Almost 80 percent women of the country are directly or indirectly involved in agricultural activities, but they do not get the recognition they deserve, speakers said at a seminar yesterday.
Bangladesh Women Scientist Association (BWSA) organised the seminar on 'Women in Agriculture: Position, Relativity and Experience' at the Nabab Nawab Ali Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University.
Addressing the seminar, BWSA President Prof Shahida Rafique said women should be seen as development associates and their contribution to the economy should be recognised.
Speaking as the chief guest, Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique urged women scientists to conduct researches that would be helpful for the marginalised.
"Development must be brought to the agriculture sector to ensure the overall socio-economic development. Women have contributed a lot to agriculture over the decades. Their contribution should be recognised," he said.
Speaking as the Guest of Honour, Prof Afrozi Yunus of Jahangirnagar University said women should be given equal rights in the inherited properties and they should be given priority while providing agriculture loans.
Ten renowned women in the field of science were honoured at the seminar for their contribution.
They are Dr Malika Al Razi, (posthumous) founder of BWSA, Begum Rizia Haque, (posthumous) for domestic agriculture management, Prof Mahfuza Khanam, first female vice president of Dhaka University Central Students' Union, acclaimed physicist Prof Kamrunnessa Begum, Lailun Nahar, architect of the Nagar Bhaban, Prof ZN Tahmida Begum, first female chairman of Public Service Commission, eminent chemist Dr Rawshan Jahan Mannan, noted zoologist Prof Shamim Ara Ahmed, veterinary scientist Momena Begum and renowned physicist Dr Dilara Siddique.