nationwide. Finally, she concluded her speech by thanking UNICEF
and the European Union.
Ms Elisa Kalpona, Child Protection Manager, said “In 2021 a reform was conducted by UNICEF
and MoWCA and this allowed to reach from 150,000 children and caregivers in the first year, to
14 million children and their communities in 2022. This is considered now a flagship program
that is sustainable and scalable and it is fully led by MoWCA.”
As a special guest, Child Welfare Director Natalie McCauley said more than 45 million children
were affected by violence and half of the girls were married before she turned 18. She
reminded us that everyone has a role to play in protecting children, especially by establishing
the Department of Child Affairs.
MoWCA secretary, Md. Hasanuzzaman Kallol, joined the program as a special guest,
highlighting child development and how every event in a child's life impacts their life journey.
He reminded the trainers that through these trainings, they should be able to spread awareness
in the community and build a smart Bangladesh.
Mohammad Wahiduzhaman, NDC Deputy Director General (Government), Ministry of Women
and Child Affairs, attended the event and mentioned the achievements and expectations of
MoWCA. He praised MoWCA for its focus onwork. He said social structures needed to change
for children and women. Finally, he mentioned street children and the need to guarantee them
quality support.
The event was chaired by Ms. Farida Parvin, Director of the Department of Women's Affairs.
She first reminded DWA officials and her MoWCA, "Now is the time to listen to children." She
appreciates the positive impact the APC project has on children.
S.M. Latif, Project Manager (Co-Executive Director) of the Accelerated Child Protection Project,
moderated the opening ceremony and coordinated capacity building accordingly.