Bangladesh is role model in gender equality and women's empowerment: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said, Bangladesh is moving forward on the path of development through the joint efforts of men and women under the present government. Bangladesh is now a role model in gender equality and women's empowerment. We have taken various plans and steps to ensure the participation of women in every aspect of our national development. The Prime Minister said this in a message on the occasion of International Women's Day on Monday.

Congratulating all the women of the world on the occasion of the day, Sheikh Hasina said, "Today is a glorious day in the history of women's movement." Long working hours and wage inequality made women realize their rights. Realized world respect. With her talent and labor, women have made equal contribution in all the progress and development of civilization through the ages. And so the attitude towards women has changed all over the world. Now women's work is being evaluated, recognition is increasing.

The Prime Minister said, "I think the theme of this year's International Women's Day - 'Women Leadership in Corona, Building a New World of Equality' is very timely."

He said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the greatest Bengali of all time, the father of the nation, formed the 'Women's Rehabilitation Board' in 1972 with the aim of rehabilitating and empowering women who had suffered in the great war of independence. She ensured the equality of women in all spheres of national life in the constitution.

Sheikh Hasina said grassroots women are being included in self-employment activities under the social security net, including formulation of gender responsive budgets in various ministries. Women's poverty is decreasing. Women's participation in the national economy is increasing. A seamless working environment has been created for women in the workplace. The country has strict laws and law enforcement to protect women and children. We have ensured women's participation in state administration, politics, diplomacy, law making, policy making, administration, high level of law enforcement, economy, journalism, information technology, industry, literature and sports.

He said that women of this country are also widely known in the international arena. The country's girls have gained international recognition and respect in various fields including medicine, politics, protection of human rights, UN peacekeeping missions, sports, Everest conquest. We have succeeded in tackling the global epidemic Kovid-19 by taking strong steps and new projects and programs by implementing ongoing projects including short, medium and long term plans.

The Prime Minister said various countries and international organizations including the United Nations are highly appreciating the advancement of women in Bangladesh. We have won numerous international awards, including the UN MDG Award, South-South Award, Planet 50-50 Champion, Agent of Change, UNESCO's 'Tree of Peace' in recognition of gender equality in education, and the Global Women's Leadership Award-2018.

Sheikh Hasina said the transition from a middle income country to a developed country will take place in Bangladesh by 2041 with the implementation of Vision 2021 through joint efforts of men and women of this country and achieving sustainable development goals by 2030. The golden Bangladesh of the dream of the father of the nation will be built. Deltaplan-2100 will be implemented. Let this be our expectation in the year of Mujib. I wish the overall success of 'International Women's Day 2021'.