As incidents of harassment and violence against women continue to rise in Bangladesh, the need for immediate action has never been more urgent. While laws and enforcement remain crucial, societal change requires businesses and individuals to step up. Shwapno, one of the country's leading supermarket chains, has done just that. 

Recently, Shwapno announced a groundbreaking initiative — any woman facing harassment can seek refuge in any of their outlets, where staff members are trained to provide immediate assistance. This move goes beyond corporate responsibility; it is a bold statement against a culture of fear.   

Here's how this will work: If a woman feels unsafe, she can walk into any Shwapno store and inform the outlet manager that she is being harassed. Even if she cannot get a hold of the manager right away, the nearest cash counter will be ready to help her. All store associates have been briefed on this protocol.

The priority is to provide a safe space, a glass of water perhaps, and reassurance while assessing the situation. 

Depending on the store size, at least 8 staff members in smaller outlets and up to 30 in larger ones are available to respond. Once the woman is safe, the staff will contact local law enforcement to handle the situation appropriately. 

This initiative is backed by a crisis management team of Shwapno that includes lawyers and key contacts to ensure that cases are properly addressed. By integrating this into a broader campaign, Shwapno aims to build a network of protection that extends beyond its outlets. 

Sabbir Hasan Nasir, Managing Director of Shwapno, states firmly, "Selling food is less important than protecting a woman. If we have half the population, our women, unprotected, there's no point in a business.

"I believe that if Shwapno does it, people will listen. Even if we cannot get to the authorities, we alert the stores around us. We stand together against predators and mobs."

This initiative is not just about corporate ethics but also reshaping societal norms. The hope is that if one institution takes a stand, others will follow.

"I want to do anything in my power," says Nasir, "If my 7,000 staff can be trained to protect women, then another institute will do the same." 

The ultimate goal is to create a ripple effect, where standing up against harassment becomes a collective effort.  "I say stop, you say stop. When everyone finds their voice, these mobs and predators will have no place in society," Nasir reiterates.

A step towards a safer future

Shwapno's initiative is a message that harassment will not be tolerated. By taking this stand, they are encouraging others to step up, fostering a culture where businesses, communities, and individuals actively protect women.

Real change begins when people refuse to look away. If one organisation can train thousands to intervene, others can follow. A safer society is not built overnight, but every step, every safe space, brings us closer to that reality.