The empowerment of women is very important for the sustainable development and progress of Bangladesh. No development can be sustainable with half the population of the country leaving women behind. With the adoption of the Our Lives, Our Health, Our Futures initiative, adolescents and young women are becoming more aware of sexual, reproductive, and life skills. This awareness will have a significant impact on their lives.
Yasmin Parvin Tibriji, The Deputy Commissioner made the statements during an exchange meeting on November 23 at the Bandarban Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Room, which was funded by the European Union and supported by Simavi Netherlands. She also stated at a meeting hosted by Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha (BNPS) that, in addition to women’s health awareness, it is also necessary for them to be financially self-sufficient, as this will allow them to be truly empowered.
Only by ensuring women’s empowerment can we achieve long-term development. Men have a vital part in women’s emancipation. She urged men to step forward to protect women’s rights at all levels of the home, community, and state. She stated that the SDG targets may be met through the coordination of both government and non-government organizations.
Daw Nai Prue Naly, Executive Director, Ananya Kallyan Sanghathon (AKS), gave a welcome address at the meeting, which was chaired by Sanjoy Majumdar, Project Manager, Our Lives, Our Health, Our Futures Programme. Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mohammad Sheikh Sadeq, Additional Superintendent of Police (Admin) Md. Quddus Faraji, Deputy Director of the Department of Family Planning Dr. Aung Thalo, Deputy Director of Social Services Milton Muhuri, Deputy Director of the Department of Youth Development Saifuddin Mohammad Hasan Ali, Deputy Director of the Department of Women’s Affairs Atia Chowdhury, Thanchi Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ataul Gani Osmani, Rowangchhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Forkan Elahi Anupam, Executive Director of GRAUS Chaing Seing Moung and Eti Biswas, Representative of Tahzingdong. NGO and civil society representative Caritas Bangladesh’s Rupna Das, UNFPA representative Dhana Ranjan Tripura, United Purpose Representative’s Apul Tripura and human rights activist Aung Cha Mong Marma, others were present.
Sumit Banik, BNPS Master Trainer, gave a presentation on the project’s activities and development, which was moderated by Deedhiti Chakma, AKS Project Coordinator. At the occasion, members of the girls club displayed their activities at stalls and invited guests to visit the stalls, and offered their opinions on a variety of topics. The event was attended by field-level officers and personnel from AKS, GRAUS, Tahzingdong, the Bandarban Hill District’s implementing organization.
