Resist violence against women: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday issued stern warning against any type of oppression and violence against women in the country.
“Stalking, violence and social discrimination against women have decreased significantly due to various steps taken by the government. Stern actions are being taken against the offenders. If we cannot establish equal and respectful place for women, the society will certainly lag behind forever,” she said.
The premier was addressing the inaugural function of a programme titled 'Development Efforts by Women' held at Hotel Ruposhi Bangla in the city yesterday.
The programme also marked the launching of 'Joyeeta', a showroom at Rapa Plaza in Dhanmondi where products made by creative, grassroots women from across the country will be displayed and sold under the supervision of the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs.
Expressing her happiness at the launching of Joyeeta, Hasina said the government would gradually set up showrooms, first in every divisional headquarters and then in the districts and upazilas.
“Country's prime minister, Leader of the opposition, deputy leader of the house and several ministers are women. But till today a large segment of women in society remains neglected,” she said.
She said apart from ensuring women's rights to quality education and healthcare, a large number of entrepreneurs will have to be created from the community for national development.
She said: “Only statements and speeches in public forum and media won't be enough for women empowerment. Rather, a base has to be created for their development.”
Hasina mentioned that the government has been providing women with various allowances, has made education free up to secondary level, and setting up community health clinics across the country.
She said amid clapping by the audience that 99 percent of women, who were given nomination from Awami League, came out successful in the last national election.
“Some 45,000 women took part in the recent union parishad and other local body elections. It is such an inspiring statistics!”
Hasina said the government is working to enable women to take all types of responsibilities in the society.
“Now women are acting as the judges of the High Court and secretary to ministries. Even women are working as superintendents of police, deputy commissioners and officers-in-Charge (OCs). So, it is now proved that women can perform all sorts of works,” she said.
State Minister for Women and Children's Affairs Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury presided over the function.
Hasina talked from the dais to several women entrepreneurs of 'Joyeeta' through video conference.
Models and dancers presented spectacular fashion show and cultural performances where they wore local dresses, including sarees and punjabees portraying the six seasons and various traditional festivals of the Bangalees.
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