Recognise housework to empower women
In order to empower women both socially and financially, women's rights activists yesterday underscored the need to recognise housework of rural women. They also suggested encouraging parents to not discriminate between their sons and daughters.
The suggestions were made at a discussion, titled "Contribution of Rural Women in Economy", organised jointly by Women Journalists Network, Bangladesh and Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) at Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka.
The discussion was held to mark International Day of Rural Women, observed around the world yesterday.
Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu said for a meaningful democracy and robust economy, participation of women alongside men is required.
He said there are 13,000 women representatives in local government but they are not able to exercise their power effectively.
MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said a huge number of women remain out of the job market.
“If these women, who work behind the curtain, are not given recognition, they would not be empowered and cannot be part of the decision-making process,” she said.
She encouraged female journalists to play a more courageous role for betterment of the women in the society.
While delivering the keynote speech, Shahnaz Munni, chief news editor of News24, said women are often considered “burdens”.
“Their housework, agricultural work and participation in production are not given proper recognition,” she said.
“Denying the contribution of women is one of the major reasons behind the current appalling status of women in society. As a result, women are victims of discriminations and violence in their family and social life,” she said.
Among others, Director General of Press Institute of Bangladesh Shah Alamgir and General Secretary of Jatiya Press Club Farida Yasmin spoke at the event.
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