Web platform to connect youths for girls' rights launched

Aiming to create awareness among the young people about child rights, child marriage and violence against women, "Hub for Change", an online platform for the girls' rights and youth activism, was launched yesterday. 

By sharing their thoughts, ideas and building a multi-country network through the platform, the youths will be able to influence the government decision-making process, organisers hoped at the event in the capital's public library.

Dr Abul Hossain, a joint secretary of the women and children's affairs ministry, said "If we become aware about the negative effects of child marriage, it will be reduced automatically." 

Speaking about the proposed Child Marriage Restraint Act 2014, the young participants at the event urged the government to omit the clause allowing marriage of females at the age of 16 in special circumstances.

They also recommended that the government introduce youth-led programmes and thus create opportunity for young people to participate directly in the decision-making process. Around 80 students from colleges and universities took part in the event.

Organisers said the platform, launched by Plan International with funding from DFID, would be a hub of discussion, communication and resources among the young people of several countries.