In a significant address, Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanom underscored that a country's balanced and sustainable development is unattainable without the active participation and empowerment of women. Speaking at the Strengthening People for fostering Rights and Empowerment (SPRE) Project, she emphasized that women, comprising half of the population, need to be integrated into the development mainstream and made self-reliant. This, she believes, will drive forward the family, society, and the nation as a whole.
Khanom advocated for long-term, inclusive development, stressing that it requires continuous efforts to bring disadvantaged women into the mainstream. She proposed a multi-faceted approach, including providing marginalized women with opportunities for skill development, education, and entrepreneurship training. She argued that women should not rely solely on assistance but should be empowered to shape their own futures.
The event, organized by the Institute for Environment and Development (IED), aimed at fostering rights and empowerment, provided a platform for Farida Khanom to share her vision for inclusive development. Her remarks highlighted the need for a concerted effort to ensure that development is not just a short-term process but a sustained and participatory endeavor.
Khanom's speech comes as part of a broader initiative to address gender disparities and promote women's rights in Bangladesh. Her call for action reflects a growing recognition of the essential role women play in the nation's progress.
