BSS, Dhaka :
Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Dr Shirin Sharmin Choudhury Saturday urged all to work together to ensure gender equality in society through economic freedom of women.
Women’s economic freedom is imperative to ensure gender equality in society, she said while addressing two separate programmes in the capital city marking the International Women Day, 2014.
Addressing the annual gathering and prize distribution ceremony of Bangladesh Police Women Welfare Association (PUNAK) as the chief guest, the Speaker said steps have to be taken to acknowledge the works of women in agriculture and household sector.
She said the overall development of the country is not possible without the development of women as they are representing at least 50 percent of the country’s total population.
In this connection, she called upon the authorities concerned to help include the women in mainstream of development.
Chaired by PUNAK President Romaisa Samad, among others, General Secretary of the orgaisation Jahanara Raj spoke on the occasion.
Later, in a separate function at Baishakhi Bhaban in the city’s Mohakhali area, the Speaker underlined the need for establishing rights of womenfolk in society through positive mental changes on women, who are playing an important role for moving the country’s economic wheel.
In this regard, she mentioned their (women) contribution especially to agriculture, household works and other economic sectors. She said Bangladesh has achieved much more progress in regard to women empowerment during the last few years.
“They (women) are now representing local government bodies while recruitment of female workers in different public and private offices has been increased significantly during the period,” she added.
The Speaker said overall participation of women at all sectors has to be increased aiming at ensuring gender equality in society and establishing rights of womenfolk.
Private TV channel “Baishakhi TV” organised the programme marking the International Women Day.
