70 percent of women are constantly being harassed on Facebook : Zaima Rahman
On Sunday, January 18th, a dialogue titled "Women Shaping the Nation: Policy, Possibility and the Future of Bangladesh" was held at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) Complex in Farmgate, Dhaka, focusing on women's empowerment and leadership. Approximately one thousand guests from various parts of the country participated, including women leaders from different sectors, professionals, students, and young people.
Barrister Zaima Rahman, the granddaughter of the late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, delivered a speech as a special guest on stage for the first time at the event. This was Zaima Rahman's first public or policy-level address since returning from London with her father on December 25th. In her speech, the daughter of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman stated that women's contribution to the country's economy and GDP is not visible enough. She said, "My mother is a cardiologist and a homemaker. She manages both roles equally. My grandmother, Begum Khaleda Zia, led a party. She has done a lot for women's education and health. Women's contribution to the country's economy and GDP is not visible."
She also mentioned that 70 percent of women are constantly harassed on Facebook. Zaima Rahman said, "We are all speaking for the country and its people, and that is the beauty of democracy."
She added, "We all have a lot to do for the country from our own places. My mother, along with her job in a government hospital, has equally balanced her family. My grandmother introduced a system of free education to eliminate gender inequality."
Barrister Zaima Rahman said, "Women's self-confidence contributes the most to their empowerment. If gender discrimination can be eliminated, women can easily contribute to GDP, which is seen in developed countries."
Describing an incident with Khaleda Zia, she said, "While my grandmother Begum Khaleda Zia was undergoing treatment in London, a Nigerian nurse told my father (Tarique Rahman) about her (Khaleda Zia's) contributions to women's education, women's health, and women's advancement in Bangladesh. That nurse said that Nigeria had adopted the steps taken by Begum Khaleda Zia for the development of women."
The discussion took place from 3 PM to 6 PM. The Front Page was the media partner for the event, which was organised by 'Reach Out', an associate of the organising institution.
The discussion highlighted several important issues, including women's empowerment and safety, economic participation and entrepreneurship development, pathways to leadership participation, and the necessary policy support framework for sustainable development.
The speakers at the event included Tamara Abed, Managing Director, BRAC Enterprises; Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD); Rupali Chowdhury, Managing Director, Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited; and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Standing Committee Member, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The event was moderated by journalist Kazi Jessin.
DB Tech/KIB/MUM
