Dalit women face double discrimination

Gender and caste discrimination within the Dalit community and society has left its women deprived of social justice and human rights, academics and activists opined at a conference yesterday.
It remains a matter of debate whether to abolish caste-based jobs to reform the Dalit professions or to complement the jobs with proper amenities and facilities to establish rights, the discussants also observed.
Bangladesh Dalit and Excluded Women's Federation along with Nagorik Uddyog organised the conference on Dalit women in the capital's Chayanot Sangskriti Bhaban.
According to a Nagorik Uddyog report, as many as 55 lakh Dalit people and 10 lakh tea workers are being discriminated in society, said the discussants.
Around 350 Dalit women of 10 associations across the country attended the seminar where 25 meritorious young women were awarded for their progress in higher studies.
Information Commissioner Prof Sadeka Halim, Blast Honorary Director Sara Hossain, Jahangirnagar University's Prof Farzana Islam and urban planner Salma A Shafi also addressed the conference.