Equal JS seats a must for gender parity

Speakers at an opinion exchange meeting yesterday demanded equal distribution of parliamentary seats for both gender to ensure gender equality in politics.
They said this at the opinion exchange meeting organised by Steps Towards Development on 'Proposals to different political parties for incorporating issues in election manifestos to ensure gender equality in politics' at Cirdap auditorium in the city.
Politicians and women rights activists participated in the meeting which was conducted by Executive Director of Steps Ranjan Karmaker.
Women Affairs Secretary of Awami League Dr Dipu Moni and Joint Secretary General of BNP Selima Rahman unanimously said ensuring half of the general seats for women is more important than the reserved seats for ensuring participation in the crucial policy making.
“This practice would ultimately help women play their role as people's representatives and this would be the first step in ensuring equal rights of women in politics,” said Selima.
Dipu Moni said, “The rise of fundamentalist force is also a hurdle to make women politically empowered.” She called on all to resist this militant force.
She also criticised the negative description of politics, which is discouraging for new generation to join politics and it is a barrier on the way to develop good leadership.
Steps placed a 21-point proposal to include issue of women in the election manifestos of the political parties.
Expressing solidarity with Steps, Awami League presidium member Tofail Ahmed said his party is always interested in women empowerment in the politics.
Women's rights activist Salma khan recommended on the formulation and implementation of 'Parliamentary Gender Commission' and 'Equal Opportunity Act'.
She also demanded materialisation of different national and international documents, which Bangladesh has agreed with.
Dhaka University Prof MM Akash, Prof Zerina Rahman, Jatiya Party presidium member Ziauddin Ahmed Bablu and CPB leader Mahbub Alam also took part in the programme.