Govt urged to ensure justice for disadvantaged women
They also urged the government to ensure justice for the disadvantaged women of the country.
The two-day second convention of Bangladesh National Women Lawyers' Association (BNWLA) began at the LGED Bhaban in the city yesterday. Lawyers from India, Pakistan and Afghanistan also joined the event.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The speakers said the discrimination against women is deeply rooted in the traditional culture and social practices and women lawyers can play a significant role in ending violence and discrimination against them.
Inaugurating the convention, Swedish Ambassador Britt F Hagstrom said women still do not enjoy equal rights due to lack of enforcement of laws.
She urged men to have more positive attitudes towards women.
Justice Fakhar un Nisa Khokher, president of Lahore High Court Bar Association, said violence against women is violence against mankind. Due to violence, women die a hundred times before they are dead, she said, adding that everyone should take a stand to stop such violence.
Justice Usha Mehra of Delhi High Court said the scenarios of gender discrimination in developing countries are the same. Despite having same qualifications, women are still paid less than men.
Moksh Mahajan, former chief commissioner of Income Tax, India, said the government can only enact laws, but it is women who have to come forward to establish their equal rights. Education can play a very significant role in this regard.
Stressing the need for safe custody for women, Barrister Iman Ali, justice of the Supreme Court, said under-trial juveniles should not be kept in jails because if they mix with the criminals there, they will be spoiled.
BNWLA President Advocate Sigma Huda said the objectives of this convention are to promote women lawyers countrywide and also to ensure the rule of law and justice and promote gender equality at all levels.
BNWLA Executive Director Advocate Salma Ali, General Secretary Advocate Fahima Nasrin and Advocate Fawzia Karim Firoze also spoke at the inaugural session.