Bangladesh observes International Women’s Day with a call for gender parity in every sphere of life

Author: Kausik Das

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is addressing on International Women’s Day. Photo: Focus Bangla/The Financial Express

The International Women’s Day is observed in the country with a call for gender parity in every sphere of life. Government, United Nations, non government international, national organizations and civil society organizations organized various programmes to mark the day.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stressed the need for the equal development of the country’s womankind in the inaugural programme of International Women’s day organized by Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA) on 8 March 2016 at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.

Ms. Nasima Begum, Secretary, MoWCA delivered the welcome address in the event, followered by Christine Hunter, UN Women Representative in Bangladesh who spoke as Special Guest and by Ms. Meher Afroze Chumki, Member of the Parliament.

In the commemoration, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina justified the equal rights of women in relation to men. She put an emphasis on the economic empowerment of women and urged to the womenfolk to be self-reliant, which could only give them a life to live with dignity and get the equal status in the society. She made her commitment to further uphold dignity and honour of the country’s women by creating opportunities for them.

Recognizing the leadership and progress made by the country towards gender equality and women’s empowerment, the UN Women representative showed her optimism in achieving the global goal on gender equality. With the innovation, courage and investment that Bangladesh has shown over its short time it can lead the way again, she mentioned.

A documentary on women development in Bangladesh was screened at the function followed by a cultural programme.