On November 2nd at 11:00 AM, the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) held a meeting with young women at the Anwara Begum Munira Khan Auditorium. This was part of BMP’s organizational activities from October 18-31, focusing on gender equality. Dr. Fauzia Moslem, the president of the organization, led the meeting. Shima Moslem, joint general secretary, explained why the event was organized. Speakers included Maleka Banu, the general secretary of BMP. Many others joined the open discussion, like Meherunnnesa Parashmani, Raunak Jahan, Wasima Farzana, feminist activist Trisia Nashtaran, Niha, Afsa, Moni Deepa Chakraborty, Saima Ali Aditi, Dhaka University student Tanzina Hafsa, college student Tania, YWCA student Stuti, Debolina Bhattacharya, filmmaker Sadia Afrin Arony, Prof. Dr. Seuty Sabur from BRAC University, and Tasaffi Hossain from Bonni Sikha. The meeting ended with everyone singing the national anthem together.
Speakers pointed out that the belief that men are better than women exists in both men and women. To change this belief, people need to learn about equality within families. Families often set different rules for boys and girls, and this makes many women not interested in being involved in politics. Schools should teach young girls about the importance of women in politics and include these topics in their lessons. Special attention should be given to the rights of women with less money. To protect women’s rights, obstacles caused by gender bias should be removed, helping women to be more included in society and to take on leadership roles. Women’s financial independence is also important because it can help them secure their rights.
Dr. Seuty Sabur emphasized the organization’s dedication to addressing various issues over the past five years and called for a unified platform for future women leaders. Trishia Nashtaran advocated for a spontaneous and constructive women’s movement. Meherunnesa Parshmani highlighted the need for young women’s participation in awareness programs, and Rowshon Ara Begum insisted on educating men about women’s rights.
Other speakers mentioned that women in well-off families often accept restrictions on work, whereas those in rural areas pursue education and employment independently. They discussed the importance of women’s economic independence, addressing cyber-bullying, and encouraging women to overcome low self-esteem for leadership opportunities.
Maleka Banu, General Secretary of BMP, highlighted future action plans based on the discussions, such as creating a platform to connect young women with the organization and using technology to empower women.
In her final remarks, Dr. Fauzia Moslem highlighted that the women’s movement is continuous, complex, and varied. She emphasized the need for the movement to embrace its generational diversity and integrate current, ongoing, and future efforts to chart a path forward. Dr. Fauzia Moslem also stressed the importance of women advancing in areas such as thought, politics, and the economy, advocating that they should live life on their own terms.
Shima Moslem concluded that the organization is working comprehensively to establish women’s rights and dignity.
This meeting was attended by leaders and officials from the central and Dhaka city committees of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, along with young women from schools, colleges, and various universities. The meeting was conducted by Umme Salma Begum, the organization secretary of BMP.
