Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 134 Thu. October 07, 2004  
   
General


Full ratification of Cedaw demanded


Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, a women's organisation, called for full ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Cedaw).

The demand was placed at the national council of the Parishad that began at the Cirdap auditorium in the city yesterday.

The women's rights activists also demanded amendment to laws relating to guardianship and inheritance.

"Equal rights of women in our country exist in papers only but in real life women are the most deprived section of the society," said Ayesha Khanam, general secretary of the Parishad.

The Parishad with its 59 branches across the country always makes effort to ensure women's rights in true sense, she said.

"We have to wage the toughest movement as democracy is passing through a critical situation," she added.

To prevent repression on women, they must have the right to raise their voice independently, said Hena Das, president of the Parishad.

Norwegian Ambassador Aud Lise Norheim also spoke.

Picture
Participants at a three-day national council of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad that began in the city yesterday. PHOTO: STAR