In a landmark move to enhance the protection of women in media, the Women Journalists Network Bangladesh (WJN-B) has signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad and the Institute of Psychology and Health (IPH). These agreements aim to prevent sexual harassment in the media sector while ensuring that victims have access to both legal and psychological support.
The signing ceremony was held on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, at a Dhaka hotel, under the framework of the “Strengthening Women Journalists Network to Tackle Sexual Harassment” project, conducted in collaboration with BBC Media Action.
Representatives of the organisations included Maleka Banu, General Secretary of Mahila Parishad; Psychologist Nazmul Hossain, Director of IPH; and Angur Nahar Monty, Coordinator of WJN-B.
Objectives and Strategic Goals
BBC Media Action’s Country Director, Md. Al Mamun, underscored the broader impact of the MoUs:
“These MoUs are not merely formalities. They embody a collective commitment to safety and justice in the media. Journalists will gain both awareness and direct access to effective protection measures.”
Maleka Banu highlighted the prevalence of workplace harassment, noting that male colleagues often fail to grasp its impact:
“Mahila Parishad has long worked to activate gender policies and establish harassment prevention committees within media institutions.”
Nazmul Hossain emphasised that legal remedies alone are insufficient, stressing the importance of addressing victims’ psychological trauma. Angur Nahar Monty added that the MoUs would enable women journalists at field level to receive immediate legal advice and mental health support if they face harassment.
Training and Workshops
The ceremony featured contributions from senior journalists Shahnaz Sharmin and Rita Nahar, along with Rashedul Hasan and Arafat Siddiqui of BBC Media Action. Veteran journalists Amin Al Rashid, Mouli Islam, Jummatul Bida, and Nowrin Ahmed Monisha shared insights from previous training sessions.
Academics and civil society members were also present, including Associate Professor Syed Tanvir Rahman of Dhaka University, and representatives from Mahila Parishad such as Seema Moslem and Masuda Rehana Begum, alongside numerous journalists and media professionals.
Project Activities
Under this initiative, responder training sessions have already been conducted, and policy-level brainstorming workshops completed. The project is now in its final phase, aiming to develop an international-standard safety protocol for media organisations.
| Organisation | Role in MoU | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Women Journalists Network-B | Coordinating partner | Implementation and monitoring of safety measures for women journalists |
| Bangladesh Mahila Parishad | Legal advocacy and gender policy guidance | Legal protection, awareness campaigns, gender policy enforcement |
| Institute of Psychology & Health (IPH) | Psychological support and counselling | Mental health support for harassment victims |
| BBC Media Action | Project collaboration | Training, workshops, and strategic oversight |
These strategic partnerships are expected to reinforce the protection framework for women journalists, offering them the tools to report harassment safely and access comprehensive legal and mental health services. The initiative underscores the importance of gender-sensitive practices in media and sets a benchmark for the safety and empowerment of women professionals in Bangladesh.