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20 April 2024
Making climate finance more gender-responsive in Bangladesh
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20 April 2024
National Consultative Workshop on Shock Responsive Social Protection in Anticipatory Action held in Dhaka
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20 April 2024
Ramping up women’s leadership in humanitarian action in Bangladesh
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Bangladesh
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Bangladesh:
Press Release
01 April 2024
Swedish Crown Princess witnesses Bangladesh's digital progress
Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, during her visit to Bangladesh as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNDP, observed the significant strides made by the country in achieving digital transformation in an event titled 'Innovate Together for #ZeroDigitalDivide', organized by the ICT Division and Aspire to Innovate-a2i with the support of UNDP. The event was held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on 18 March. The event underscore Bangladesh's steadfast commitment to realizing a future free of digital disparities, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the vision of leaving no one behind. During the event, the Crown Princess witnessed Bangladesh's exemplary journey in bridging the digital divide through innovative initiatives such as Digital Centres, the National Helpline 333, e-commerce platforms, and freelancer support programs. These initiatives are empowering citizens, particularly young people and entrepreneurs, across Bangladesh, paving the way for inclusive growth and socio-economic development. State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP, shared insights into Bangladesh's Digital to Smart Bangladesh Journey, emphasizing how technology is driving social transformation by expanding access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. He reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to creating a world with ‘ZeroDigitalDivide’, ensuring equitable access to the benefits of the digital revolution for all citizens. Ulrika Modéer, UN Assistant Secretary-General at UNDP, Johan Forssell, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Alexandra Berg von Linde, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh, were also present during the event along with other senior government officials, UN representatives, and the private sector. Through interactive sessions and exhibitions, participants discussed the transformative impact of Bangladesh's digitalization efforts, emphasizing the opportunities created for individuals from diverse backgrounds. They also discussed Bangladesh's remarkable progress and unwavering commitment to creating a ZeroDigitalDivide world. During the visit to Bangladesh, the Crown Princess will conduct field visits to witness firsthand the positive impact of inclusive digital development on poverty reduction in rural areas. The Crown Princess will also explore initiatives led by women and young entrepreneurs aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change in vulnerable areas, implemented by the government and UNDP.
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Press Release
01 April 2024
UNOPS' Roundtable Discussion on the ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’
Dhaka, Bangladesh - UNOPS Bangladesh hosted the 9th episode of "SDG Café," a monthly roundtable discussion series dedicated to addressing pressing development challenges and co-creating innovative solutions. As part of UNOPS’s commitment to getting Agenda 2030 back on track, this episode places the spotlight on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5), dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering women in Bangladesh and beyond. This roundtable took place on March 21, 2024 with the theme, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’. The session focused on highlighting the importance of investing in women to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth, in line with SDG 5. Addressing the enduring gender disparities in investment, especially in developing nations, the talks revolved around discussing obstacles, prospects, and inventive approaches to boost investment in businesses owned by women, elevate women into leadership positions, and advance initiatives supporting gender parity. The highlight of the event was the keynote speeches delivered by esteemed personalities Rubana Huq, Vice-chancellor of Asian University for Women and Chairperson of Mohammadi Group, and Azmeri Haque Badhon, renowned Bangladeshi actress. Huq's address emphasized the urgency of accelerating investment in women, drawing from her extensive experience in academia and business leadership. Badhon, known for her impactful advocacy on women's rights and social issues, brought a fresh perspective to the conversation, inspiring attendees with her passionate remarks. Rubana Huq further highlights, "Empowering women isn't just a moral imperative; it's a strategic necessity for global progress. Data consistently show that investing in women yields high returns in economic growth, GDP, social development, and sustainability. We must accelerate our efforts to bridge the gender gap. By harnessing the full potential of women, we unlock solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges." She emphasized on the significant yet often overlooked contribution of women to Bangladesh's economy, particularly through their engagement in domestic work. Currently, women contribute around 20 percent to the country's economy. However, if the government were to formally recognize and account for the value of domestic work performed by women, their contribution to the GDP could nearly double, potentially reaching close to 50 percent. The recognition of domestic work would lead to a substantial shift in how women's economic participation is perceived and measured. Currently, a significant portion of women's labor, which is primarily focused on household chores and caregiving responsibilities, is not considered in traditional economic indicators. By acknowledging and valuing this work, it would not only reflect a more accurate representation of women's economic activity but also lead to broader implications for policy-making and social change. The Country Manager of UNOPS in Bangladesh, Sudhir Muralidharan acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the crucial need for collaborative efforts. He stated that, "As we commemorate International Women's Day 2024, let us reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment. Recent data underscores the urgency of our mission: globally, women continue to face significant barriers to full participation in society and the economy. According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2023, at the current rate of progress, it will take 162 years to close the Political Empowerment gap, 169 years for Economic Participation and Opportunity, and 16 years for Educational Attainment. Despite progress, South Asia still lags behind, with only 63.4% gender parity achieved. While countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka show promise, others struggle to keep pace. As UNOPS Country Manager, I am committed to accelerating efforts to bridge these divides and ensure a future where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive and prosper with dignity. Let's unite to transform these statistics into stories of progress and equality." Azmeri Haque Badhon, renowned Bangladeshi actress mentioned, "As an actress, my journey has been enriched by projects like 'Rayhana Mariam Noor', 'Khufiya' and so on, where I've had the privilege to delve into complex narratives that spotlight the resilience and strength of women. These films not only showcase the diverse experiences of Bangladeshi women but also challenge societal norms surrounding gender roles. In my personal life, I've encountered both triumphs and challenges including getting the legal guardianship of my daughter, navigating the expectations placed on women in the entertainment industry. However, each experience has only fueled my determination to advocate for gender equality on and off the screen. Through my work and personal endeavors, I strive to inspire others to embrace their authenticity and fight for a world where every individual is empowered to thrive regardless of gender." Following the keynote speeches, an open discussion ensued, allowing participants to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore collaborative opportunities in advancing gender equality and women's economic empowerment. The roundtable discussion sought to facilitate investment in women and address the gender gap in Bangladesh and beyond. This SDG Café convened essential stakeholders in Bangladesh, including government representatives, international organizations, and development partners like the Department of Women Affairs (DWA), Armed Forces Division (AFD), Asian Development Bank (ADB), UN agencies, academics, and emerging local entrepreneurs. Through meaningful dialogue, they provided guidance and proposed innovative strategies and suggestions to promote gender equality and support investing in women. For media inquiries, please contact: Musfika Sultana Communications Focal Email: musfikaS@unops.or
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Press Release
12 March 2024
The Government, with UNICEF support, accelerates efforts in combating violence against children and child marriage in Bangladesh
DHAKA, 11 March 2024 - The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA), with technical support of UNICEF, today launched the "National Multimedia Campaign on Prevention of Violence Against Children (VAC) and Child Marriage (CM).” The initiative is a part of the ongoing efforts of the Accelerating Protection for Children (APC) project led by MoWCA and UNICEF to address the alarming prevalence of violence against children and child marriage in Bangladesh. The project is focused on strengthening institutional capacity and establishing a system for child protection at national and sub-national level. "Today’s launching is a pivotal moment in our ongoing mission to protect the rights and dignity of children in Bangladesh," stated Ms. Simeen Hussain (Rimi), Honorable State Minister, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. "Violence against children and child marriage not only violates their fundamental rights but also has enduring detrimental effects on their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. The government is committed to working hand in hand with UNICEF and other stakeholders to eradicate these harmful practices and create a safe and nurturing environment for all children," she added. Supported with funding from the European Union and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the campaign is aligned with the National Children’s Policy to uphold the rights of children and the National Action Plan (NAP) to eliminate child marriage in Bangladesh by 2041. "The campaign underscores our unwavering dedication to empower communities to champion child protection," expressed Emma Brigham, Representative a.i. UNICEF Bangladesh. "Through strategic communication and community mobilization, we aim to create an environment where every child can thrive free from violence and exploitation. We call any concerned person to call Child Helpline 1098, the toll-free nationwide number, providing counselling and referrals to protection, legal aid, shelter, health, and education services.” Dr. Bernd Spanier, Chargé d'Affaires of the EU Delegation in Bangladesh, expressed support for the initiative, reiterating the fact that "the European Union stands in solidarity with Bangladesh in its endeavours to safeguard children's rights. We commend the Government of Bangladesh and UNICEF for kick-starting this much needed campaign to address violence against children and child marriage." The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2019 revealed that almost 9 out of 10[1] children aged between 1 to 14 years have encountered instances of physical violence and psychological aggression within their homes. In addition, Bangladesh ranks among the top 10 countries globally with over half of girls[2] married before becoming 18, almost one out of four girls have given birth before the age of 18, while eight out of 10 have given birth before reaching the age of 20. Drawing from evidence, the campaign will provide a comprehensive approach to facilitate behavioral change through Public Service Announcement (PSA) and initiate a social movement against violence and child marriage. It will prioritize community engagement in hard-to-reach areas and districts with a high prevalence of violence against children and child marriage and reinforce collaborative action to challenge harmful social norms while advocating for positive parenting practices. For more information please contact:Farjana Sultana, UNICEF Bangladesh, Tel: +880 191 151 9507, fasultana@unicef.orgFaria Selim, UNICEF Bangladesh, Tel: +880 181 758 6096, fselim@unicef.org [1] An estimated 89 percent of children.[2] 51.4 percent
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01 April 2024
Conservation Efforts by Ethnic Communities in Bangladesh Bolster Water Security
Just a few years ago, Sudarshana Chakma (35), a resident of the remote Digholchari Debarmatha village under Bilaichari upazila in the Rangamati Hill District, had to traverse a long hilly path to fetch water for her household because there were no local water sources.“Unchecked deforestation and degradation of village common forests (VCFs) led to the drying up of all-natural water sources in our village. We struggled to collect drinking and household water,” Chakma explained to IPS. Ethnic communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) rely significantly on forests for their lives and livelihoods. They gather water from natural sources like streams and practice jhum (shifting cultivation) in nearby forests. However, indiscriminate deforestation of the natural resources had dried up springs and streams, causing water scarcity in many areas.The tide turned when the USAID-funded Chittagong Hill Tracts Watershed Co-Management Activity (CHTWCA) engaged surrounding communities, including those living in Digholchari Debarmatha village, as conservation volunteers to protect Village Common Forests (VCFs) in 2020. This initiative successfully revived springs, ensuring a year-round water supply.The Strengthening Inclusive Development in Chittagong Hill Tracts Project, which the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs implemented, has transformed many lives, including Chakmas’.“Now we can easily fetch water from nearby springs, bringing peace to our lives. Due to the arduous journey ethnic women had to make to fetch water, quarrels over who was going to fetch the water were common in the village and among families. Now, we live in harmony,” said Sudarshana, a mother of four.Silica Chakma of Digholchari Hajachara village echoed her sentiments, highlighting the voluntary conservation efforts by ethnic communities to ensure an adequate water supply during the dry season.“Before the restoration of our forests, we faced water scarcity. Now, we have no water crisis, as we collect water four to five times a day from the springs revived in the forests,” she said.Silica emphasised that village common forests are conserved voluntarily, with strict regulations against harvesting forest resources without the approval of VCF management committees.Barun Chakma, President of the Digholchari Debarmatha VCF Management Committee, emphasised the shift in mindset, stating that locals now protect the forests voluntarily, contrasting with past practices where trees were felled indiscriminately.Enhancing Small Agriculture SustainabilityThe CHT faces aggravated water crises during the dry season, impacting agriculture and homesteads.To address this, local ethnic farmers in Digholchari Debarmatha have constructed bamboo-made dams on streams, creating water reservoirs fed by springs from the village common forest.Pujikka Chakma, a 45-year-old female farmer, is grateful for the progress.“After conserving the local forests, farmers do not face water scarcity for their agriculture and homesteads. We store spring water in the reservoir to irrigate cropland during the dry season.”Thirty-seven-year-old Lika Chakma also acknowledged the benefits of the expanded use of spring water in agriculture, including cultivating various crops and ensuring food security for the community.Conserving Medicinal PlantsIn addition to addressing water security, ethnic communities in the Rangamati Hill District have been actively conserving medicinal plants for healthcare and treatments.Lika Chakma explained, “We conserve medicinal plants in our local forests for use when we fall sick.”Poitharam Chakma emphasised the importance of these efforts, given limited access to healthcare facilities in remote hilly areas. “Once our forests were degraded, we faced problems collecting medicinal plants. Now, we are conserving those in our forests.”Barun Chakma provided details of the planting, a few years ago, of various medicinal plants, including Haritaki (myrobalan), Bohera (Terminalia bellirica), and Amloki (Indian gooseberry), in the Digholchari Debarmatha VCF. While acknowledging that it will take time for these plants to yield herbal medicines, he expressed confidence in the community’s ability to support health treatments in the future.The conservation initiatives run by ethnic communities in Bangladesh address issues with water security, support agricultural sustainability, and protect priceless medicinal plants.This is an IPS UN Bureau Report.
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Press Release
06 March 2024
WFP and MoDMR Sign MoU to Enhance Humanitarian Operations on Bhasan Char
Dhaka, Bangladesh – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) of Bangladesh aimed at enhancing the humanitarian operations for the Rohingya refugees on Bhasan Char Island.The MoUs were signed by Md. Kamrul Hasan, ndc, Secretary, MoDMR and Dom Scalpelli, WFP Country Director, in the presence of the new State Minister, Md, Mohibbur Rahman, MP, on 4th March in Dhaka. With the signing, MoDMR officially handed over the management of the United Nations common accommodation and office space, and the warehouse facilities to WFP, co-lead of the Food Security Sector and lead of the Common Services Sector of the Rohingya refugee response. "This MoU signifies a pivotal step in enhancing our logistical support to the humanitarian community and the Rohingya refugees currently residing on the island. It will also boost WFP’s operational capacity by directly managing and maintaining the warehouses, contributing significantly to the effectiveness and efficiency of our assistance to the Rohingya refugees. We thank MoDMR for their longstanding support and collaboration, and we look forward to continuing working together to serve this vulnerable group,” said Dom Scalpelli, WFP Country Director. As the Common Services Sector lead, WFP coordinates with the government on behalf of the UN and other humanitarian partners. Following the signing, WFP is committed to raising the resources needed to improve and upkeep the conditions of the accommodation, office and warehouse facilities to ensure quality service is provided to both humanitarians and the Rohingya refugees. Media Contact:Kun Li, Head of Communication, WFP BangladeshMobile: +880 1322846137 Email: kun.li@wfp.org
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20 April 2024
National Consultative Workshop on Shock Responsive Social Protection in Anticipatory Action held in Dhaka
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Bangladesh togetherwith WFP, German Red Cross (GRC), CARE, and Action Against Hunger (ACF) hosted a significant milestone event,the National Consultative Workshop on Shock Responsive Social Protection in Anticipatory Action today in Dhaka.This workshop marked a crucial initiative to improve Bangladesh’s resilience and preparedness in the face ofemerging challenges and crises.The primary objective of this national consultation was to validate the findings and proposals or suggestions of theagencies -FAO, WFP, GRC, CARE, ACF- mentioned that are conducting pilots or planning for anticipatory action withsocial protection programs in Bangladesh. The focus was enhancing the resilience of vulnerable household’slivelihoods to climatic hazards or weather-related hazards. The consultation presented the mapping of socialprotection programs in Bangladesh, explore the integration of anticipatory action within social protectionframeworks to act ahead of the impacts of climate and weather-related disasters on vulnerable populations,farmers, and marine fisherfolks and identified pathways for strengthening partnership and scaling up action.Dr Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh underlined the necessity of moving beyond reactive measuresand embracing strategies that will enable to anticipate, mitigate, and respond to shocks before they escalate intofull-blown crises. He said, “FAO is committed to supporting the Government of Bangladesh and its partners inadvancing shock-responsive social protection and building resilience in the food and agriculture sector. Together,we can create a future where all Bangladeshis can live a better life in a better environment even when things getdifficult.”Md Mohibbur Rahman, MP, Hon’ble State Minister, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) said,“Conducting large-scale simulation exercises in the Haor and Barind regions is imperative for possible flash floodsor droughts. These exercises, overseen by disaster management committees, are essential for effectively preparingcommunities to mitigate potential disasters and enhance overall resilience in these vulnerable areas.”The National Consultative Workshop continued with a high-level panel discussion featuring experts, policymakers,and practitioners in the field of social protection and disaster risk management. The panel discussion provided anopportunity for in-depth exploration of key issues and emerging trends, as well as strategic recommendations foradvancing shock-responsive social protection in Bangladesh. For media inquiries and further information, please contact: berna.cetin@fao.org
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20 April 2024
Making climate finance more gender-responsive in Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh — To commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD), a multi-stakeholder consultation on “Gender-Responsive Climate Financing in Bangladesh” was held in the capital today.Focusing on this year’s IWD theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” the consultation brought together government officials, women’s rights organizations (WROs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), development partners, and academia to provide policy and budgetary recommendations on integrating gender equality considerations, in the lead up to the upcoming national budget (for fiscal year 2024-25).Bangladesh is the seventh most climate-vulnerable country with a global record of extreme weather such as sea level rise, worsening storms, floods, and droughts. Climate change exacerbates pre-existing socio-economic vulnerabilities and disproportionately impacts vulnerable groups, particularly women, girls, and people with disabilities.During the consultation, representatives from civil society and women led organizations underlined the need for their involvement in budget related discussions. They called for stronger monitoring of the budgetary expenditure, and its impact. They stressed the importance of effective coordination at all levels, to ensure resources reach those most in need including women with disabilities, gender diverse people and women from marginalized groups.Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Member of Parliament (MP) Mr. Saber Hossain Chowdhury said, "Gender equality is a fundamental prerequisite for building climate resilience and achieving sustainable development. Our policies and strategies, such as the Mujib Climate Prosperity plan, National Adaptation Plan, and National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, reflect our determination to confront the climate crisis head-on.”“When it comes to budget, we see a lack in statistical and disaggregated data. We have to fill this gap first. This is the first budget of the new government, and it will set the direction for the forthcoming years. Let us be selective and strategic in terms of the areas we need to work on. Let us have the building blocks in place, to take this forward in the following financial years,” he added.Referring to UN Women’s global feminist climate justice framework launched at the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28) last year, Ms. Dilruba Haider, Programme Specialist at UN Women, highlighted trends in climate budget allocations and expenditure across key ministries. Limited availability of gender disaggregated data, lack of alignment between climate and gender responsive budgeting, the absence of women in decision-making processes were identified as major challenges.Speaking at the event the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Farhina Ahmed said, “the budget needs to be participatory. We want to start a climate development partnership, to bring together all the development partners, NGOs, INGOs under one platform for greater coherence.”Participants engaged in group discussions to frame key requests from the forthcoming budget and longer-term recommendations to advance gender responsive climate financing. Key recommendations included: higher investments in resilient and sustainable gender responsive infrastructure; access to clean drinking water, renewable energy, climate resilient livelihood and skills development for women; creating a database on women farmers; and promoting participatory bottom-up approaches for budget formulation and monitoring, amongst others. Discussions also focused on the importance of aligning gender responsive budgeting and climate budgeting for greater impact in the least developed country (LDC) graduation context.Acknowledging the significant efforts by the government of Bangladesh as well as the locally led adaptation for climate change driven by women, UN Women Representative Ms Gitanjali Singh said, “The economic framework of Smart Bangladesh must uphold women's rights and ensure the enactment and implementation of policies that are inclusive and responsive to gender disparities, especially in the context of climate financing. Investing in caregiving services will not only lessen the burden of unpaid care duties primarily shouldered by women but also foster opportunities for decent employment, potentially creating a large number of job opportunities for women. Realizing women’s rights is not only a moral imperative, but also a smart economic investment for sustainable development and peace.”
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20 April 2024
Ramping up women’s leadership in humanitarian action in Bangladesh
Satkhira, Bangladesh – UN Women has supported the establishment of two new local chapters of an inter-agency working group that is strengthening women’s voices and leadership in responding to humanitarian disasters in Bangladesh.The Inter-Cluster Gender in Humanitarian Action (GIHA) Working Group, founded in 2017, comprises United Nations agencies, local and international non-governmental organizations, and local non-governmental organizations led by women.The working group has boosted the leadership of women-led civil society organizations in humanitarian action and the ability of organizations to meet women’s needs in disaster preparedness and response. It is co-chaired by UN Women and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.UN Women Bangladesh has been helping set up local chapters of the working group in natural disaster-prone areas across the country. The first local chapter was established in Kurigram last year.In February 2024, UN Women Bangladesh helped launch two more local chapters, in the districts of Khulna and Satkhira, both in Khulna Division, in the country’s southwest.Attending the launch of the Khulna chapter on 11 February were a total of about 50 representatives of women-led civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations and media professionals, including Dilruba Haider, Programme Specialist on Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarian Action at UN Women Bangladesh.Hasna Hena, Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs Khulna, said at the event that the local chapter may help form community-based women’s groups and encourage women-led civil society organizations to provide immediate information on disaster losses and damages. “Such activity would foster women’s participation and leadership in humanitarian action,” she said.Motahar Hossain, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Welfare, also mentioned the importance of timely information: “In a post-disaster setting, we often find it difficult to access data, especially sex- and age-disaggregated statistics of the affected population. It always hinders appropriate humanitarian response planning and effective implementation.”The chapter in Satkhira was launched on the following day, 12 February. Over 40 representatives from women-led civil society organizations, disability rights organizations, national and international non-governmental organizations, and media professionals attended the launch.Speakers at the event expressed concerns about women’s safety during disasters.“Women are always under threat of several forms of exploitation including rape during disasters. We must prevent it together,” said Kohinoor Islam, the Satkhira Sadar Upazila Vice-Chair.AKM Shafiul Azam, Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs Khulna, said: “We all have on-job training on humanitarian action. But we must make sure women and girls’ protection agenda is well implemented in humanitarian interventions.”Timely access to good information was again a concern.Asaduzzaman Sardar from the daily Bangla Tribune said that disaster-related information should be stored and analyzed in a more structured way.He said: “How to respond to women’s needs and priorities in humanitarian crises? We often grapple with accessing official records and statistics at the local level. Government officials would be able to record and provide relevant local data if they are institutionally instructed to do so.”The respective deputy director of the Department of Women Affairs (which is part of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs) and a representative of a civil society organization will co-chair the local chapters of the working group.
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20 April 2024
International financial institutions advancing gender equality in Bangladesh
International Women's Day (IWD) 2024 represented a significant moment as the world united under the theme "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress." In the spirit of this global call to action, three chiefs of missions from international finance institutions working in Bangladesh offered their perspectives on the significance of investing in women to accelerate sustainable development. EDIMON GINTINGAsian Development Bank Edimon Ginting, Country Director, Asian Development Bank. Photo: Courtesy of ADBHow is the Asian Development Bank (ADB) advancing women’s empowerment and financing for gender equality in Bangladesh?ADB is deeply committed to advancing women’s empowerment and financing for gender equality in Bangladesh through multifaceted strategies. We collaborate closely with the Government of Bangladesh to align our initiatives with national gender equality policies and priorities. Our efforts encompass various sectors, including education, healthcare, finance, and infrastructure development. We prioritize projects that promote women’s economic participation, ensure their inclusion in decision-making processes, and foster gender-responsive policies and practices.Through targeted financial assistance and technical expertise, ADB supports gender mainstreaming across projects. This entails integrating gender equality considerations into project design, implementation, and monitoring, thereby ensuring impactful outcomes. Additionally, we work with civil society organizations and other stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of our gender-focused interventions. Our goal is to create lasting change by addressing the root causes of gender disparities and promoting inclusive development in Bangladesh.This year’s IWD theme is ‘Invest in women: accelerate progress’. How is ADB promoting women’s leadership in climate action? What might be opportunities to strengthen gender-responsive climate financing in the current context?ADB recognizes the pivotal role of women in climate action and is actively promoting their leadership in this crucial area. We support initiatives that empower women to participate in decision-making processes related to climate change adaptation and mitigation. Through capacity-building programs and targeted investments, we aim to enhance women’s skills and knowledge in climate-resilient practices.ADB is also working towards becoming the regional climate bank, which further emphasizes our commitment to integrating gender considerations into climate finance mechanisms. Opportunities to strengthen gender-responsive climate financing include increasing investment in projects that directly benefit women, such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture initiatives. ADB can also enhance access to climate finance for women-led businesses and organizations.Additionally, collaboration with partners and stakeholders is key to developing innovative financing mechanisms that prioritize gender equality and empower women to actively participate in climate action efforts. By leveraging these opportunities, ADB seeks to accelerate progress towards gender-responsive climate financing and ensure a sustainable and inclusive future for all. JAYENDU DEInternational Monetary Fund Jayendu De, Resident Representative for Bangladesh, International Monitory Fund. Photo: Courtesy of IMFHow is the International Monetary Fund (IMF) advancing women’s empowerment and financing for gender equality in Bangladesh?On January 30, 2023, the IMF Executive Board approved a 42-month financial program with Bangladesh. The program includes reforms aimed at creating fiscal space to enable greater social and developmental spending, strengthening the financial sector, and building climate resilience. These are expected to benefit women’s empowerment by supporting increased investment in health, education and infrastructure, expansion of social safety nets, greater financial inclusion, and tackling climate change-related challenges, which often disproportionately affect women.In its most recent Article IV consultation, the IMF highlighted the large economic losses to Bangladesh from remaining gender gaps in labor force participation and financial inclusion and called attention to the important synergies between policies to address climate change and women’s empowerment. Our analysis also called for a strengthening of Gender Responsive Budgeting practices in Bangladesh to channel public resources more effectively towards the achievement of the country’s gender equality goals.Bangladesh graduates from a Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026, what macroeconomic measures might be required to accelerate progress on gender equality and women’s empowerment?As Bangladesh graduates from LDC status and endeavors toward reaching upper-middle income status, broader economic inclusion for women becomes indispensable. Stepped up investments in health, education, and infrastructure (transportation, sanitation, childcare) are required to increase women's mobility and reduce domestic work and care burdens. To finance this, Bangladesh needs to expand its tax base, improve tax efficiency, and reduce insufficiently targeted subsidies. Additionally, reforms in the financial sector are needed to ensure an inclusive financial system that attracts private investment and supports both female and male entrepreneurs. Finally, mainstreaming climate mitigation and adaptation policies is vital to ensure development gains, especially for women. ABDOULAYE SECKWorld Bank Abdoulaye Seck, Country Director, World Bank (Bangladesh and Bhutan). Photo: Courtesy of World BankHow is the World Bank advancing women’s empowerment and financing for gender equality in Bangladesh?Bangladesh has realized early on that investing women is a critical economic driver. Women’s empowerment remained central to the country’s development strategy. We collaborate with the government to amplify women's voices, agency, and participation in social and economic activities through our investments and analytical works. This aligns with the World Bank's Gender Strategy and the Country Partnership Framework, addressing diverse challenges that hinder women's empowerment.In Bangladesh, we have a dedicated Gender and Social Inclusion Platform that ensures each project identify priority gender gaps and integrate specific actions to bridge those. We have implemented Gender sensitized Grievance Mechanisms, mandatory signing of code of conducts, and regular consultation with all project beneficiaries and project staff, leading to positive outcomes in report and managing sexual harassment and gender-based violence. Several of the ongoing projects focus on improving female labor force participation through skilling NEET Youth, women in remote areas and belonging to marginalized groups, utilizing toolkits designed to ensure inclusion of such groups, for example women and girls with disabilities. Our studies explore and pilot innovative solutions to make public spaces safer, including public transport and workplaces. Studies are exploring and piloting ways to make public transport, workplaces, and public spaces safer for women, provisioning for childcare, GBV prevention and response mechanisms, and utilizing technology to bring more women into the formal employment and entrepreneurship.Close to half a million Rohingya women and girls currently live in the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. Gender equality remains an unfinished agenda. In your opinion, what additional measures are needed to advance women’s leadership and address violence and discriminatory norms?Gender equality efforts face many complexities, especially in situations with strong social norms. This was evident with displaced Rohingya women, many of have faced gender-based violence (GBV) and trauma even before arriving in Bangladesh. Their conservative background made it difficult for them to access support services.But we are encouraged to see that change is possible within a short period of time with the right set of interventions. The World Bank supported the Health and Gender Support Project (HGSP) to help women and girls in the Rohingya camps and in the host community access to health, nutrition and family planning services as well as address GBV through preventive and response services. This support helped displaced Rohingya women participate in camp activities, study, volunteer work, or benefit from counseling, midwifery, family planning and GBV response services. Prevention efforts and community outreach were used to increase confidence and empower Rohingya women. These initiatives enabled them to see themselves as agents of change within their families and communities, making decisions. This shift in perspective is a stark contrast to their lives in Rakhine. The World Bank and the government are now in discussion about follow up projects, built upon the successful interventions used by HGSP to address widespread GBV, especially intimate partner violence and child marriage in the camps and surrounding host communities.
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04 April 2024
Blended Investing: Leaving No One Behind for Economic Empowerment
UNAIDS has recently contributed to financing seven start-ups, by Transgender and retired sex workers in collaboration with UNCDF, who selected these businesses by applying UNCDF’s own due diligence process, and through approval by a Gender Responsive Investment Platform set up at the central bank of Bangladesh. The fundamental rationale behind the investment strategy is that by increasing the availability of domestic financial resources (both public and private) to support economic opportunities at the local level for minority groups, so that they will be better equipped to achieve lasting enhancements in their income and economic stability. These investments contribute to SDG goals 5 (gender equality) and 8 (decent work and economic growth). Within this initiative, UNCDF has allocated two types of resources: human capital, which includes training, skills development, entrepreneurship support, and employment opportunities, as well as financial capital in the form of grants. These investments have been directed towards local businesses in specified regions, with a specific focus on gender responsive projects that primarily benefit women and girls, ultimately leading to the creation of more job opportunities for them.We are sharing stories of these seven start-ups here:Uttoron Gents Parlor In the town of Manikganj, Anonnya Banik emerges as a powerful force for change within the transgender community. Through her courageous initiative, Uttoron Gents Parlor, established in 2019, she transformed a simple gents parlor into a sanctuary of empowerment. Anonnya's vision extended beyond mere entrepreneurship; it aimed to challenge societal norms and provide sustainable opportunities for transgender individuals who face discrimination and marginalization in Bangladesh. Despite the long-standing challenges and prejudices faced by the transgender community, Anonnya Banik's determination remained unyielding. She recognized the untapped potential within her community and sought to reintegrate transgender individuals into society as entrepreneurs, breaking down barriers of discrimination and bias.Anonnya's commitment was not just lip service; she actively engaged transgender individuals as employees, providing them not only with jobs but also with a platform to showcase their talents and capabilities. Anonnya's pioneering efforts ignited conversations on inclusion and acceptance, serving as a model of empowerment for the broader community. UNCDF is proud to be a part of this inspiring journey of empowerment.Through this investment, key positive changes made:With support from UNCDF, a comprehensive business plan and capital budget were prepared for the parlour which included a business financial model capturing details such as sales, growth, revenue, operational and capital costs, assets, and equity. Grants from UNCDF, along with loans from banks, facilitated the renovation and modernization of the parlor, enhancing its appeal to a wider customer base. Lastly, Uttoron experienced significant increases of customers, the business expanded its human resource capacity by hiring three transgender individuals. SHOW Fashion House In Manikganj, Bangladesh, SHOW Fashion House, led by Aleya Akter Lily, stands as an encouragement of empowerment and change. Founded with a vision to provide dignity and opportunity to retired sex workers, the fashion house employs eight women who seek to transition to alternative livelihoods. Beyond selling clothes, it offers a sanctuary of possibilities, rewriting destinies and fostering independence. Aleya plans to expand the business by integrating new equipment and hiring more staff, aiming to empower more women seeking to exit the sex work industry. SHOW Fashion House represents more than just fashion; it embodies a narrative of empowerment, resilience, and societal transformation, offering a chance for women to reclaim their dignity and independence in the face of adversity.Through this investment, key positive changes made:UNCDF supported preparing a comprehensive business plan for the boutique and capital budgeting, which included a business financial model capturing details such as sales, growth, revenue, operational and capital costs, assets, and equity. UNCDF also facilitated in connecting with commercial banks. Using grants from UNCDF and loans from banks, she refurbished her showroom and purchased sewing machines to boost production and provide training opportunities for individuals like herself who aspire to learn. With a notable surge in customer demand, Aleya enhanced her workforce by recruiting 5 elderly sex worker.
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Press Release
17 March 2024
Bailey Road restaurant and other recent fire incidents show again how enforcement, prevention and safety culture is needed to keep work and public places safe
The ILO is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life of at least 46 individuals at the Green Cozy Cottage Shopping Mall on Bailey Road on 29 February 2024 and the recent gas cylinder fire in residential are in Gazipur on 13th of March 2024. The ILO extends its heartfelt condolences and solidarity to the families of the victims and the injured, emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety measures, regulatory reforms, and strict enforcement to prevent such tragedies in the future. These incidents illustrate the urgent need for both Bangladesh’s authorities and building owners to ensure strict adherence to safety regulations and the meticulous enforcement of building codes to keep workers safe. The tragic Bailey Road fire, originating from the restaurant in the Green Cozy Cottage Shopping Mall, underscores the devastating consequences of lax oversight and inadequate safety measures in commercial buildings. The absence of fire exits, fire extinguishing systems, and proper evacuation routes, despite prior warnings, has resulted in a staggering loss of life and injuries. This serves as a stark reminder that immediate action must be taken to address structural failures, close loopholes in building codes, and prioritize the safety of people in and around buildings. Furthermore, this incident underscores the imperative for an efficient industrial and enterprise safety framework, along with a robust enforcement and training system, to guarantee a systematic approach to mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery from all potential hazards. Enhanced collaboration and partnerships between government departments, employers, workers' representatives, and civil society are crucial in achieving this goal. The need for a well-coordinated effort to prioritize safety measures, implement comprehensive training programs, and enforce regulations becomes evident, aiming not only at preventing such tragic incidents but also ensuring a resilient and secure environment for workers and the community at large. The ILO is actively collaborating the Government of Bangladesh and other stakeholders to have a fully coordinated industrial safety framework, ensuring the optimal functionality of the Industrial Safety Units across all sectors to strengthen safety inspections. ILO will also support the Government of Bangladesh to update and implement occupational safety and health (OSH) regulatory and policy frameworks and implement the National Plan of Action on OSH. By leveraging these efforts, the goal is to enhance safety standards across all sectors, ensuring a safer working environment for all workers in Bangladesh. It is our hope that this tragic incident will lead to ownership from all stakeholders to approach the task of addressing safety deficiencies in workplaces across the country with renewed determination and urgency.
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Press Release
17 March 2024
The Government expands social service workforce by 40 per cent, supported by UNICEF, to strengthen child protection services in Bangladesh
DHAKA, 14 March 2024 - The Government of Bangladesh, supported by UNICEF, has hired more than 1,200 social workers in child protection services. This notable initiative underscores the importance of ensuring the welfare of children and families across the nation. As a first step towards their integration in the Child Protection Social Services, today the Department of Social Services (DSS) and UNICEF jointly completed a 3-day long orientation Training of Trainers (ToT) in Dhaka for the social workers. This program is designed to equip a carefully chosen group of social workers with the knowledge and skills needed to introduce new recruits in Bangladesh to the field. Additionally, it will enhance their ability to offer essential services in critical areas such as child protection, support for families, emergency response, and the implementation of child rights policies. The goal of this initiative is to cultivate a highly skilled workforce, thereby enhancing the quality of services provided and broadening the availability of protective services delivered by social workers. "The Government of Bangladesh, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is committed to safeguarding the children of Bangladesh from harm. The recruitment of the new batch of social workers is a testament to our commitment towards enhancing the nation's child protection system," said Dr. Dipu Moni, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Social Welfare. "We appreciate UNICEF's commitment to support the government’s efforts, enhancing service providers' capacity, and ensuring every child receives the care and protection they deserve," she added. "Children are the future; protecting them is critical to creating a prosperous nation. The European Union welcomes the commitment of the Government of Bangladesh to invest in child protection by boosting the social services workforce by 40%. We have been working in the social services field with the Government and likeminded partners over the past 20 years, and we are proud to see the impact of our joint efforts", says the EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley. “It is important to increase the number of social workers in child protection, but it is equally important to equip them with the right information and knowledge, as they have a critical role to offer essential care and support to those experiencing violence,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh. Despite the recruitment of new social workers, challenges persist, including the prevalence of child labor, inadequate birth registration, children in institutional care and lacking family support, and high rates of child marriage. UNICEF emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues through collaborative efforts among the government, civil society, and international partners. Additionally, there is a need for ongoing investment in human resources and the development of specialized training programs to meet the evolving needs of vulnerable children and families. UNICEF calls on the government to prioritize the further expansion and empowerment of the child protection workforce to effectively support the country's vulnerable child population. Together with the European Union and other stakeholders, UNICEF remains committed to building a comprehensive national child protection system that ensures the rights and well-being of every child in Bangladesh. ###For more information please contact:Farjana Sultana, UNICEF Bangladesh, fasultana@unicef.org Faria Selim, UNICEF Bangladesh, fselim@unicef.org
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Press Release
13 March 2024
UN and partners seek $852.4m to support Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi hosts
The 2024 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis is being launched under the leadership of the Bangladeshi authorities. The funding appeal seeks $852.4 million to reach some 1.35 million people including Rohingya refugees and host communities. The plan and related financial needs is being presented to donors in Geneva by Masud Bin Momen, Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh; Mohammad Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Principal Secretary to the Bangladesh Prime Minister; Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees; and Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration. International solidarity with Bangladesh and refugee protection is needed more than ever as the conflict in Myanmar escalates. The Joint Response Plan brings together 117 partners, nearly half of them Bangladeshi organizations. It aims to help some 1 million Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and on the island of Bhasan Char, and 346,000 from host communities, with food, shelter, health care, access to drinkable water, protection services, education and livelihood opportunities and skills development. Some 95 per cent of Rohingya households in Bangladesh are vulnerable and remain dependent on humanitarian assistance. Sustained assistance is critically and urgently needed, particularly by women and children, who make up more than 75 per cent of the targeted refugee population, and face heightened risks of abuse, exploitation and gender-based violence. More than half of the refugees in the camps are under 18, languishing amidst limited opportunities for education, skills-building and livelihoods. The Government of Bangladesh, local communities and aid agencies need sustained international support to respond to increasing needs as this humanitarian crisis remains largely out of the international spotlight. Underfunding in previous years has had serious implications as Rohingya women, children and men -- who fled to Bangladesh to escape violence and persecution in Myanmar -- struggle to meet basic needs and their plight risks slipping into obscurity. Rohingya refugees remain in limbo relying on humanitarian assistance to survive in crowded camps plagued by insecurity and natural disasters. The international community must continue funding life-saving and life-sustaining assistance to refugees in the camps, investing in education, skills training and livelihood opportunities. This is a lifeline to refugees struggling to meet their basic needs and supplement limited humanitarian assistance. Steps are also needed to ensure pledges made at the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva in December are fulfilled. These included advancing enhancing self-reliance for Rohingya to provide hope and reduce their compulsion to take dangerous boat journeys. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:Mostafa Mohammad Sazzad Hossain; hossaimo@unhcr.orgShari Yasmin Nijman; nijman@unhcr.org
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Press Release
12 March 2024
UN urged to assist in addressing post-LDC challenges
UN Resident Coordinator Ms Gwyn Lewis had a meeting with ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman at ICC Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday, says a statement.At the meeting, Ms Lewis was briefed about the activities of ICC HQs and ICC Bangladesh. They discussed the challenges to be faced by Bangladesh after its graduation to Middle-Income country in 2026.ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman said that the relationship between Bangladesh and the United Nations started during the initial stage of Bangladesh's liberation war in 1971.Mr Rahman mentioned that Bangladesh has set out an ambitious journey path to transform into a Smart-Bangladesh High-Income Country by 2041, as delineated in its Perspective Plan (2021-2041). The plan for achieving the vision -- the Perspective Plan 2021-2041 -- defines the targets: achieving Upper-Middle Income Country Status and eliminating extreme poverty by 2031, and eradicating poverty altogether while achieving High-Income Country status by 2041.As part of this trajectory, Bangladesh has fully committed to achieving the SDGs, and embraced the Secretary-General's call for a "Decade of Action" to accelerate progress toward the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, he added.The ICCB President urged the UN Resident Coordinator to extend all-out assistance and cooperation to Bangladesh to overcome the challenges after the LDC graduation.He said that UN agencies have been supporting the government in various projects in the field of sustainable development solutions, poverty alleviation, disaster management, peace, good governance, police reform, human rights, environment, climate change, reproductive health, family planning etc.Over the next five years, he said, progress towards this ambitious political, economic, and social development vision will be delivered through the 8th Five-Year Plan.This medium-term development strategy comes at a time when Bangladesh looks to promote a strong and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, sustain and build on its economic growth, and put the country on track to achieve the SDGs, Middle-Income Country Status, and the elimination of extreme poverty by 2030-31, Mr. Rahman noted.In response, UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Gwyn Lewis said that the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework ("Cooperation Framework") represents the UN development systems' collective response to support Bangladesh in addressing key development priorities and challenges to the achievement of the objectives of the 8th Five-Year Plan, leading to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, its SDGs, and the Perspective Plan for 2041.The UN looks forward to working jointly with the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh in addressing various development issues, she added.Considering the potential change in the development finance landscape due to Bangladesh's graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026, the UN has placed a particular emphasis on development effectiveness through different instruments in the Cooperation Framework, which will complement the public financial management efforts of different international financial institutions and multilateral development banks, she added.ICCB Vice President A. K. Azad said Bangladesh stands to lose a number of international support measures associated with LDC status, namely preferential market access under LDC-specific schemes.Bangladeshi garment exporters rely on the European Union's 'Everything But Arms (EBA)' scheme for duty-free, quota-free access to the region's markets, he said, adding that any measures to extend or replace EBA could prove critical in smoothing the transition. He sought UN's support in this regard.ICCB Vice President Naser Ezaz Bijoy said the climate change impact is posing a severe threat to Bangladesh's agriculture as well as to the overall economy. As a result, annual GDP is likely to shrink by 1.0 to 2.0 per cent.Required investment is crucial as investment of US $ 1.2 billion within 2030 could save $11.6 billion by 2030, he added.He urged more UN investments and programmes designed to assist Bangladesh in climate adaptation.During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between United Nations Global Compact Network Bangladesh (UN-GCNB) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh.The purpose of the MoU is to ensure growth and value addition of Sustainability Projects countrywide through Private Sector engagement for future market development, to facilitate and empower members of the ICC in accessing global networks and resources through UN-GC platforms on Sustainable business practices; and to provide capacity building/training to support the sustainability journeys in the private sector of Bangladesh.The meeting was also attended by ICCB Executive Board Members Abdul Hai Sarkar and Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez); UN Global Compact Executive Director Asia Pacific & Ocenia Shahamin S. Zaman, ICCB Banking Commission Chairman Muhammad A. (Rumee) Ali, ICCB Secretary General Ataur Rahman, former Bangladesh Bank Executive Director Md. Ahsan Ullah; UN Senior Development Coordinator Officer and Strategic Planner Louise Barber and Development Coordination Officer/Economist Md. Mazedul Islam; UN Global Compact Network Bangladesh Coordinator Stakeholder Engagements Juliana Awo Quist Lawson; ICCB General Manager Ajay Bihari Saha and Deputy General Manager Syeda Shahnewaz Lotika.
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Press Release
10 March 2024
Fearless in bringing change
Sheuly Khatun, 36, hailing from an impoverished background in Satkhira, faced dire circumstances when her husband abandoned her, leaving Sheuly to fend for her two children with no income.Thanks to financial assistance from UNDP Bangladesh's "SWAPNO" project, Sheuly, who once struggled to sustain herself and her children, now manages an ice cream factory, supporting her own family as well as six destitute women.On the occasion of International Women's Day 2024, six women, including Sheuly Khatun, were awarded "Nirbhaya" (fearless) by The Daily Star and UNDP Bangladesh yesterday.The others are Asma Begum of Dhaka, Nazma Akter Reshmi of Cox's Bazar, Nipu Tripura of Khagrachhari, Poly Khatun of Satkhira, and Suraiya Khan of Khulna.They were recognised for championing the cause of women changemakers from grassroots communities and handed crests and certificates during a ceremony at The Daily Star Centre in the capital. This was the fourth edition of the "Nirbhaya" initiative.Asma Begum, 40, was honoured for her efforts to restore greenery by planting trees in the capital's slum areas, while 23-year-old Nazma Akter Reshmi was recognised for her innovative business venture producing fish powder and crackers.Nipu Tripura, born in Rangamati, once uncertain about her future during the pandemic, now produces mushrooms on a large scale, generating 12,000 spawns per month. She has created job opportunities for five other women.Poly Khatun, affectionately known as "Pani Apa" in her community, received training in installing and maintaining rainwater harvesting systems. She diligently cleans the catchment areas, gutters, and filters of numerous households in her village.With just Tk 7,000 from UNDP's project, Suraiya Khan, a survivor of child marriage, has become a successful egg entrepreneur, setting an example for many women in her village.At the event, Stefan Liller, resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh, said learning about the Nirbhaya's experience was deeply inspiring."Not only to us, but to all the people who will be reading about your journeys, about overcoming adversities, challenging discriminatory norms, and your triumphs to help uplift others in your communities and beyond," he said, addressing the Nirbhayas."Let us remember that achieving a sustainable and equitable world for our future generation requires guaranteeing the rights and freedom of women and girls across all aspects of life," he added.Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star said the confidence displayed by the Nirbhayas should serve as an example for others."I extend my salute to you and find much inspiration in your confidence. For those facing financial hardships, it is very difficult to overcome such challenges and achieve success. And it is tougher for women," he said."It is a weakness on our part that we fail to respect women, and often harbour the perception that we are superior to women -- this mindset infects us, leading to discrimination against women in society," he added.Recognising the invaluable contributions of women to both familial and societal life, he affirmed, "The Daily Star is steadfast in its commitment to combating discrimination against women, actively championing their achievements by highlighting their struggles and successes in our publications."Sharmin Islam, leader of the UNDP gender team, said the Nirbhaya award commenced after the onset of the pandemic in 2021, when they honoured five women who played crucial roles in raising awareness about densely populated slum areas and impoverished regions of Dhaka.
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Latest Resources
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Resources
17 March 2024
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