An online parallel event titled “Challenges of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in Bangladesh and Way Forward” was organized as part of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The event was jointly organized by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) and Badabon Sangho.
Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) moderated the session. The program commenced with a welcome address by Maleka Banu, General Secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP). The keynote paper was presented by Gender Specialist Ferdousi Sultana Begum.
The distinguished panelists were:
• Tapati Saha, Program Manager, UN Women, attending as the Guest Speaker.
• Mahin Sultan, Senior Fellow of Practice and Head of the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD),
• Professor Mustafizur Rahman, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD),
• Dr. Mohammad Billal Hossain, Professor of Population Sciences, University of Dhaka,
• Dr. Mahbuba Kaniz Keya, Professor of Psychology, University of Rajshahi
• Lipi Rahman, Executive Director of Badabon Sangho.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Fauzia Moslem highlighted that despite notable progress over the past 54 years, substantial efforts are still required to prioritize women’s rights and prevent gender-based violence.
Maleka Banu reflected on the groundbreaking significance of the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action, emphasizing its continued relevance. She pointed out that although progress has been made over three decades, achieving actual gender equality remains an ongoing challenge, hindered by political barriers, violence and the lack of financial inclusion for women.
Ferdousi Sultana Begum discussed the positive developments in women’s education, healthcare, and employment, while noted that social and religious constraints still limit women’s full empowerment. She emphasized the critical need for legal reforms and increased participation of women in decision making process in politics.
Tapati Saha expressed concern over the declining participation of women in decision-making processes. She stressed the importance of building strong, inclusive institutions, engaging youth, and allocating more resources to combat violence against women.
Mahin Sultan pointed out that the lack of effective collaboration between government agencies and civil society organizations is hampering progress toward women’s development.
Professor Mustafizur Rahman highlighted that Bangladesh is falling behind on gender equality commitments and stressed the urgent need to strengthen women’s rights initiatives.
Dr. Mohammad Billal Hossain drew attention to the impact of child marriage, which not only leads to school dropouts but also increases health risks for young girls. He emphasized the need for intensified efforts to eliminate child marriage to boost women’s participation in the workforce.
Dr. Mahbuba Kaniz Keya discussed the victim-blaming culture prevalent in cases of violence against women, exacerbated by cultural norms and a lack of accountability, particularly in academic institutions.
Lipi Rahman stressed the importance of educating the younger generation about the Beijing Platform for Action and involving grassroots organizations in the movement. She also highlighted the critical need for women’s active participation in climate change decision-making processes.
The event brought together women’s rights activists and leaders from both local and international spheres and was broadcast live on Facebook, reaching more than 1000 audiences committed to advancing gender equality.
