Women's participation in development activities is not only important for attaining gender equality but also a precondition for sustainable development.

This was stated by speakers at a two-day workshop on Gender Equality Strategy that concluded at the Satkhira Mahila Samity auditorium on Sunday.

Organised by World Vision in co-operation with Proshika, an NGO, the workshop was addressed by, among others, Sadar Upazila Co-operative Officer Nazrul Islam, World Vision Programme Officer Eduna Barei, Proshika's Aloka Sultana Khaleda Begum and Anita Halder. Seventeen representatives from different organisations working for women's empowerment took part in the workshop.

The speakers urged the government to fulfil its pledges made for gender equity in various development programmes.

Nazrul Islam said the government is keen to attain gender equality in different professions. This is a gradual process and can not be done overnight.

Eduna Barei said a consensus has been created in Bangladesh for gender quality.

Narrating her field experience, Aloka Saltana said a good basis for moving forward for gender equality exists in Bangladesh society.