Speakers at a discussion on Monday laid emphasis on building an equal future, saying that women's full and effective participation and leadership in all their diversities and abilities will drive progress for everyone.
"We've to work together. Without engaging male and female in the nation building efforts, there's no way we can succeed in achieving the goal," said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen thanking Prime Minister Sheikh for her vision to engage both male and female with much emphasis.
Fifty years ago, she said, there was no female Prime Minister in this land, neither in Pakistan; there was no female Speaker, no female opposition leader, no female DC and no female police officers they knew.
"So, these all are good news. Over the years, we've done an excellent job," he said adding that it is no wonder that Bangladesh is a star in women empowerment.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks while addressing a discussion marking the International Women's Day held at the Foreign Service Academy in the city.
Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) arranged the discussion titled "Women in Diplomacy: How Are We Doing?" supported by Bangabandhu Research Centre for Foreign Policy and Diplomacy.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen spoke at the event as special guest while DCAB member Israt Zahan Urmi presented the keynote paper.
Secretary (East) to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mashfee Binte Shams, UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo, Rector of the Foreign Service Academy, Syed Masud Mahmood Khundoker, Switzerland Ambassador to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde, High Commissioner of the Maldives to Bangladesh Shiruzimath Sameer, Director General of Public Diplomacy wing at MoFA Samia Halim, DCAB President Pantho Rahman and its General Secretary AKM Moinuddin spoke at the event.
The theme for International Women's Day this year is "Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a Covid-19 world" and it highlights the transformative power of women's equal participation.
Emphasising the importance of effective participation of women everywhere, Foreign Secretary Masud Momen said all need to change the attitude on how they treat lady colleagues.
He took note of the issues raised by the paper presenter and said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will put in its best efforts to remain caring towards expatriates female workers and addressing their issues with utmost sincerity.
The Foreign Secretary said more female diplomats will be posted in Bangladesh Missions in the Middle East.
Secretary Mashfee who was honored at the function for her role in promoting Bangladesh through her exceptional leadership in diplomacy, said they do not want to be favored but they do not want to see anybody discriminate against them.
Mia Seppo said women in Bangladesh are a large part of the workforce and increasingly taking their seats at the table, be it the legislature, judiciary, diplomacy, administration, civil society, private businesses, media or labor unions.
"By overcoming socio-cultural and economic barriers, they are establishing themselves as new role models," she said adding, "Let's also remember the women who don't hold visible positions and who we don't see in virtual events. At the grassroots level, we've seen remarkable acts of resilience, heroism and leadership."
Swedish Ambassador Linde said Sweden will continue to support their partners in Bnagladesh in their work to promote women's social, political and economic rights; combat gender-based and sexual violence and eliminate child marriages.
She vowed to create better conditions for women and girls to raise their voices; engage men and boys to become champions of gender equality and break down the barriers that stand in the way of women and girls to pursue their dreams of a better future and reach their full potential.
"We'll continue to support civil society and the government of Bangladesh in their work to advance women's rights," said the Swedish Ambassador.
Swiss Ambassador Nathalie Chuard said Bangladesh's aspirations for Agenda 2030 and its remarkable socio-economic achievements in the last decades are impressive.
She said the role of women has improved significantly over the last years. "That said - here, too, there is more work to be done - for instance in political and economic spheres."
Ambassador Nathalie Chuard said, "If we want to build back better after this pandemic - really build back better -, we have to ensure that women are part of it. It not only the right thing to do, it is also the smart thing to do."
