Speakers call for action to accelerate gender equality at work

Speakers at an event highlighted the barriers of gender disparities across Bangladesh's workforce and sustainable solutions for gender parity.

An event titled "Reimagining Gender Equality in the Bangladesh Workforce" was held today at the BRAC Center in Dhaka, hosted by UNOPS Bangladesh in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden and the Department of Women's Affairs (DoWA). 

The event was attended by policy makers, experts, industry leaders, civil society organisations, youths and change makers for a dialogue aimed to spotlight persistent barriers to women's workforce participation and foster actionable discussions on how to eliminate systemic challenges across key sectors, including STEM, construction, finance, law, corporate leadership, media, and sports, said a press release.

The keynote address was delivered by the chief guest, Mamtaz Ahmed NDC, senior secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

She said, "The empowerment of women is not only about addressing inequalities but also about unlocking the immense potential that remains untapped in Bangladesh. We must commit to dismantling the barriers that prevent women from achieving their fullest potential in every sector, from STEM to sports."

Sudhir Muralidharan, country manager of UNOPS Bangladesh & Bhutan, emphasised the collective urgency of addressing gender inequality in the workforce, saying, "Ensuring equal opportunities for women is not just a moral imperative but a necessity for sustainable development. At UNOPS, we are committed to fostering a workforce where every woman feels empowered to achieve her potential."

Nicolas Weeks, ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh, reiterated commitment to gender equality.

He said, "Sweden has a long-standing commitment to promoting gender equality. It is a cornerstone of our Foreign Policy and a principle we carry into every partnership, including with Bangladesh". He invited policymakers, educators, business leaders, and community advocates to take concrete actions to ensure that women and girls have the tools and opportunities to succeed in STEM. 

The highlight of the event was the interactive dialogue session, chaired by Farah Kabir, Country Director of Action Aid Bangladesh. Expert panellists Prof. Lafifa Jamal, Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, Dhaka University, Mahia Juned, Additional Managing Director, City Bank and Tropa Mojumder, acclaimed actress and director, Tabith Awal – President of the Bangladesh Football Federation,Taslima Yasmin – Associate Professor, Department of Law,Mrs. Vidiya Amrit Khan – Deputy Managing Director, Desh Group of Companies,Shamima Akter – Head of Brand, Partnership, and Communication, UNILEVER,Aupee Karim – Architect and Faculty Member at the School of Architecture, American International University,  shared their insights on barriers and opportunities for advancing gender equality.

A session titled "Shining Bright: Stories of Inspiring Young Women" featured Ms. Afia Kabir Anila a woman with Cerebral Palsy (Physical disability), and Taorem Sananu, an Architecture student at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) won a gold medal at the Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA) . Their inspiring journeys underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment for women to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Guest of honour Gwyn Lewis,UN Resident Coordinator stated that Gender equality in the workforce is key to sustainable development. Together, we must break barriers, create opportunities, and build a brighter future for Bangladesh.

Closing remarks by Keya Khan, Director General, Department of Women's Affairs, urged stakeholders to continue collaborating toward a more equitable workforce: "Real change in achieving gender equality requires collective action and this change will not come if we overlook the matter of men's inclusion in this journey. Together, we can create pathways for women to lead and succeed in every sector of the economy.

Department of Women Affairs, UNOPS Bangladesh & Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh reaffirmed their commitment to advancing gender equality as part of their shared vision for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh. The event set the stage for future initiatives designed to empower women and foster inclusive economic growth.