End discrimination against women

Women's rights activists at a discussion yesterday demanded an end to all forms of violence and discrimination against women.
Though women's rights have been acknowledged around the world, including Bangladesh, a lot has to be done to bring those into practice, they said.
The discussion, organised by Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Chittagong District Administration and PLAN Bangladesh and financed by USAID, was held at Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Chittagong in the port city marking International Women's Day.
The speakers also urged the government to ensure accountability of marriage registrars to stop early marriage, make marriage registration compulsory for all religions, stop the practice of dowry demands and prevent the harassment of women.
Later, Bangladesh Institute of Theatre Arts staged a drama on the theme of repression and abuse faced by women in society.
In another discussion organised by Samajtantrik Mahila Forum before Chittagong Central Shaheed Minar, discussants urged all concerned to stop presenting women as commodities in media, domestic violence and the spread of pornography.
Two separate processions preceded the two discussions, parading different city streets marking the day.