GESMIN Project Celebrates Child Rights, Empowers Adolescent Girls in Jamalpur

Photo: CNI

Jamalpur Correspondent : The GESMIN Project, an extension of the NSVC Project implemented by World Vision Bangladesh and Unnayan Sangha, successfully concluded its observation of Child Rights Week and International Day of the Girl Child 2025 with a series of awareness and advocacy events across Jamalpur District. 

The central events took place on October 13 and 14, 2025, at Sharifpur High School and Sharifpur Union Parishad. Activities for Child Rights Week at the High School included an Art Competition aimed at engaging youth. The International Day of the Girl Child celebration on October 14 at the Union Parishad featured a Rally, a Discussion session, and a Prize Giving Ceremony. 

The events drew attendance from key officials and community leaders, including the Chief Guest of this event, Deputy Director, Woman Affairs Department Monzur Alom. Also Program Officer Kamrunnahar, the UP Panel Chairman Mizanur Rashid, the Administration officer of UP, teachers, students, Adolescents, Producer Group Members, and Faith Leaders. The President of this event was Head Teacher, Sharifpur High School, Mizanur Rahman.

Addressing the audience, the Deputy Director-MOWCA emphasized the fundamental need for protection, stating, "Adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, not only during these critical formative years, but also as they mature into women." 

The UP Chairman offered thanks to World Vision Bangladesh for their support and highlighted the transformative role of girls, noting that "Girls are breaking boundaries and barriers posed by stereotypes and exclusion... As entrepreneurs, innovators and initiators of global movements, girls are creating a world that is relevant for them and future generations." 

Further engagement for the International Day of the Girl Child was held on October 11, including Essay Competitions, Rallies, and Discussions at Chukaibari Union Parishad in Dewanganj Sub-district and Molomgonj High School in Pathorshi, Islampur Sub-district. The entire effort was spearheaded by the GESMIN Project’s Gender and Disaster Risk Reduction & Climate Change Officer. 

A primary goal of these observations was to educate the community on child rights and protection, underscoring the importance of Girl Child Day and the critical necessity of preventing child marriage. The GESMIN Project has been operational across four sub-districts—Sadar, Melandah, Islampur, and Dewanganj—since 2023, supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).