To mark International Women's Day 2023, the USAID-funded Strengthening Political Landscape (SPL) project, implemented by Democracy International, organised the roundtable meeting "Advancing Women's Leadership in Elections" in the capital Monday.
The meeting was part of the SPL's "Narir Joye Shobar Joy" (When Women Win, We All Win) campaign, which aims to highlight the importance of increasing the nomination of women candidates for general seats in parliament in the upcoming national elections.
The event brought together 40 politicians representing the Awami League, BNP, and Jatiya Party. They developed an action plan to advocate for campaign managers in elections, increase women's nomination to general seats, and create public funds for women.
"A women-friendly electoral environment should be ensured. Male members should play a positive and supportive role in the family and political parties to empower women. Also, regular dialogues should be held with the Election Commission and the top-level leaders of the party regarding the increase in the nomination of women to general seats," they said.
"Women leaders who want nominations for general seats should be involved in various party activities at the divisional level of the party. A new strategy has to be adopted to introduce these women candidates at the grassroots level," the politicians added.
"Pressure should be created at the party level by forming multiple groups to increase the nomination of women to general seats. Political parties should prepare lists of women leaders who aspire to be nominated," they said.
The meeting was attended by Waseqa Ayesha Khan MP, finance and planning affairs secretary of the central executive committee of the Awami League, Selima Rahman, member of the standing committee of the BNP, Sharifa Quader MP, advisor to the chairman of the central committee of the Jatiya Party, and Dana L Olds, chief of party of SPL, Democracy International.
Waseka said, "Political activists must strive not only to promote women's development but also to safeguard the rights of all human beings. To advance the progress of a country, it is essential to foster tolerance among all people, and this can only be accomplished through the collaborative efforts of both men and women. Focusing on developing women's skills and building their confidence is crucial."
Selima Rahman said, "Eliminating various existing inequalities from the central level of the party to the grassroots is essential to achieve equality. Women must take gradual steps in politics by becoming eligible. Competent women should step forward to seek nominations for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Women must unite to fight against violence and insecurity that affect them.''
Sharifa said, "Nowadays, the number of skilled, qualified, and educated women leaders is growing. It is crucial for women leaders at the central and grassroots levels to build acceptance. Women must strengthen their competencies and prepare for elections."
