Challenging norms underpinning GBV: social movements in Bangladesh

Background

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive global issue, deeply rooted in patriarchal structures, power imbalances, and oppressive gender norms. Social movements have been at the forefront of challenging these norms and advocating for gender justice. While different identity-based movements have historically operated in separate spheres, the contemporary moment is marked by activist commitments to intersectionality and inclusion. Thus, the interaction between different social movements presents a unique opportunity to address the drivers of GBV more comprehensively.  

To address a gap in our understanding of how movements work collaboratively and elevate lessons learned to address the drivers of GBV more comprehensively, ALIGN is launching a new research project with our partner organisation Bonhishikha in Bangladesh.

About Bonhishikha

Bonhishikha is a Bangladesh-based feminist organisation committed to ensuring equality and justice across all spectrums. All our work promotes uniform access to opportunities.

Since 2010, Bonhishikha’s work has focussed on conducting training, studies, and research, developing feminist strategies and results-based frameworks, and in the development of feminist leadership in Bangladesh. We aim to facilitate safe spaces to advocate for gender equality, eliminating GBV, and sexuality rights. Through our research work and analysis, we uncover the subterranean structures of gender inequality, advancing the comprehensive struggle for equality and gender justice. Our focus is on capturing diverse experiences, crafting counter-narratives that challenge societal norms and stereotypes. 

By shedding light on the prevalence and impact of gender-based violence, we raise awareness and advocate for systemic change in both public and private spheres. Our evidence-based approach empowers us to design inclusive programmes and initiatives, ensuring uniform access for all and promoting gender transformative interventions. 

The outputs from the funded research are expected in autumn 2026.