On November 23, 2024, at 3 PM, a closing ceremony for the fourteenth “Gender, Women’s Empowerment, and Development” online certificate course took place at the Anwara Begum-Munira Khan Auditorium (Sufia Kamal Bhavan, 10/B, 1, Segunbagicha, Dhaka) in the central office of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. The discussions highlighted the complexity of development and the critical importance of gender equality.
The event had Syed Anwar Hossain, a notable historian and former Bangla Academy director, as the chief guest. Dr. Fauzia Moslem, president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, presided over the ceremony. Speakers included BMP’s general secretary Maleka Banu and joint general secretary Shima Moslem. Course instructors were Dr. Mustafa K. Mujeri, executive director of the Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development, and Dr. Farhana Afroz, associate professor in Jahangirnagar University’s Public Administration Department. Professor Shaukat Ara Hossain from Dhaka University’s Department of Political Science also attended.
Among the students, Irene Parvin Nancy, Head of HR and Admin at Helios Consultancy Firm in Khulna, and Md. Sizul Islam, Program Officer of Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE), shared their experiences.
Chief guest Syed Anwar Hossain noted that empowerment is not synonymous with development; true development must be based on qualifications and skills. Development should be equitable, and a balanced society requires men and women to progress equally.
In her presidential address, Dr. Fauzia Moslem emphasized that the Mahila Parishad actively engages with women, tailoring its actions and programs to their needs and aspirations. She highlighted the certificate course as a vital part of their diverse initiatives. Despite widespread concern for women’s issues in today’s society, feminist movements often find themselves marginalized. Women continue to face discrimination based on inherent physical characteristics tied to their gender identity.
General Secretary Maleka Banu noted that before COVID-19, the course was held in person, but it’s now online to suit the post-COVID world. The course aims to highlight the harmful effects of gender-based social divisions and combat gender discrimination.
Joint General Secretary and Course Director Shima Moslem emphasized BMP’s commitment, since its founding, to promoting gender equality. Creating a gender-sensitive society requires various trainings, which this education aims to provide. The online format allows nationwide participation, with course modules that integrate theory with practical experiences.
Dr. Mustafa K. Mujeri, Executive Director of the Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development, stated that BMP has learned from past experiences and aims to meet women’s demands for equal rights through the course, showing positive outcomes. This initiative marks the beginning of grassroots change for women.
Dr. Farhana Afroze, Associate Professor at Jahangirnagar University, highlighted that a certificate course’s true success lies in the internal motivation it inspires, beyond just institutional recognition. Applying the training in practice can lead to beneficial results.
Participants shared that the course was well-organized and meticulously planned. Despite being online, coordination was excellent, and the knowledge gained significantly enhanced their skills.
The three-month online course ran from August 24 to November 14. It featured faculty from Dhaka and Jahangirnagar universities, TIB researchers, experts from the Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies, legal specialists, and central committee leaders of the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. A total of 42 participants from diverse fields attended the course.
In the final segment of the event, guests distributed certificates among the students. The event was moderated by Rina Ahmed, Training, Research, and Library Secretary.
The closing ceremony was attended by course instructors, students, alumni, the organization’s executive members, leaders, and staff, totaling 90 participants.
