A day-long strategic planning workshop was held on 30 March 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Anwara Begum–Munira Khan Auditorium of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad’s central office. The workshop was organized by the Social Action Committee to identify priorities and develop coordinated strategies for advancing women’s human rights.
The session was chaired by Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, with Ms. Gitanjali Singh, Country Representative of UN Women Bangladesh, present as Special Guest. The opening session featured remarks by Khushi Kabir, Coordinator of Nijera Kori, while Jana Goswami, Director of Advocacy and Networking at Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, outlined the workshop’s objectives. Rekha Chowdhury, Vice President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, and Fauzia Khandakar Eva, Executive Director of Pragoshor, emphasized the importance of a unified women’s movement.
Tasaffy Hossain, MD, Bonhishikha formed seven groups for teamwork. Participants were divided into seven groups to discuss key thematic areas, including family-related challenges, religious extremism, violence against women, political representation, legal frameworks, economic inequality, and movement solidarity. The group work was facilitated and guided by representatives from various organizations, ensuring participatory engagement and diverse perspectives.
Group presentation session was conducted by Helen Monisha Sarker, GS, YWCA .
In the closing session, speakers highlighted persistent challenges such as declining political representation of women, systemic barriers, and the need for adaptive advocacy strategies. Gitanjali Singh said the importance of collective action and inclusive engagement, including male allies. As the special guest. Falguni Tripura of the Indigenous Women Network, Miraj Chowdhury, Managing Director of Digital Rights, and Adv. Salma Ali, Adviser to the Bangladesh National Women Lawyers’ Association, also spoke at the session. Other speakers underscored the need to address marginalized groups, integrate technology into rights discourse, and strengthen legal and institutional mechanisms.
Dr. Fauzia Moslem concluded by reaffirming the Social Action Committee’s 24-year commitment to women’s rights and called for strategic, united efforts to overcome emerging challenges. The workshop was attended by 90 participants, including representatives from 28 organizations and grassroots members from multiple districts.
