UN Women, the global champion for gender equality, has recently commenced a COVID-19 vaccination awareness campaign for women and girls living in the rural and semi-urban areas of the country with a view to eliminating myth and misinformation surrounding vaccination and encouraging them to take vaccines.
People, especially women and girls in rural and semi-urban areas are still hesitant of taking vaccines due to myths prevalent in those areas, lack of awareness and limited access to internet or smartphones. To improve this situation, inspire the women and girls to take part in the vaccination program and bring them under vaccination facility, UN Women has kicked off a COVID-19 vaccination awareness campaign.
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 district. With all-out support and coordination from the local administration, the campaign activation has already started in 5 villages and 1 health complex, under 2 selected Upazilas . 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 in the two mentioned districts.
“Many women in my community do not have internet access or smart phones. Going to a local cyber café/mobile phone servicing center to get registration would cost them 20 taka per person, which is 100 taka for a family of 5. I felt if we could help them with the registration process, they can get vaccinated.” Said Sadia Afsana Nini, NYGA thanking UN Women for their support.
Beginning from 21 September, the campaign is already underway in Chandpur district. An awareness session was held at Bernaiya and Shibpur village under Shahrasti Upazila on September 21 and 22 and more sessions will be held at Lakhsam and Laxmipur villages of the same Upazila on September 23.
“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.” Said Punna Islam, Co-ordination and Partnership Officer, UN Women Bangladesh.
The campaign will begin in Cumilla district on September 27, with the first phase to be held at Debidwar Health Complex on September 27-28 and the second phase at Shibnagar village of the same Upazila on September 29.
