On Monday, September 9, 2024, at 3:00 PM, an discussion meeting on the title of Eradicating Inequality in the Establishment of Women’s right: A Youth Perspective was organized by Training, Research & Library and organization sub-committee of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) at the Anwara Begum Munira Khan auditorium. The event aimed at addressing gender inequality and promoting women’s rights. Dr. Fauzia Moslem, the President of the Central Committee of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, presided over the event, while Joint General Secretary Sima Moslem, delivered the welcome speech. In her speech, she discussed the organization’s work in empowering women and fighting gender inequality. She emphasized the need to continue efforts to eliminate discrimination against women and ensure their rights and dignity. The event also discussed how young people view gender inequality and what steps are needed to uphold women’s rights and dignity.
During the President’s speech, Dr. Fauzia Moslem talked about the women’s movement in Bangladesh, its traditions, goals, and activities. She encouraged young people to get involved in the movement to promote women’s equality, dignity, and rights. She highlighted the importance of the younger generation supporting the women’s movement openly to work towards unity. She also emphasized the need to view women as individuals, not just in traditional roles, and called for rejecting patriarchal beliefs to create a vision of equality.
The young participants engaged in a lively discussion at Dhaka University included students Progga Laboni, Sumaiya Sadiya, Mohua Chakraborty, Nishita Jaman, Rafia Rehnuma, Samiya Akhtar Arpita, Ilma Hasin, Hafsa, Noorjahan Lisa, Tahsin Miti from Independent University, Tanjina Tamim Hapsa, Supa Sadiya, the announcer of Bangladesh Betar, Nusrat Nupur coordinating the student movement, students Tasin Ahsan Hridi, Fabia Rodoshi from Brac University, Maliha Maula from Jahangirnagar University, and Monidipa Chakraborty and Mahbuba Khanam Lisa from the executive committee of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, along with Mehnaz, the project officer of Bonni Shikha.
They said that women face discrimination due to patriarchal norms and practices in society. To address this, education on gender equality should start early in families. Education systems and textbooks should include awareness content on gender equality Women need empowerment, equal work opportunities, and protection from harassment. Enforcement of laws against cyberbullying and harassment is lacking. Women are often blamed in assault cases, and justice is not served. More efforts are needed to address these issues and give women the recognition they deserve. Women should have decision-making roles in politics and not be mere figureheads. Economic freedom is crucial for mental freedom, and quotas for women in government jobs should be implemented. Especially for those women who live in remote area. Awareness on cyberbullying and online safety is important. Girls should be educated in IT and change their mindset towards other women. Inclusive social development should involve 3rd genders. Ensuring women’s safety is vital, especially in rural areas. Young people have a key role in empowering women and rebuilding power structures for their rights.
In the aforementioned discussion forum, a total of 64 students from Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, Brac University, and Independent University, along with the leadership team of BMP Central and Dhaka City Committee, and the secretarial board of BMP were present. Additionally, 154 members of the local committee, including members and staff, attended the event.
The event was conducted by Afroja Arman, a training and research officer at Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.
