UN Women, the global champion for gender equality, has recently launched a Covid-19 vaccination awareness campaign for women and girls living in the rural and semi-urban areas of the country.
People, especially women and girls in the areas, are still hesitant of taking vaccines due to myths prevalent in those areas, lack of awareness and limited access to internet or smartphones, according to a press release.
UN Women came up with the initiative to improve the situation, inspire the women and girls to participate in the vaccination program and bring them under vaccination facility.
As many as 25 young volunteers led by UN Women’s National Youth Gender Activist (NYGA) Sadia Afsana Nini, are rolling out the campaign in Cumilla and Chandpur districts.
The volunteers with the necessary logistics, including laptops and internet support, are helping people from the local community with a special focus on women and girls register at www.surokkha.gov.bd.
Beginning from September 21, the campaign is already underway in Chandpur while it will begin in Cumilla on September 27.
“Many women in my community do not have internet access or smart phones. Going to a local cybercafé/mobile phone servicing centre to get registration would cost them Tk 20 per person, which is Tk 100 for a family of five. I felt if we could help them with the registration process, they can get vaccinated,” said Afsana thanking UN Women for their support.
UN Women Bangladesh Co-ordination and Partnership Officer Said Punna Islam said, “This youth initiative is instrumental in reaching out to those women who have less access to Covid-19 related information and services, hence more vulnerable. UN Women is proud to support the youth like our National Youth Gender Activist Afsana, who are striving to create a better and equal society.”
