‘Mothers play crucial role in tackling extremism’

Mothers play a significant role in protecting children from social vices, terrorism and extremism, said speakers at a ceremony yesterday.

Community Participation and Development (CPD) in association with Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) organised a four-month long training workshop titled "Parenting for Peace" for mothers. A total of 125 mothers received certificates after completing the programme.

"There is no scope to disregard the role of mothers in preventing radicalism and violence. Projects like this will play a significant role in this regard," said Advocate Sultana Kamal, former adviser to the caretaker government.

Lawmaker Aroma Dutta reiterated that the training programme has created a new dimension in maintaining social harmony by involving mothers as a key stakeholder in the fight against extremism.

CPD Executive Director Moslema Bari said mothers who have received the training will become more conscious about such issues and play a leading role in their families and communities to counter hate and intolerance.

Those who participated in the programme said they will remain alert to protect their children from radicalism.

They said that they have learned how to monitor and analyse children's behaviour and deal with them.

Among others, executive director of Austria-based Women without Borders Dr Edit Schlaffer and executive director of MJF Shaheen Anam also spoke at the event.