Bangladesh
Sheikh Hasina 50 percent women participation in every sector to be ensured by 2030: PM
Own Correspondent, Dhaka, Sept 21: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized on inclusion of women in the decision-making process and said, "We aim to ensure 40 percent participation of women in every sector by 2021 and 50 percent by 2030."
The Prime Minister said this while addressing a high-level meeting of the UNGA Platform of Women Leaders convened by General Assembly President Kasaba Korosi at the Trusteeship Council of the United Nations Headquarters on Tuesday.
Sheikh Hasina said that women are greatly affected during the crisis. It is therefore important to involve women in decision-making to find effective solutions to the crisis. Women have shone in every field, breaking all stereotypes and showing indomitable courage and leadership skills.
At this time, she proposed three points. These are, the localization of the Advisory Board on Gender Equality, the nurturing and support of women-led civil society organizations with adequate political and financial means, and the convening of a summit of leaders to strengthen the common agenda for gender equality.
Sheikh Hasina in her first round of proposals recommended the formation of an advisory board on gender equality, saying it needs to be localized now. "We need gender champions at all levels, especially at the grassroots level. Also, women-led civil society organizations need to be nurtured and supported with adequate political and financial means."
The United Nations has an important role to play in supporting such efforts, she said in her second round.
Finally, she invited everyone to convene a summit of leaders to strengthen their common agenda for gender equality, saying not only us, but all leaders should show and demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment.
Regarding Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said the government has taken various steps to empower women, including ensuring legal protection for women and creating new ways for them to achieve financial independence.
"Bangladesh has achieved three Millennium Development Goals (MDG) targets by ensuring gender equality in primary and secondary education. We are committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through gender equality and women's empowerment. About 27 percent of the national budget is earmarked for the social and economic empowerment of women," she added.
The Prime Minister said that in the political background, Bangladesh has ensured the representation of women at all levels of the government from the top to the lowest. "We are promoting our women in all economic activities."
