Dhaka: Bangladesh is planning to establish a global platform to address digital harassment against women, announced State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam. The initiative is set to launch with an event in Dhaka before the United Nations General Assembly session.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Shama revealed the initiative, named "Ending Digital Harassment Against Women: Dhaka Dialogue", during a discussion organized by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad at CIRDAP to mark International CEDAW Day. The plan, initially introduced at the Dakar Peace and Security Forum in Senegal three months ago, aims to create a coordinated international response to the global challenge of digital harassment against women.
Shama emphasized that digital harassment transcends national borders, necessitating a collective effort to combat the issue. She noted that women worldwide face similar challenges, albeit to varying extents. The initiative seeks cooperation from the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad and the Foreign Ministry to advance this cause.
The state minister also highlighted Bangladesh's efforts in developing a third National Action Plan in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. She stressed the need for political will and social change to improve women's representation in decision-making roles and direct elections.
Shama pointed out that young women who participated in political movements are still underrepresented in the political sphere. She urged women's organizations to engage with female lawmakers and proposed forming a parliamentary team to address women's rights issues.
Turning to economic empowerment, Shama outlined the government's allocation of over Tk 3.26 trillion in the gender budget, representing 34.8 percent of the national budget. She highlighted various initiatives, including Family and Farmers' Cards, free education for female students, and support for women entrepreneurs.
She stressed that women's empowerment should extend beyond economic independence to include safety, mobility, and access to justice. The government is also focusing on skilled migration for women, with vocational training and language proficiency programs to enhance employment opportunities abroad.
Shama noted the establishment of a dedicated Migration Wing and an inter-ministerial team to address migrant workers' issues. She reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to CEDAW and welcomed the preparation of a shadow report to assess progress and challenges.
In her concluding remarks, Shama emphasized the importance of equal rights for all women, regardless of religion or ethnicity, and called for cooperation from civil society and women's organizations to make women equal partners in Bangladesh's development.
Bangladesh ratified the CEDAW on November 6, 1984, but maintains reservations on two provisions. The United Nations General Assembly adopted CEDAW on December 18, 1979, which came into force in 1981. Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has observed International CEDAW Day since 1991, advocating for the convention's full implementation.