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Shattered Childhoods: The Long Shadow of Sexual Violence on Bangladeshi Children

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  In Bangladesh, where childhood should be a time of joy and innocence, a grim reality unfolds—children are increasingly falling victim to sexual violence. This deeply entrenched issue is not merely a statistic; it reflects a complex interplay of cultural, social, and economic factors that have reached alarming proportions. A recent case involving the rape of an eight-year-old girl in Magura starkly illustrates the silent suffering endured by countless children across the nation. The incident in Magura has drawn significant attention due to its horrific nature. While visiting her sister's in-laws, the young girl was brutally assaulted by her sister's father-in-law, leaving her critically injured and unconscious. This case is emblematic of a broader pattern of child sexual violence in Bangladesh, where societal norms often prioritize family reputation over the well-being of victims. Families frequently suppress such incidents to avoid public shame, which perpetuates a culture ...

Embracing Fluidity: Bleeding in the Streets - An Ethnographic Tale

  In anthropology, the relationship between bodily experiences and societal taboos presents a rich area for investigation, particularly regarding the menstruation of the vulnerable community, such as street children. Deep in the concretescape , where shadows dance and the city’s symphony hums a chaotic tune, a different kind of story unfolds. Here, on the unforgiving streets, reside children—cast adrift from the comforts of home. Their lives are a tapestry woven with vulnerability, resilience, and the constant struggle for survival. My name is Anika , and for months, I’ve walked these streets alongside these remarkable children. Today, I want to share a story often shrouded in silence—the story of menstruation and its unique significance in their lives. In the world of anthropology , menstruation has long been a topic of fascination, often viewed as a source of “pollution” and taboo. The concept of 'pollution' plays a significant role in the symbolic interpretation of m...