PM calls for Gaza ceasefire
FROM PAGE 14
access to and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
In placing her five point suggestions, PM Hasina asked for immediate cease of the conflict in Palestine and justice for crimes against humanity, particularly against women and children.
She also asked the world community to say “no” to all crimes, violence, discrimination, and increasing Islamophobia targeted against women and girls.
Thirdly, she put emphasis on adding attention to achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls to meet SDG-5.
“Fourthly, make sure that Muslim women and girls have the choice to present themselves in public in the way they want to,” she said.
In the fifth point, she said that Bangladesh, as a shining example of the empowerment of women and their role in the mainstream, is ready to share its experience with other friendly Muslim states.
Hasina said that the OIC is a platform where dialogue on this much-awaited issue is welcome.
She mentioned that Bangladesh was very early in joining the Women Development Organization (WDO) of the OIC, realising its potential in women empowerment.
While the WDO has started its journey, she hoped that its mandate could be expanded to incorporate today’s needs through a better understanding of Islam.
“Only then can we dream of an equal, peaceful, and prosperous world,” she said.
She said that Islam is a religion of peace, harmony, and humanity.
The prime minister said that Bangladesh ranks among the world’s top ten countries in a global index on women’s political empowerment.
“We have a unique situation where the Speaker of Parliament, Leader of the House, Leader of the Opposition, and Deputy Leader of the Treasury Bench are all women,” she said.
She said that currently Bangladesh has one-third of reserved seats for women in the local government bodies.
“My political party, the Bangladesh Awami League, has been working to increase women’s representation at all levels,” she stated.
She mentioned that every time she has been in office, she has tried to remove all barriers to women in decision-making.
“I feel proud to see our women holding top positions in administration, the judiciary, universities, the armed forces, financial institutions, and trade bodies,” she said.
She also said that the Bangladeshi girls from remote areas are shining in public examinations, competitive recruitments, and national sports.
The prime minister said that Bangladesh’s recent socio-economic progress is also proof of women’s meaningful participation.
“The female workforce makes up nearly 46 percent of our formal economy. Women entrepreneurs account for a large portion of our cottage, micro, and small industries. They have a vibrant presence in IT freelancing, e-commerce, and start-ups.”
She said that the government is working to enhance their access to finance, markets, ideas, and training.
“In the public sector, we grant six months’ paid maternity leave. We engage with our partners to ensure the protection and well-being of female workers, including those employed abroad,” she noted.
PM Hasina said that the diverse social protection programmes benefit the poor, widowed, abandoned, disabled, and elderly women.
“It is now mandatory by law to use a mother’s name on all national identity documents,” she said, adding that her government is implementing a National Action Plan on women, peace, and security.
She said Bangladeshi female peacekeepers are proudly serving in UN missions in Africa.