PM urges womenfolk to get engaged in income-generating activities

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday urged women in the country to engage themselves in income-generating activities instead of sitting idle at home for their economic freedom.

"If we want to advance the society then all, irrespective of women and men, have to go forward keeping their shoulders side by side," she said.

The prime minister came up with the remarks while addressing the inaugural function of the International Women's Day at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy auditorium. The Prime Minister joined the programme virtually from Ganabhaban, reports UNB.

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs arranged the function with State Minister Fazilatun Nessa Indira in the chair.

UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh Mia Seppo was present at the function as a special guest. Women and Children Affairs Secretary Md Sayedul Islam delivered the welcome address.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2021 is, ‘Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a Covid-19 world’.

The prime minister termed the womenfolk as the half of the society said that a society cannot advance properly if its half portion remains ineffective.

In this connection, she said that it would not be possible to attain the freedom of women by just shouting and giving speeches.

Rights have to be attained, and for it attaining qualities is a must, and those qualities will come through education and training, she said.

According to BSS, referring to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s move to make primary education free and compulsory for women, she said her government is now providing scholarships up to higher education where over 70 per cent beneficiaries are female students.

Sheikh Hasina said, “Bangladesh has attained the acknowledgement of a developing nation and on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the country’s independence, our desire is that both men and women will keep continuing this progress.”

On the occasion of International Women’s Day-2021, five successful women were given the best Joyeeta awards with crests and money.

They are Hasina Begum Nila, Miftahul Jannat, Mosammat Helennesa Begum, Robijan and Anjana Bala Bishwas.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Fazilatun Nessa Indira handed over the awards to the recipients.