Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday made a clarion call for changing mindset about women, saying changed mentality can prevent violence against women rather than law.
"Most painful issue is that violence against women... we've enacted laws but it is not enough, rather mentality has to be changed along with switching thoughts," she said.
The prime minister came up with the call while addressing the Begum Rokeya Padak-2021 distribution ceremony as the chief guest at Osmani Memorial Auditorium, joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban in Dhaka.
She said it has to be believed that "women are not only the subject of enjoyment" rather everyone should treat them as fellow colleague and ally in the same journey.
"They (women) have to be given equal rights in the co-journey and it is now reality," she added.
In this connection, Sheikh Hasina also mentioned the adoption of different laws by her government in favour of women — such as laws against rape, women torture, establishment of family rights for women etc.
With State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Fazilatun Nessa Indira in the chair, Secretary to the Ministry Md Sayedul Islam delivered the welcome address.
On behalf of the prime minister, the state minister handed over the award. Each recipient received a crest, medal, certificate and a cheque.
The recipients are — Professor Hasina Zakaria (Bela) for women education, Archana Biswas for women rights, Shamsunnahar Rahman Paran (posthumous) for socio-economic development of women, Professor Dr Zinat Huda for women revolution through women education literature and culture, and Dr Saria Sultana for rural development.
Professor Hasina Zakaria (Bela), among the awardees, spoke on the occasion expressing her feelings.
The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs organised the function on the occasion of the Begum Rokeya Day.
