The 100th International Women’s Day will be observed in the country as elsewhere in the world today with the theme of equal rights and opportunity for women and men as a commitment for development and changing the days.
On this day in 1857, female workers of a sewing factory in New York clashed with local police while protesting 12-hour workday, low pay and unhealthy conditions at workplaces.
The day was later declared International Women’s Day during the Second International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen in 1910, following a proposal by German Socialist Movement leader Klara Jatekin.
In Bangladesh, the day will be observed as an event to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who played an extraordinary role in the establishment of women’s rights.
President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in separate messages, called upon all to work together for protecting women’s rights.
President Zillur Rahman in his message said, “It is impossible to face the challenges of the 21st century puting aside the womenfolk. It is our earnest duty to protect women’s right at all levels of the society as well as the state.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her message said, “Our Constitution provides equal rights for women and men. As per the election pledge, the Government is commited to build a progressive and discrimination-free society based on equality of women and men.”
United Nations’ Secretary General Ban-Ki-Moon, in a message, said the fight for women’s rights is central to the UN’s global mission.
Mentioning that at the United Nations itself, more women hold senior posts than at any time in history, he said “We have seen progress. Girls are now more likely to receive an education.
Women are now more likely to run businesses or participate in government But much work remains.”
Saying violence against women remains a cause of global shame, and sexual violence in war is endemic, he said, “securing women’s rights is central to all our hopes for peace, security and sustainable development”.
Different organisations in Bangladesh have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day.
National Garments Workers Federation will hold a rally at Muktangon in the city demanding safe motherhood for the apparel sector workers. Rashed Khan Menon MP, Prof Rubi Rahman MP, women leader Hazera Sultana and representatives of different trade unions will atend the rally.
A human chain and cultural function will be organised at Shahbagh in the city by Campaign for Good Governance (Supro) as part of its countrywide programme marking the day.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) will accord a reception to the women members in the force at Rajarbagh police line.
The Women and Gender Studies Department of Dhaka University will bring out a rally from in front of the Aparajeya Bangla of the university campus. The rally will be led by DU VC Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique.
Later drama `Doll House’ will be staged on the Arts Faculty premises.
Bangladesh Institute of Labour and Studies will display video documentary on women labour, conduct voluntary blood donation programme and form human chain at National Press Club premises.
State Minister for Labour and Employment Munnujan Sufian will inaugurate the programme.
Textile garments and leather workers will organise a discussion at Dhaka Reporters Unity today which will be atended by Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan.
National girl child advocacy forum will organise a discussion meeting at Bangladesh Sishu Academy Auditorium at 10.30 a.m.
National Co-ordination Commitee for Workers’ Education and International Labour Organisation will jointly organise a rally and discussion meeting at IBD Bhaban here at 3 p.m.
Besides, women fronts of different political parties have chalked out various programme to mark the day.
Image courtesy: Banglar Chokh
