With a focus on empowering adolescent girls through awareness, confidence, knowledge of their rights and access to support, Survivors Path Foundation has joined hands with Zonta Club of Dhaka III to launch the nine-month ‘Nirbhoy Nari’ project aimed at preventing sexual harassment and abuse.
The project was formally launched on Wednesday (August 19) at Safura Khatun Pilot Girls’ High School in Siddhirganj, where around 200 students will participate in a series of awareness workshops, training sessions and empowerment activities over the next nine months.
The initiative is being implemented jointly by Zonta Club of Dhaka III and Survivors Path Foundation, with Survivors Path playing a key role in developing awareness among students about sexual harassment, abuse prevention, personal safety, rights, boundaries and access to support during emergencies.
Member of Parliament for Narayanganj-3, Azharul Islam Mannan, attended the programme as the chief guest.
Among others, Zonta Club of Dhaka III President Nasreen Khan, Survivors Path Foundation President Munazia Snigdha Moon, Commonwealth Students Association Country Representative Dr. A. K. M. Ahsan Habib Nafi, teachers and students of the school, and representatives of Zonta Club and other organisations were present.
The formal activities of the project began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the school authorities and Survivors Path Foundation, marking the beginning of a structured nine-month engagement with the students.
Speaking at the programme, Survivors Path Foundation President Munazia Snigdha Moon said protecting adolescent girls requires more than simply warning them about possible dangers. Girls must be empowered with the knowledge and confidence to recognise unsafe situations, understand personal boundaries and seek help without fear.
She said students need to know whom they can approach in times of danger and should never remain silent when facing harassment or abuse.
«“A girl cannot be kept safe by frightening her; she needs to be empowered through awareness and confidence. We want the girls to know their rights, speak out against injustice, and stand beside themselves and others when necessary,” she said.»
Munazia Snigdha Moon emphasised that families, teachers, educational institutions and relevant authorities all have an important role to play in creating a safe environment for girls. She said one of the key goals of the ‘Nirbhoy Nari’ project is to ensure that adolescent girls understand that seeking support is not a sign of weakness and that survivors should never be blamed for the violence or abuse committed against them.
Dr. A. K. M. Ahsan Habib Nafi also spoke about issues concerning children and women, highlighting the physical and psychological impact of sexual harassment and abuse as well as society's attitude towards survivors.
He said a girl who experiences harassment or abuse needs safety, support and empathy above all. Rather than blaming or questioning her, society should listen carefully and ensure that she receives the necessary support.
He further stressed the need for a supportive environment involving students, families, teachers and the wider community, noting that timely intervention and support can help reduce the long-term impact of traumatic experiences.
In her presidential address, Zonta Club of Dhaka III President Nasreen Khan said the project represents a collective commitment to challenge the culture of fear and silence surrounding violence against women and girls.
«“Today, we have not come merely to inaugurate a project; we have come to confront a question—why should a woman walk through life in fear? Why should her safety depend on someone else’s mercy? Why should she remain silent even after becoming a victim of injustice? Our answer is one—no.”»
She said women should not have to live in fear, remain silent or grow up without knowing their rights. “It is from this belief that our nine-month journey begins today—‘Nirbhoy Nari’,” she added.
As chief guest, Narayanganj-3 MP Azharul Islam Mannan emphasised the collective responsibility of families, educational institutions and society in ensuring the safety, dignity and rights of adolescent girls. He said initiatives that build awareness and confidence among young girls are essential for creating a safer society.
Under the nine-month programme, the participating students will receive awareness sessions and practical guidance on preventing sexual harassment and abuse, understanding personal rights and boundaries, identifying risky situations, responding to harassment, seeking emergency support and helping create safer environments for themselves and others.
Skino has joined the project as its Wellness Partner, supporting the initiative's focus on the physical and mental well-being of adolescent girls.
Meanwhile, Neela Sanitary Napkin has joined as the Hygiene Partner, with the partnership expected to help raise awareness about personal hygiene, menstrual health and essential health practices.
Titu Mia, General Manager of Neela Sanitary Napkin, expressed his commitment to supporting women's health and safety, saying the partnership would contribute to increasing students' awareness of hygiene practices and the proper use of necessary sanitary products.
At the end of the programme, Zonta Club Vice President Sanjida Haque said that empowering a girl with awareness, confidence and knowledge of her rights enables her not only to protect herself but also to positively influence her family, friends and wider community.
She said a series of awareness, confidence-building and empowerment activities would continue throughout the nine-month project.
With Survivors Path Foundation at the forefront of survivor-centred awareness, safety education and support, the ‘Nirbhoy Nari’ initiative aims to create a generation of adolescent girls who are better informed about their rights, more confident in raising their voices and better prepared to seek support and stand against harassment and abuse.
Through the joint initiative of Survivors Path Foundation and Zonta Club of Dhaka III, the nine-month journey of ‘Nirbhoy Nari’ has now begun with awareness, rights, health, safety and confidence at its core.