Recognise rural women workers' contribution

Speakers at a conference of rural agricultural workers yesterday urged giving proper recognition to the contribution of the country's female workforce.

Manusher Jonno Foundation and Karmojibi Nari jointly arranged the event at Garpara Association playground in Manikganj Sadar upazila marking International Day of Rural Women.

“All women are working women. They work both at home and outside. In the national agricultural economy, rural women play a significant role. There should be proper evaluation and recognition of their contribution,” Shirin Akhter MP, general secretary of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), said in her speech as chief guest.      

“In terms of both quantity and importance, women's work is not less than that of their male counterparts. But it is not recognised. Even the women who contribute directly to agriculture are not generally considered as farmers,” said Shaheen Anam, executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation.

Shaheen, who presided over the discussion, called upon all to come forward for protecting women's rights and stop violence against women.

Iquebal Hossain Khan, JSD's district unit president, Afsar Uddin Sarker, chairman of Garpara Union Parishad, Rokeya Rafique, executive director of Karmojibi Nari, Arif Hossain Liton, its district coordinator, and Champa Begum, president of Garpara Union Women Agricultural Workers' Right Implementation Committee, also spoke.

After the meeting, a colourful procession was brought out.

A fair with 15 stalls was also held, displaying agri-products including homemade cakes.

In the afternoon, food festival and rural sports were held. Gulshan Ara Begum, president of Manikganj district unit of Karmojibi Nari, presided over the function.

Singers of Dhanshiri Shilpi Goshthi rendered patriotic songs and artistes of Muktir Chhoan Nrityakala Academy performed dances at the function.