Call for action for achieving parity for women 

Women leaders highlighted the current state of global gender parity in relation to SDG Goal 5, and reiterated the urgent call to action for achieving equality and parity for women.

They made the call at a seminar on, "Rights, Equality, Empowerment: A Discussion on Women's Progress in Bangladesh" jointly organised by Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) and JETRO, a Japanese government agency, at a city hotel on 27 April.

Maria Howlader, secretary general of JBCCI, underscored the urgency of aligning gender parity rates with SDG Goal 5 and called for accelerated action to achieve women's equality according to a press release.  

Sayema Haque Bidisha, Professor and Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Dhaka, pointed out that "around 50% of small and medium entrepreneurs are women" and stressed the importance of improving the quality of female employment, not just the quantity.

Rubaba Dowla, country managing director of Oracle Bangladesh, highlighted that "disruption is the call for the day," urging that inclusive practices must become the norm, not the exception. She stressed, "it is time to start pushing invisible and divisive boundaries."

Selima Ahmad, president of the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI), shared personal experiences on overcoming professional challenges, while emphasising the need for a more supportive SME sector for women entrepreneurs.

Takahashi Naoki, deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, attended as the chief guest and praised Bangladesh's "remarkable achievements in women's employment and empowerment." He added that Japan "believes that women's empowerment and opportunities in employment are essential for the progress of a country," and appreciated JBCCI's role in strengthening Japan-Bangladesh relations.

Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun), president, JBCCI, highlighted the contributions of women to the economic development of Bangladesh. 

During the panel discussion, panelists including Uzma Chowdhury, CPA, director (Finance) at Pran-RFL Group, emphasised the importance of workplace support services like maternity leave and daycare. 

She added, "the performance of women is ahead of men employees in many sections," crediting supportive policies for their success.

In the closing remarks, JBCCI Vice President Anwar Shahid reiterated the chamber's commitment to promoting women's participation for Bangladesh's continued growth.

The event saw participation from JBCCI and JETRO members, alongside distinguished guests from various sectors.