State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Thursday said the government continues its efforts to address challenges and seeks to further advance women’s rights through cooperation and partnership among the government, civil society, women’s organisations and other stakeholders.

Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion, she recognised that significant challenges remain in ensuring equality and rights for women and noted that Bangladesh is working to ensure women’s meaningful participation in all spheres of national life, including peace and security, diplomacy, economic activities and overseas employment.

“Without women’s meaningful participation, sustainable peace and development are not possible,” she said while addressing a programme organised by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.

The State Minister said Bangladeshi women are making significant contributions to education, healthcare, administration, politics, business, science and technology, sports and culture.

“Millions of women working in the garment sector are making outstanding contributions to the country’s economy and export earnings,” she said.

The State Minister said Bangladesh is taking an initiative to establish a global platform to prevent violence against women in the digital space and ensure a safe online environment.

She said digital harassment has gone beyond borders and women in different countries are facing similar problems, she said, stressing the need for a coordinated global response.

She sought the cooperation of women’s organisations and civil society in taking the initiative forward.

The State Minister said the government is also taking steps to protect the rights and dignity of Bangladeshi migrant workers, particularly women.

She said an inter-ministerial focal team has been formed in coordination with the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment to address problems faced by Bangladeshi migrant workers.

She also said the Foreign Ministry has opened a dedicated migration wing to address migration-related issues. “We want our women to go abroad as skilled workers, not merely as domestic staff,” she said.

The State Minister said Bangladesh remains committed to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and has been regularly submitting state reports to the CEDAW Committee on progress in implementing the convention.

The State Minister urged Bangladesh Mahila Parishad and other women’s organisations to engage more actively with government stakeholders and women lawmakers to advance women’s rights.

Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya said the movement for women’s rights will not bring the desired change if it remains confined within like-minded groups.

He said those who hold differing views on women’s rights must also be brought into the discussion.

“It will not be enough to discuss the issues among ourselves and put all the responsibility on the government,” he said, stressing the need for broader dialogue and engagement to advance women’s rights.

The programme was chaired by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad President Dr. Fauzia Moslem.

Women for Women President and Dipta Foundation Executive Director Zakia K Hasan; Bangladesh National Women Lawyers’ Association Adviser Advocate Salma Ali; Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha Director Shahnaz Sumi; Steps Towards Development Programme Coordinator Chandan Lahiri; DBC News Special Correspondent Ishrat Jahan Urmi; and Women with Disabilities Development Foundation Founder and Executive Director Ashrafun Nahar Mishti.

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad General Secretary Dr Maleka Banu delivered the welcome address.