Women's role in decision making vital for good governance

Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury speaks at a roundtable organised by Transparency International Bangladesh at Brac Centre Inn in the city yesterday. On her right is TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman and on her left are TIB Chairman M Hafizuddin Khan and ruling party whip Shagufta Yasmin Emily.Photo: STAR

Women's equal status and effective participation in decision making are vital for good governance, Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury said at a roundtable yesterday.
The state should create atmosphere conducive to exploiting the full potential of women, she said at the discussion on 'Role of Women Members of Parliament in Establishing Good Governance'.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) organised the roundtable at Brac Centre Inn in the city.
Matia Chowdhury said democratic stability is also vital for good governance and women's advancement with economic emancipation and political empowerment. It is neither men nor women but honest persons that is crucial for good governance.
Various militant outfits involve women in carrying out terrorist and other unlawful acts in clear violation of the tenets of Islam that speaks for peace, she said.
Shagufta Yasmin Emily, a ruling party whip in parliament, said that women's equal status and political and economic empowerment depend on the level of a nation's education and social awareness.
Emergence of religious militancy is a major obstacle to the advancement of women, she said, adding that corruption negates the women's development significantly.
Tahura Ali MP said that women must get due importance at the family level to empower them at the national level.
Nilufar Chowdhury Moni MP said that effective women's empowerment is not possible without economic emancipation and equal access to resources.
TIB assistant fellow Fatema Afroz in a presentation made recommendations for effective women's participation in decision-making, increase in resaved seats from 15 percent to 33, direct election to the reserved seats, nomination of women candidates in increased number by the political parties, and parliamentary caucus with women members to ensure their equal development.
Syeda Ashifa Ashrafi Papia MP, Ashrafunnessa Mosharaf MP, Jahanara Begum MP, Rasheda Begum MP, Farida Rahman MP, Shammi Akhtar MP, Noor Afroza Ali MP and women's rights activist Rokey Kabir also spoke.
TIB Chairman M Hafizuddin Khan chaired the discussion moderated by its Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman.