In a bid to foster an inclusive and humane society, Bangladesh is taking significant strides to empower women, according to Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain. Speaking at the national seminar on women's economic empowerment in Bangladesh, Zahid stated that issuing Family Cards directly to women is one of the measures to enhance women's inclusion in society. The seminar, organized by the Centre for Women and Children Studies (CWCS) at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka, was presided over by Dhaka Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Naaz Farhana.
Zahid highlighted the government's initiatives aimed at women's advancement, recalling how former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia introduced tuition-free education and stipends for female students, leading to a surge in women's participation in the workforce. Khaleda Zia also established daycare centres to help working women balance their professional and family lives, and the current government is modernizing and expanding these facilities.
Education was described by Zahid as the cornerstone of employment. He emphasized that proper education and skills training would enable women to create jobs for themselves and generate employment opportunities for others. During the seminar, speakers called for stronger measures to protect women's health, prevent child marriage, and ensure workplace safety. They also advocated for collateral-free loans for women, removal of barriers to entrepreneurship, and greater access to income-generating activities.
The seminar highlighted the importance of women's increased participation in decision-making processes. By focusing on these critical areas, the government aims to ensure that no woman is left behind in the journey towards building a more inclusive and humane society. The discussions at the seminar underscored the collective commitment to advancing women's rights and opportunities in Bangladesh.
