Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday underscored empowerment of women saying that they are most vulnerable section of society and suffer most during any conflict and disaster, reports UNB.
“It is beyond question that women are the most vulnerable section of the society, especially in the third world countries. They suffer from various forms of violence, malnutrition, illiteracy and other basic needs. Their plights multiply during any conflict and disaster,” she said.
The premier said this while speaking at the inaugural session of two-day seminar on International Women Peace and Security.
Armed Forces Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bangladesh Police organised the seminar at Army Multipurpose Complex in Dhaka Cantonment.
She said that to address the peace and security issues of women, the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution number 1,325 which established the Women Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and Bangladesh is proud to be a part in formulating the resolution.
Hasina said that since its independence, Bangladesh has been working on promoting women in all spheres of national life.
She said that the constitution of Bangladesh framed under the guidance of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman guarantees equal rights of women.
She quoted the Article 28 (1) of the Constitution that says: The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Clause (2) of the same Article stipulates: Women shall have equal rights with men in all spheres of the State and of public life.
The PM said that her government has formulated Women Policy 2011. Under the policy, it has taken measures to ensure women’s overall development and active participation in the mainstream socio-economic activities and remove all the impediments to their empowerment.
Their increased participation and contribution in sectors like politics, administration, education, businesses, sports, armed forces have been transforming the socio-economic landscape of Bangladesh, she added.
She mentioned that gender parity in Bangladesh has improved across all sectors due to greater participation of women in socio-economic and political activities.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
