A platform of women rights organisations has put forth a proposal to ensure gender equality in Bangladesh by 2030. The “Samajik Protirodh Committee”, formed in 2002 to protect women rights, yesterday placed the proposals while observing the International Women’s Day in Dhaka. It currently has 70 members. Steps Development Programme Co-coordinator Chandan Kumar Lahiri read out the declaration that included issues like implementation of CEDAW law removing reservation on its articles, scrapping discriminatory laws against women, government coordination with media to take tangible and concrete steps to change prejudice, protecting migrant women workers’ rights, dignity and security, among others. It also included safe transportation for working women and baby care centres at workplaces. Bangladesh Mahila Parishad President Ayesha Khanam said the government would have to chalk out plans to ensure 50-50 ratio in all walks of life in the country within 2030. She said the plans, Gender Budget Initiative, implementing CEDAW, education policy should be coordinated. Prime minister’s International Affairs Adviser Gowher Rizvi emphasised qualitative participation of women and urged all to work together to establish a gender equal society. UN Women Country Representative Christine Hunter and UNFPA’s Country Representative Arajentina P Matabhel were also present at the programme. Meanwhile, the International Women’s Day was marked in Chittagong with colourful rallies, gatherings and discussions demanding equal rights for women. People from across the social divide joined programmes organised by various organisations, Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) and Bangladesh Nari Progoti Sangha (BNPS) to honour women. CMP Commissioner Abdul Jalil Mandal urged everyone to ensure women rights and dignity. The BNPS’ Chittagong chapter demanded ending discrimination and exploitation of women to build a new Bangladesh by 2030. Speakers at the BNPS discussion pitched for ensuring workplace safety, removing wage discrimination, and stopping exploitation of women to make the society stronger.
