Change of mindset needed to ensure women’s empowerment: Experts

A change in mindset -- from the breakfast table to the workplace -- is urgently needed to accelerate actions toward an inclusive society, where gender rights, equality, and empowerment are ensured, as these have traditionally been viewed as a long journey to achieve.

Speakers expressed this view at a seminar on 'Rights, equality, empowerment: A discussion on women's progress in Bangladesh,' organised by Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry at a city hotel on Sunday.

Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan to Bangladesh Takahashi Naoki attended the seminar as chief quest while Pro Vice Chancellor of Department of Economics of Dhaka University Professor Sayema Haque Bidisha, President of Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Selima Ahmad and Country Managing Director of Oracle Bangladesh Rubaba Dowla were special guests.

JBCCI Executive Director Tahera Ahsan moderated the discussion. Its President Tareque Rafi Bhuiya Jun and Secretary General Maria Howlader also spoke.

Corporate and Media Relation Lead, CA & C, JTI Kazi Rubaiya Islam, Director (finance) of PRAN-RFL Group Uzma Chowdhury and Assistant Manager of Mitsubishi Corporation, Dhaka Branch, Aminata BA took part in the panel discussion.

The Japanese Deputy Chief of Mission said gender equality was not a woman issue of a society but a development issue for transforming an inclusive society and world which could only be achieved if every woman and every girl continue to contribute to that future.

DU Professor Bidisha said equality and empowerment, the core issue of women's development and related to the job market were limited to readymade garments and informal sector. Women's presence in the corporate system and their role at decision making level were yet to come into focus.

Rubaba Dowla highlighted both national and international contexts. She said the change that started with women's access to microcredit needed to be seen in large-scale business also.

Selima Ahmed laid emphasis on change of mindset at all levels from family to work and society, rather than policy reform only.

smunima@yahoo.com