'Ensure women's participation in decision-making'

Social Action Committee held a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar, left, and the Prothom Alo took out a procession in the city yesterday to raise awareness about acid violence, right, on the occasion of International Women's Day. PHOTO: STAR

They urged all political parties to incorporate the issue of women's empowerment into their election manifestoes and induct women representatives into their policy-making committees in order to ensure gender equality in all fields.

Around 300 women and girls converged on the Shatayu Angan at Ramna Park in the capital to celebrate the day. Renowned educationists, civil society members and NGOs representatives also joined the daylong programmes organised by the National Girl Child Advocacy Forum.

The programmes included rally, discussion, cultural events and art, essay, debate and quiz competitions. The theme of the day was 'Women in decision-making: Meeting challenges, creating change.'

Speakers at the discussion said the nation cannot achieve development ignoring women who constitute half of the population of the country.

They regretted that men are destroying many lives of women through torturing them physically and mentally.

Renowned economist Prof Muzaffer Ahmad called for an end to violence against women for the sake of the country's future.

"Women in our country are still lagging behind in this 21st century. Without women's participation, no nation can move towards development," he said.

Prof Dr Halima Khatun of Dhaka University called for raising awareness among people to establish women's rights.

Dr Badiul Majumdar, country director of The Hunger Project, urged all to come forward to protect rights of women.

Lawmaker Kazi Shahera Anwara Shammi, Beijing Plus Five Chairman Salma Khan and Prof Latifa Akhand also spoke.

At the programme, noted educationist Rokeya Mannan and Kumudini Welfare Trust Director Srimati Shaha -- both are Rokeya Award recipients -- were honoured with crests.

Care Bangladesh also celebrated the day across the country with a vow to establish women's dignity in society, and recognise their achievements and contributions.

The humanitarian organisation with 47 other NGOs formed a human chain in the city's Manik Mia Avenue in the morning. Several hundred participants took part in the hour-long programme.

Male participants wore white ribbons expressing their solidarity with the theme of women's day. Care Bangladesh's slogan of the day this year is 'Responsible man understands dignity of woman'.

Plan Bangladesh and National Girl Child Advocacy Forum also organised a discussion meeting at the National Press Club auditorium where the speakers stressed the need for women empowerment and equal rights of men and women to ensure sustainable development.

Addressing as the chief guest, Prof Muzaffer Ahmad called for expansion of female education as education is the prerequisite for establishing women's rights.

Former director of Directorate of Women Affairs Nilufar Banu, Director of Plan Bangladesh Edward Thomas Espay, Latifa Akhand, Badiul Alam Majumder, Zinat Afroj and Nasima Akter Jolly also spoke.

The discussion was followed by a cultural programme.

Meanwhile, Nari Unnayan Shakti, a women's organisation, inaugurated a 15-day programme marking the International Women's Day with a colourful procession at Kuril in the city yesterday.

The programme includes discussions, rallies and cultural events, which will be held at different parts of the country.