Mahila Parishad national convention told
Violence against women and lack of recognition of women’s contributions to the country’s economy is a huge deterrent to the empowerment of women, said speakers at the twelfth national convention of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad yesterday. Convening women from all over the country under the banner “Women’s rights and contributions to the national economy must be recognised,” the event was organised in the Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh in the capital.
“Violence against women and sexual abuse is pulling back the growth of women,” said Professor Emeritus Anisuzzaman.
Garment worker Kohinoor Begum said women empowerment through RMG sector was being hampered by inadequate working conditions and sexual abuse at the workplace.
United Nations body UN Women representatives in Bangladesh said violence against women was one of the main challenges.
Khadija Begum described how recognition of her work as a farmer, and her contributions to the economy, has led to her greater empowerment within the community.
“I can now take a strong stand in making sure there are no underage marriages in the community,” she said.
Chairperson of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Ayesha Khanam also spoke at the event.
-With The Daily Star input
