Economic progress hasn't eliminated gender discrimination: Speakers

Speakers at a discussion yesterday said alongside government initiatives, changes in the social structure are required to eliminate gender gap in the country.

Women's rights organisation Naripokkho arranged the discussion at Bangla Academy in the capital. It was part of a two-day conference which began yesterday to celebrate the organisation's 35th anniversary.

Despite economic progress, women in Bangladesh still face discrimination. Women's opinions are seldom considered with importance in the family while they also face discrimination in terms of wages, they said.

Rina Roy, a member of the organisation, said social discrimination is instrumental behind gender gap. The state is also an accomplice in such discrimination, she said.

Women often become subject to sexual violence, Rina said, adding, “They have to create their own space in society.”

To establish women's rights, ensuring democratic practices in the family, organisations, and the state is essential, Naripokkho Executive Member Rehana Samdani said at the inaugural ceremony.

At the inaugural session, the organisation honoured its former chairperson Shamsunnesa for her contributions to ensuring women's rights.

Naripokkho Chairperson Archana Biswas said one of the organisation's core activities towards ensuring women's rights is “Mongolbarer Shabha” (Tuesday's meeting), which has been held regularly since 1983. Beside members, rights activists and victims of violence often attend the meeting, she said.

The two-day conference has been divided into various sessions. Representatives from different rights and donor organisations attended yesterday's sessions.