DU women and gender studies department marks women’s day
The University of Dhaka's Women and Gender Studies Department observed International Women's Day 2026 on 10 March, partnering with the United Nations in Bangladesh and the Local Consultative Group on Women's Advancement and Gender Equality (LCG WAGE) to advocate for rights and justice for women and girls.
Hosted at the British Council, the event convened Dhaka University students, policymakers, academics and development partners to reflect on the global theme: "Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls."
Chief guest Bobby Hajjaj, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education, formally inaugurated the programme.
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"Every Bangladeshi has a duty—at home, on the street and in every neighbourhood—just as the government has a duty through its institutions, to reshape attitudes and cultural sensibilities," he said.
UN Women Deputy Representative Navanita Sinha underscored that broader development goals are unattainable without gender equality, urging men to play an active role in advancing the cause.
"You are equal stakeholders in this struggle for gender equality. We need you to be champions and allies," she added.
During an interactive session, Dhaka University students delivered extempore speeches highlighting everyday bias, restrictive gender roles, discriminatory social norms and barriers to justice.
Diplomats and LCG WAGE representatives reflected on the students' presentations and reaffirmed their commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment in Bangladesh.
"The speeches we just heard remind us that policy is strongest when it listens to those who bear the consequences," said Baiba Zarina, chargé d'affaires of the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh.
"Gender equality is not a finished product anywhere in the world," said Nicolas Weeks, Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh.
Other speakers included Professors Sabiha Yeasmin Rosy and Tania Haque of the Women and Gender Studies Department, Professor Dr Taiabur Rahman of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and British Council Director Stephen Forbes.
An exhibition of cartoons and visual works on women's empowerment and gender equality, commissioned by UN Women, was also inaugurated at the British Council.
