Speakers at a colloquium in Barishal on Thursday called for greater participation of women in politics and emphasised ensuring education and employment for young people to build an inclusive and democratic Bangladesh.
The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) organised the colloquium titled “Breaking Barriers: Women and Youth in Leadership” at Barishal Club, bringing together representatives of different political parties, young politicians, women leaders and civil society members.
The event aimed to facilitate cross-party discussions on barriers and opportunities for women in politics and encourage young activists to critically examine gender norms in political leadership.
Representatives from various political parties, young politicians, women leaders, and members of civil society participated in the event.
CGS president Zillur Rahman said that women came to the forefront to protest during the 2024 mass uprising.
However, even after this, their participation in elections and politics has not been noticeable. Politicians should encourage women to join politics.
Barishal City Corporation administrator Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin said, “The primary barrier to women's leadership lies in our mindset. Leadership demands courage, which must come from within us. To build a beautiful Bangladesh, men and women must work together. I always try to include women in our endeavors, and I have made efforts to transform Barishal into a woman-friendly city. Women are the future, and we must continue working for the nation.”
BaSad coordinator Dr. Manisha Chakraborty said that women made up the largest presence at the Nathullabad protests during the August movement in Barishal.
However, women received less than 5 percent of nominations in the last election. “To ensure women's rights, we must uphold their rights in everyday life, such as equal rights in family and property laws, as well as guaranteeing equal pay. If women perform 88 percent of household chores, how can we ensure their participation in politics? “
She also emphasised empowering the youth through education and employment, warning that failing to secure these will increase depoliticization among young people, which is not fruitful for the future.
NCP coordinator of Barishal unit Abu Sayeed Musa said women's participation in politics is hindered because they are trolled on social media, deprived of security, and subjected to personal attacks. He emphasised that we must move forward in politics by bringing everyone together.