Dhaka: The US Embassy in Dhaka, in collaboration with the American Film Showcase (AFS), recently organized a screening of the documentary “A Woman’s Place” at the American Centre to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The event attracted a diverse audience, including faculty members from Gender Studies, Development Studies, Sociology, and Criminology, as well as exchange program alumni.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Embassy aims to leverage its alumni network to promote women’s empowerment and raise awareness about gender-based discrimination through meaningful dialogue and engagement. The event was inaugurated by Bren Flanigan, the deputy director of Public Engagement at the US Embassy in Dhaka, who emphasized the importance of creating safe, inclusive environments where women can flourish. He reiterated the US Embassy’s commitment to advancing gender equality and human rights in Bangladesh.
“A Woman’s Place” highlights the obstacles women encounter in male-dominated
industries by following the stories of three pioneering female chefs who tackle gender-based discrimination. After the screening, a panel discussion was held, moderated by Syeda Samara Mortada from UN Women Bangladesh, featuring two distinguished speakers. Jannatul Ferdousi, founder and managing director of The Dimension Packaging and Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) alumna, shared her journey as a pioneering female entrepreneur crafting inclusive work environments in Bangladesh. Dr. Samina Luthfa, an associate professor at the University of Dhaka and a Fulbright alumna, offered insights on gender issues, workplace resilience, and the significance of education and advocacy in breaking down systemic barriers.
The US Embassy organized this event as part of its broader mission to support gender equality and tackle systemic barriers faced by women. The screening aimed to ignite critical discussions on fostering supportive environments for women and encourage actions toward a more inclusive society. This ini
tiative aligns with the US Department of State’s efforts to utilize film as a medium for cross-cultural dialogue and social transformation.