NCP launches 'Jatiyo Nari Shakti', Monira Sharmin named convener
Nahid Islam said women were widely present on the streets during movements, but they were not seen in politics in the same numbers afterwards, attributing this to social and political circumstances.
"Jatiyo Nari Shakti" has been launched under the leadership of Monira Sharmin, joint convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), as an associate organisation of the party.
The organisation was launched today (8 March) at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity in the capital.
At the event, NCP Convener Nahid Islam announced that Monira Sharmin will serve as convener of Nari Shakti, with Dr Mahmuda Alam Mitu as member secretary and Nusrat Tabassum as chief organiser.
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Speaking at the programme, Nahid Islam said initiatives will be taken to identify and reactivate the voices of women across the country who disappeared from the public sphere after July.
He further said, "Women were among the main stakeholders in the July mass uprising. However, after the uprising, one question is being heard most often -- where are the brave women of July now?"
Nahid Islam noted that their experience showed the need for a separate platform where women can speak about their own issues and organise themselves, which led to the initiative to launch National Nari Shakti.
"Throughout world history, every gain in women's rights has come through movements and struggles. From voting rights to economic and social rights, women have repeatedly had to fight for their place. Similarly, women have played important roles in various national movements," he added.
Expressing concern, he said women were widely present on the streets during movements, but they were not seen in politics in the same numbers afterwards, attributing this to social and political circumstances.
He also said many female students were forced to leave student politics because of cyberbullying, acknowledging that organisations have still not been able to create a fully safe or comfortable space for women.
