| Yet despite these gains, societal problems, including violence against women, continue to hamper the lives of too many women. In 2010, Parliament passed a bill criminalizing domestic violence, but critics have doubts about the Government's ability to effectively implement the law. Most efforts to combat domestic violence are funded by nongovernmental organizations, or NGOs, with little assistance from the government. Educating religious leaders on the consequences of child marriage, increasing efforts to keep girls in schools, as well as offering economic incentives to parents are key ways to help communities abandon the practice of child marriage. 2/3 of victims of acid attacks, a cruel practice designed to cripple victims for life, are women. According to the most recent State Department Human Rights Report, dowry-related killings increased during 2010. 'Violence against women and girls is a crime,' Ambassador Verveer said, 'not something private or cultural.' Countries, including Bangladesh, have an obligation to implement and enforce laws, because no country can progress by leaving half of its people behind. |
YouTube Results (More on YouTube)