PM asks women to move with self-confidence, dignity

Describing economic freedom as very important for the women, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday called upon the country’s womenfolk to move with self-confidence and dignity and stand on their own feet to consolidate their position in society.

“The economic freedom is very crucial for the women. So the womenfolk of the country shouldn’t sit idle (in houses) and they will have to work and stand on their own feet side by side with pursuing study,” she told the inaugural function of the International Women's Day at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre here Thursday morning.

The premier said a woman can consolidate her position in society and family and none will dare to neglect her if she earns money through work. “A society cannot raise its head high if women remain underdeveloped there,” she said.

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs arranged the function with State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroz Chumki in the chair, reports BSS. 

UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh Mia Seppo was present in the function as the special guest, while Women and Children Affairs Secretary Nasima Begum delivered the welcome address.

This year's theme of the day is – ‘Samoy Ekhon Nareer: Unnayane Tara, Badle Jacche Gram-Shahore Karma Jibon Dhara'.

At the function, a documentary on the government’s development activities for the women was screened.

Putting emphasis on creating equal opportunities for males and females, the prime minister said it's very essential to develop the society.

She said equal scopes will have to be given to men and women, and in this way arrangements for employment for the females will have to be made and their strength and merit will have to be utilized at the workplaces.

“How a society will prosper leaving the women behind? ... no work will be done if they are not given scope,” she said.

At the outset of the speech, Sheikh Hasina paid rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and said that he ensured equal opportunity for women in the constitution through articles 19 and 28. 

"The women who lost their modesty in the war of liberation in 1971 were later awarded with the title of Birangana by Bangabandhu," she said. 

Sheikh Hasina also remembered Begum Sheikh Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, who worked for the country along with Bangabandhu all the time giving him inspiration, courage and suggestions. 

"Bangamata arranged the marriage of the girl victims of the liberation war whose families were unwilling to take them back in their families," she said. 

Earlier, the prime minister handed over "Joyeeta Sammanana" to five women for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields. 

They are Brishti and Feroza Khatun from Dhaka division, Nasima Khatun of Khulna division, Hola Cra Pru Marma of Chittagong division and Amena Begum of Rajshahi division.