Consultation Meeting on “50 Years of Independence and Women”

On July 31, 2021, a consultation meeting titled “50 Years of Independence and Women” was held, organized by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Manusher Jonno Foundation, and CSO Alliance. The discussion focused on the progress made by women in the 50 years since Bangladesh’s independence, highlighting both achievements and the ongoing challenges faced by women today.

Participants acknowledged that, over the decades, millions of women and girls in Bangladesh have made remarkable strides across various fields. However, despite numerous opportunities, the current global and national contexts have introduced new challenges to women’s development, empowerment, and human rights. The meeting emphasized that without achieving qualitative changes, rather than relying solely on statistical improvements, fundamental issues of gender inequality will persist. It was noted that merely enhancing economic indicators is not sufficient; social progress is also essential to reduce gender disparities and secure the dignity and rights of women.

The consultation concluded with a consensus that a holistic approach is crucial for advancing women’s development and overall national growth. Alongside economic prosperity, equal emphasis on social evolution is necessary to ensure that women can fully exercise their rights and realize their potential as equal citizens.