The Centre for Environmental and Resource Management (CERM), BUET, in association with The World Bank organized a two-day “Deep Dive Training on Gender and Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Sexual Harassment (SEA/SH)” on 25–26 October 2025.
Facilitated by Ms. Shammin Sultana, Gender Analyst and Gender Facilitator (World Bank, Bangladesh & Bhutan Office), the training focused on deepening participants’ understanding of gender equality, SEA/SH prevention, and the Survivor-Centered Approach under the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF).
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Sheikh Mokhlesur Rahman, Director of CERM, BUET, emphasized the importance of addressing gender and SEA/SH issues in development projects to ensure dignity, respect, and safety for all.
Participants from diverse backgrounds including Gender–Based Violence Prevention Specialists, Assistant Project Directors, Social Development Consultants, and Social & Environmental Consultants joined the sessions with great enthusiasm.
The training blended concepts with practice through a series of interactive exercises. Participants began by pairing up and introducing each other, creating a friendly and open learning environment. They then engaged in a “Power Walk” exercise, where each participant played a social role to reflect on real-life inequalities faced by women and men in society. Sessions covered key gender concepts, national and international legal frameworks, and the connection between gender, ESF, and relevant ESSs (ESS1, ESS2, ESS4, ESS10).
A major highlight of the training was a group case study exercise on developing a Gender Action Plan based on a rural livelihoods project scenario. Participants analyzed gender gaps, proposed practical actions, and developed monitoring indicators effectively turning theory into actionable planning tools.
The two-day program concluded with reflections, evaluation, and certificate distribution. Participants shared that the sessions enhanced their technical understanding and inspired them to become change agents for safer and more inclusive workplaces.
The event reaffirmed CERM’s commitment to promoting gender equality, preventing SEA/SH, and strengthening institutional accountability through continuous learning and collaboration.
