Foreign diplomats Wednesday lauded Bangladesh's progress in women empowerment but lamented that a large number of the women are still out of economic activities. They said a country cannot move forward leaving half its population out of economic activities. The diplomats recommended that the poor and vulnerable women should be provided with opportunities for education, skill development and economic activities. Ambassadors of France, Germany, Canada and Sweden made these observations in two different events – one organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Jatiya Press Club and the other by the French-German Embassy at its premises in the city – marking International Women's Day. At the DCAB event, Swedish Ambassador Alexander Berg von Linde said digital technology is going to be an important factor in the coming days. "It can open doors for many, but also deprive others." Lots of hatred and sexual abuses are committed through digital media, she said, adding that the authorities must create opportunities for all so they make the best use of the digital space and it is not used for harassing women. "Opportunities for education and digital skills for the poor and vulnerable women must be ensured," Linde said. Canadian High Commissioner Lilly Nicholls said as the media plays a critical role in creating awareness, participation of women in journalism needs to be increased.