Awami League has pledged to take major steps to facilitate female entrepreneurs and businesswomen.
The manifesto, with the slogan “Smart Bangladesh where development shines accelerating employment,” was announced by AL President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday at the Pan Pacific Hotel Sonargaon in Dhaka ahead of the 12th National Parliamentary Election slated for January 7.
The manifesto of AL indicates that the government's development and administrative activities will continue to be aligned with policies for women.
It states that efforts to empower women, achieve gender equality, enhance economic capabilities, and create an environment supportive of women's development will continue. The social status of rural women will be improved, and opportunities for their participation in the labor force will be increased.
The manifesto notes that an increasing number of women are being elected to general seats, and AL aims to ensure at least 33 per cent female participation in the political process.
It was mentioned that workplace safety for women, a friendly working environment, maternity leave, and other facilities will be ensured. The implementation of daycare centres for children and hostels for working women in Dhaka and district headquarters will continue.
The manifesto states that the AL government has intensified regional cooperation to strictly combat human trafficking, particularly of women and children, which will be further active and effective.
It was stated that financial support, advisory services, and resources for women entrepreneurs and startups, especially in technology and innovation sectors, will be ensured. Accessibility to capital for women involved in e-commerce or women-owned businesses will be facilitated through grants, loans, and investment initiatives.
The manifesto says that the ratio of female and male students in secondary and higher secondary education is nearly equal, with women constituting 36.30 per cent at the university level. Steps will be taken to increase women's participation in higher education, including scholarships for female students and addressing employment challenges.
The AL manifesto further stated that the effective role of the Joyeeta Foundation in promoting female entrepreneurs and businesswomen will be expanded. Women-friendly marketing infrastructure will be developed under the Joyeeta Foundation in all divisional headquarters, districts, and sub-districts.
Moreover, the provision of legal assistance by the government to plaintiffs in separate courts dealing with women's harassment cases will be made more effective.
The AL manifesto mentions that further necessary measures will be taken to effectively implement the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2017.
