12/01/2026
Self-Defense and Technology Training for Female Students
Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV): Prevention and Response Session
Under the HEAT Project at the University of Dhaka
Dhaka | 11 January 2026 –
The Department of Management Information Systems (MIS), University of Dhaka, convened a training session titled “Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV): Prevention and Response” today. The session was held as part of the “Self-Defense and Technology Training for Female Students” initiative under the HEAT Sub-Project (PIN-12014) of the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) Project.
The Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) and the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (BIGF), serving as Knowledge Partners.
The session aimed to enhance female students’ capacity to prevent and respond to technology-facilitated harms by strengthening awareness, preparedness, and response mechanisms. It provided practical guidance on identifying, preventing, and addressing TFGBV, while encouraging peer support and fostering safer digital environments within and beyond the campus.
The event commenced with a welcome address and an overview of the objectives and expected outcomes delivered by Prof. Dr. Md. Rakibul Hoque, Chairman of the Department of MIS, University of Dhaka.
A core technical session on digital development and TFGBV was facilitated by Ms. Shahnaz Munni, Senior Journalist and Member of the BNNRC- TFGBV related knowledge Hub. The session provided a foundational understanding of TFGBV, including its definitions, types, and impacts, and reviewed existing response mechanisms and regulatory frameworks.
Subsequently, Ms. Shahnaz Sharmeen, Senior Journalist and Member of the BNNRC- TFGBV related knowledge Hub. led a Participatory Problem Analysis to help students identify real-life risks, patterns of online abuse, reporting barriers, and actionable prevention measures.
The training concluded with an interactive Deep Dive and Q&A session led by Ms. Shamima Akhter, Chair of the Bangladesh Women Internet Governance Forum (BWIGF) and Member of the BNNRC- TFGBV related knowledge Hub.
Participants shared experiences and reflected on their potential roles in combating TFGBV and promoting digital safety.
Through dynamic interaction and discussion, the session enhanced understanding of TFGBV risks and preventive practices, built confidence in response and reporting mechanisms, and fostered leadership among students to champion safer online spaces.