Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, July 9, 2026 (BSS)- An upazila-level orientation meeting for BRAC's 
'Shikha' project was held in Godagari upazila of Rajshahi to raise awareness 
on preventing gender-based violence, bullying and sexual harassment.
 
The meeting was organised today at the conference room of the Godagari 
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).
 
UNO Israt Jahan attended the meeting as the chief guest while Officer-in-
Charge (OC) of Godagari Model Police Station Atikur Rahman, Upazila Youth 
Development Officer Sohel Rana, and Upazila Women Affairs Officer Nilufar 
Yasmin were present as special guests.
 
Mita Rani Sarker, technical manager of the 'Shikha' project, delivered the 
welcome speech at the start of the meeting. 

Project Officer Motalib Hossain later presented the project's various 
activities and objectives. He also conducted the meeting.
 
Organisers said the main goal of BRAC's 'Shikha' project is to build safe 
educational institutions, public transport, workplaces, and communities free 
from gender-based violence, bullying, and sexual harassment.
 
Funded by the European Union, the project will run from February 2025 to 
January 2029. It will be implemented in Rajshahi, Dhaka, Gazipur, Chattogram, 
Barishal and Narayanganj districts.
 
Under the project, awareness activities will be carried out in 270 
educational institutions, the ready-made garments sector, public transport, 
and various communities.

In addition, activities will be implemented to prevent sexual harassment, 
stop child marriage, and ensure safe mobility, including risk analysis, risk 
mapping, parent meetings, action plan formulation to prevent gender-based 
violence, and formation of youth forums.
 
Also present at the meeting were BRAC's District Coordinator Farzana Begum; 
Upazila Secondary Academic Supervisor Abdur Rahman; Upazila Social Services 
Officer, head teachers of various educational institutions, journalists and 
civil society representatives.
 
According to those involved, the 'Shikha' project will play an important role 
in creating a safe and discrimination-free social environment for women, 
children, and youth in Rajshahi and other parts of the country.