Rather than merely observing the day, this occasion should be transformed into a powerful call to action, with government, society, and individuals working together to prevent violence and ensure protection and justice for every woman, adolescent girl, and child. Urgent measures are needed to tackle rising salinity and drinking water shortages in climate-affected coastal areas, especially char regions.

Access to health care, education, housing, and clean water must be ensured, alongside income-generating training and technical support to empower women. Administration and local representatives must ensure the proper implementation of laws to prevent child marriage, dowry, violence against women, and all forms of abuse in families and society.

On 8 March, International Women’s Day 2026, speakers at a human chain held in the Upazila Parishad premises of Dashmina, Patuakhali, highlighted these demands.

The human chain was held today, 8 March 2026, at the Upazila Parishad premises in Dashmina Upazila, Patuakhali District. The event was moderated by M. A. Hasan of COAST Foundation.

Speakers included Upazila Women Affairs Officer Jasmin Akter, President of the Climate Forum P.M. Raihan Badal, women leaders Nilufa Rauf and Tahmina Akter, teacher Tamanna Akter of the Adolescent Education Center, students Kamana Begum and Nadira Akter, Atikur Rahman of COAST’s CCR Project, among many others.

The event saw participation from adolescent girls, women leaders, teachers, civil society representatives, journalists, and citizens from various sectors.

M. A. Hasan of COAST Foundation stated, our goal should not be limited to celebrating the day; rather, it must be transformed into a strong call to action, where the government, society, and individuals collectively work to prevent violence, ensure protection, and guarantee justice for every woman and child. Raising awareness alone is not enough; effective policies, robust law enforcement, and strengthened support systems are essential. Concrete steps must be taken to improve the socio-economic conditions of climate-vulnerable coastal women and ensure sustainable and dignified lives, while building a society based on equality, security, and dignity through united efforts.

Jasmin Akter, Women's Affairs Officer, said, brutal violence against women & children remains tragic reality in our society. Such violence not only causes physical harm but also deeply affects the mental, emotional, social well-being of the victims. We envision a society where every woman and child is protected and their rights fully recognized, with no discrimination or abuse. Women should be able to realize their full potential, and children should grow up safely and properly.

P.M. Rayhan Badal, President of the Climate Forum, warned that disasters like riverbank erosion, floods, cyclones, and salinity have slashed crop production, leaving families malnourished—especially women, girls, and children. He urged the government to prioritize climate-resilient infrastructure, including embankments, cyclone shelters, and safe housing.

Women's leader Nilufa Rauf stated, ensuring women’s empowerment and child protection requires expanding education, providing legal support, and changing social attitudes. This effort cannot succeed alone; active participation from all levels of government and society is essential. Tahmina Akter stressed that preventing gender-based violence requires awareness campaigns, proper enforcement of laws, and effective functioning of local Violence Prevention Committees.

Tamanna Akter, teacher at the Adolescent Education Center, highlighted that poverty and entrenched social norms perpetuate child marriage, dowry, and gender-based violence, while women’s household work remains unrecognized.

Student Nadira added that residents of isolated char areas lack access to basic health, education, clean water, and sanitation, calling for urgent improvements in service quality.

Additionally, on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, separate human chains and discussion meetings were held in Tajumuddin Upazila of Bhola and Galachipa Upazila of Patuakhali, organized by the Adolescent Learning Center with support from the COAST Foundation, where participants raised various demands.