Experts have underlined the importance of recognising women's work in all spheres as a good majority of them involved in the country's agriculture are not being treated accordingly.
Besides, women who are directly or indirectly involved in the field of agriculture and other employments- especially in the rural areas, are also facing wage discrimination compared to their male counterparts, they observed.
They were addressing a seminar organised by Association for Land Reform and Development (ALRD) at the city's CIRDAP Auditorium on Wednesday titled "women's rights in land, participation in agriculture and protection of women".
Calling to form the state policies in a way so they may be female-friendly, the experts also demanded review of the existing land rights policies to ensure the female farmers' rights to land.
Chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on social welfare ministry Rashed Khan Menon addressed the event as chief guest.
Women's participation everywhere, including agriculture and politics- especially in the rural areas- has significantly been increasing over the years; and the government is sincere about promoting their (women's) efforts, said Mr Menon.
But women's contributions, including in agriculture, and their rights to land are yet to get proper recognition, and it is the time to focus more on such issues, Mr Menon added.
He also said different forms of violence against women, including rape and killing, are also on the rise, and to ensure women's security and rights, forming state policies with women's interest in focus is a must.
Rowshan Jahan Moni of ALRD presented the keynote paper. It gave a picture of in what ways women in the country's agriculture are facing deprivation and discrimination.
Rowshan Jahan observed that the existing land policy is not enough to ensure the female farmers' rights to land as they are not getting their due rights and being recognised truly despite their huge contribution in the country's agriculture and economy.
There are over 70 per cent women involved in the country's agriculture but only 18 per cent of them are lightly recognised for their contributions to the country's economy, the keynote paper states.
Echoing the same, rural women representatives at the seminar said women vastly face discriminations in recognition and deprivation in wage structure.
Among others, ALRD executive director Shamsul Huda and journalist Abu Sayeed Khan of daily Samakal spoke at the seminar while Khushi Kabir of ALRD presided over the event.
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