POBNEWS24, Dhaka, Nov 9, 2022 : Bangladesh National Parliament Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Choudhury, MP, said that members of National Parliament can play an important role in making laws for the implementation of national action plan related to women, peace and security.
Women are always more affected by war, natural disasters and climate change, she said, emphasizing on increasing women’s participation in the decision-making process to establish peace and security, she observed.
She spoke as the chief guest at the “Orientation on Localization of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security” organized by the Bangladesh National Women’s Progress Organization in collaboration with UN Women at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center in the capital Dhaka today.
Rokeya Kabir, Executive Director of BNPS, gave a welcome speech on the occasion. Gender expert Shipa Hafiza presented the report.
Director General (UN Wing) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taufiq Islam Shatil, spoke about the progress of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
Bradley Coates, Counselor (Political) of Canadian High Commission in Bangladesh, Gitanjali Singh, Country Representative of UN Women and Jeremy Brewer, Australian High Commissioner in Bangladesh, spoke as honored guests at the event.
The Parliament (Jatiyo Sangsad) Speaker said that the United Nations adopted Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in 2000 in a world of conflict. In view of this, the Government of Bangladesh adopted a national action plan in 2019 to ensure women’s involvement, women’s participation in decision-making processes and overall safety of women. At the time, she said, Bangladesh has always been very vocal about human rights issues in the international arena.
Dr. Shirin Sharmin Choudhury said that as a result of timely policy formulation under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, there is a visible presence of women in all fields.
She noted that women’s education and economic empowerment have been ensured, thereby increasing women’s involvement in decision-making.
She called for coordinated initiatives to localize national action plans related to women, peace and security.
She said, the role of women in peace building is inherent. That is why they are able to play an effective role through local dialogue and negotiation.
The Speaker emphasized on increasing the skills of women through training.
Parliamentarians Mir Mostaq Ahmed Rabi, MP, Shabnam Jahan, MP, Syeda Rubina Akhtar, MP, Kazi Kaniz Sultana, MP, Monira Sultana Moni MP, Selima Ahmed, MP, Arma Dutta, MP, Adiba Anjum Mita, MP, at the event provided valuable feedback.
