As is the case globally, the problem of gender-based violence in India and Bangladesh is exacerbated by deeply-rooted patriarchal social structures. Women and girls are discriminated against right from birth, and gender disparities are present in education, work environments, and everyday life.

Human trafficking remains a significant problem globally, and women and girls pay the highest price. India is no exception; according to estimates, human trafficking affects between 20 and 65 million people in the country.

Between early 2020 and the summer of 2022, Silence Speaks partnered with individuals and groups around the world to support online community-building and the sharing of pandemic experiences.