Preparation for the Beijing Conference on Women is going on in full swing. The NGO Preparatory Committee, two months after its formation continues to keep up the enthusiasm of Its members by convening regular meetings, discussions etc. Given the broad based nature of the Committee is it hoped that it would truly represent the majority of the women of Bangladesh.

The Committee has been very busy since the last few weeks in preparing for the celebration of the forthcoming International Day of women on 8th March. Various sub-committees have been formed delegating responsibilities to different sections and groups in order to ensure that the day'is celebrated in a festive, disciplined and meaningful manner. The days programme Includes a rally, statements declaring Women's Rights as Human Rights to be followed by a cultural programme.

With regard Io the actual

objective of the committee, things are slowly falling into place and there is a general feeling of solidarity and cohesion in the group. The issue based working groups are convening regular meetings and grappling with serious concerns such as violence against women, their political and economic empowerment. • legal rights etc. Obviously some groups are getting more work done than others for various reasons. However, it is hoped that by the next regional Preparatory Conference in June 1994 to be held in Jakarta, the Committee will be

able to produce a draft document which will to a large extent reflect the concerns of the majority of the women of Bangladesh.

The important events planned for in the Immediate future is the holding of national regional workshops in five district such as Rajshahi. Dinajpur. Bogura, Comilla and Mymsnslngh. This is truly an important Initiative and its success will depend on how extensively-Die Committee will be able to ensure the participation of women's and other grassroot organizations. We must always remember that

the majority of women live outside of Dhaka and no document or report will be complete or meaningful unless their concerns are taken into consideration.

On the International arena, the NGO Consultation Workshop will convene on 3-4 March 1994. NGO's from all over the world will meet at the time of the '37th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) (7-18 March. 1994) to further prepare for the Beijing conference and the NGO Forum 1995. The consultation will update NGO.s on plans for the 1995 Conference including regional activities. NGO’s will have the opportunities to work together on strategies, programmes and actions for 1995. The Chairperson of the Preparatory Committee. Ms Najma Chow-, dhury is attending the workshop. In her absence, Ms Mahmuda Islam, a member of the Steering Committee will act as the chairperson.