“The government is considering bringing a change in the law to ensure the equal rights of men and women to ancestral property. Women won’t suffer from a sense of economic insecurity if they get the equal rights to property,” he said.
Sharif came up with the remarks while speaking at an award-giving ceremony at the Jatiya Press Club. Nari Unnayan Shakti (NUS) arranged the programme with support from Women’s Fund Asia.
(Photo: Abu Sufian Jewel/UNB)
The NUS awarded seven journalists in two categories -- print and electronic media -- for their special reports on ‘Empowering slum women and girls through reducing gender-based sexual and domestic violence in family’.
The awardees in print media are Rita Bhowmik of Dainik Jugantor (1st); Nasima Khatun of Daily Ittefaq (2nd) and Md Ehsanul Haque Khan of Dainik Orthoniteer Kagoj with Wazed Hira of Dainik Janakantha (jointly 3rd).
Those who got the award from electronic media are Sharmin Ibrahim Luna of Bangla Vision (1st), Sheikh Humayun Kabir Surjo of News24 (2nd) and Naznin Akter of Mohona TV (3rd).
Speaking as the chief guest, Sharif said women empowerment is a must for the country’s economic development. “Women must be engaged with the mainstream economy to build a prosperous Bangladesh.”
He also laid emphasis on united efforts to stop violence against women. “All of us must work together to prevent violence against women… media can play a pivotal role in this regard.”
(Photo: Abu Sufian Jewel/UNB)
The state mistier said the government is working sincerely to make women economically independent and ensure safer workplace and environment for them.
He said ensuring economic independence of women is very important for protecting their rights and empowering them.
He urged journalists to focus on violence against women and women empowerment to bring a positive change in society.
Editor of United News of Bangladesh (UNB) Mahfuzur Rahman said it is essential to improve the standard of journalism in Bangladesh so that journalists can contribute to society in a better way. “Proper training is necessary for journalists to enhance their professional excellence.”
Photo: Abu Sufian Jewel/UNB)
About the growing violence against women and children, he said, “I personally think media can play a vital role in combatting this menace.”
Director of American International Hospital (Operation and marketing) Dr Sultan Muhammad Razzak also spoke at the programme held with NUS Executive Director Dr Afroja Parvin in the chair.