Human Rights Day: Christian lawyer against gender-based violence in Bangladesh
Rebeca Gomes, 56, vice president of the Bangladesh Christian Lawyers Association, has handled thousands of cases involving abuse against women and children over the past 19 years. She spoke to AsiaNews about her battle against violence in the home, in the workplace, in public places. More than 150 women were killed in the country in 2024 because of, among other things, a deeply rooted patriarchal culture.
Dhaka (AsiaNews) – Today, Human Rights Day, Rebeca Gomes, a 56-year-old Catholic lawyer and rights activist, reflects on her 19 years of advocacy against gender-based violence (GBV) in Bangladesh.
Known for giving a voice to the voiceless, Gomes has handled thousands of lawsuits over the years, providing direct legal assistance to at least 50 women and children survivors of violence and abuse.
Her work aligns with the UN campaign "16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence", which ends today. This year's theme, "UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls", highlights the urgent need for collective action and the allocation of resources to combat gender-based violence.
In Bangladesh, the grim reality of GBV persists as a structural phenomenon in society, like everywhere else in the world.
According to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a human rights organisation, from January to October 2024, 155 women were killed by their husbands; 365 women were raped, 32 of whom killed; and seven committed suicide. In addition, 149 women reported sexual harassment.
These statistics are based ON reports from news outlets, which highlight the widespread and systemic nature of GBV in the country.
Born in the parish of Rangamatia in Gazipur, Rebeca Gomes currently resides in the parish of Luxmibazar, in Old Dhaka. She is vice president of the Bangladesh Christian Lawyers Association (BCLA), and has always been committed to serving the voiceless and ensuring justice for victims.
According to the BCLA, about 100 professional Christian lawyers are committed to this cause in Bangladesh.
Speaking to AsiaNews, Ms Gomes shared her experience, pointing out that young women are also often affected by this GBV.
“In Bangladesh, girls and women are the most vulnerable. They face violence at home, in the workplace, on public transport, and tragically, often at the hands of family members. Even boy children are not safe outside the home,” she explained.
Gomes identified several key factors that allow GBV to occur, including sexual harassment, cyberbullying, dowry practices, and a deeply entrenched patriarchal culture. She added that modern technology has exacerbated the problem.
“Young women face significant challenges due to mobile phone misuse. Some male partners secretly record intimate moments and later upload these videos to the internet,” she noted.
To back her point, she mentioned several cases. One concerns a 14-year-old Christian girl who was gang-raped and killed by four young Muslims in 2007. Police arrested four suspects, including a 14-year-old Christian boy, a friend of the victim. The Christian boy was unjustly accused and arrested. Gomes took on the case, proving his innocence and ensuring his release. The four Muslim perpetrators were eventually arrested and brought to justice.
Another case involved a young woman exploited by her boyfriend, who secretly recorded intimate moments. Desperate and humiliated, she took her own life. In this case, Ms Gomes helped bring the culprit to justice.
She explains that due to concerns for their own safety, many victims are hesitant to speak out and seek justice. As a result, many cases are not reported and remain unresolved. Hence, she would like the government to give her with GBV cases involving women and children, citing her experience and commitment to justice.
At the Dhaka Judge Court, she is known as a "social welfare lawyer" for her work with persecuted women and children.
As the "16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence" campaign draws to a close, Rebeca Gomes urges society to invest in preventive measures and amplify efforts to protect women, girls and vulnerable people. Her commitment and the stories of those she helped should serve as a reminder of the work needed to achieve a safer and more equitable society for all.
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11/08/2017 20:05
28/09/2022 18:56
