On Sunday, 9th June, at 11:00am, a press conference titled “Investment in Establishing Gender Equality: Proposed Budget 2024-25” was held in Dhaka Reporters Unity, Segunbagicha,Dhaka, organized by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP).
Dr. Fouzia Moslem, President of the central committee of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, was present as the moderator at the press conference. The opening remarks were delivered by General Secretary, Maleka Banu. Professor Sharmind Neelormi, member of the central committee and economics professor at Jahangirnagar University, presented a written statement on behalf of the central committee.
General Secretary Maleka Banu gave a welcome speech emphasizing the importance of the gender budget as a means to achieve gender equality. She highlighted that the gender budget is not a standalone budget but an integral part of the overall budget. In order to assess the effectiveness of the gender budget in reducing gender disparities and to ensure its proper implementation in the upcoming budget, a review committee has been established in response to the longstanding demands of the women’s movement. She also outlined key objectives for the forthcoming gender budget, including addressing price fluctuations, improving financial management and banking systems, and promoting good governance by tackling corruption. Maleka Banu expressed hope that these initiatives would lead to positive changes in society.
In a written statement, Sharmind Neelormi said that the creation of a Gender Finance Tracking Model in the fiscal year 2024-25 to ensure effective gender-related budget allocation and evaluation. This model will work alongside iBAS++ and focus on four themes: women’s empowerment, economic inclusion and equality, women’s participation in government/public services, and investment in women’s education, health, and development. The goal is to address issues such as child marriage and improve girls’ education and hygiene. The model will monitor progress through specified indicators and the Gender Budget will be allocated and evaluated by the end of the fiscal year. Coordination with the Ministry of Finance’s Gender Budget proposal unit will ensure proper implementation of gender-related programs.
Dr. Fauzia Moslem, speaking as a moderator, highlighted the progress made by the government and women’s movement through the gender budget. However, she warned that alignment between the goals of the gender budget and the women’s movement is critical for social progress. Good governance, anti-corruption measures, and prioritizing public welfare were emphasized as necessary for building a democratic, inclusive, and equitable Bangladesh. Dr. Moslem urged the government to take strong action against corruption and to focus on addressing inequality rather than accumulating black money.
The central committee of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, along with journalists and members of the organization, attended the press conference.
The program was conducted by the Movement secretary of BMP Rabeya Khatun Shanti.
