Women Empowerment a Top Priority: CA

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday reaffirmed that women’s empowerment remains one of the top priorities of his government.

“One of our foremost priorities is the empowerment of women,” he told the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) while delivering his address.

Prof Yunus noted that in many crucial sectors, women’s contributions today exceed half. This month, for the first time, Bangladesh published the Unpaid Household Production Satellite Account, which revealed that women perform over 85 percent of unpaid care and household work — a value equivalent to more than 16 percent of the country’s GDP.

“Despite many obstacles, our girls are excelling everywhere — from classrooms to boardrooms, from laboratories to sports fields. Recently, our women’s football team won a regional championship, qualified for inter-Asian competition, and inspired millions across the nation,” he said.

He added that his government continues to take initiatives to ensure women’s safety, dignity, and equal opportunities.

“This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration. On this occasion, we have renewed our commitment to women’s empowerment by announcing four national pledges under the ‘Beijing+30 Action Agenda,’ to be implemented over the next five years,” he said.

The pledges include: enacting a law to prevent and protect against sexual harassment; recognising and valuing women’s unpaid care and household work; expanding women’s participation in politics and public life; and strengthening gender-responsive budgeting, Prof Yunus added.