Raise allocation for women's dev projects

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) on Wednesday called for increasing allocation for the projects that are contributing to development of women in the country.

The women rights organisation came up with the call in a post-budget press conference to express its reaction on the issue of gender sensitivity in the proposed national budget.

BMP opined that no importance has been given for prevention of child marriage and dropout of girls in the proposed budget for the fiscal year (FY) 2023-24.

It said in the light of gender budget, there is no change in people's quality of life despite infrastructure development.

Dhaka University Professor Dr Sayema Haque Bidisha delivered the post-budget reaction, while Dr Fauzia Moslem moderated the event.

In the welcome speech, BMP General Secretary Maleka Banu said the gender budget does not mean a block allocation for women. Gender-sensitive budgeting is how the allocated budget would play a role in reducing the disparity between men and women.

In the keynote speech, presented on behalf of the organisation, it was said more work has to be done on gender budgeting.

It remains to be seen how much the gender lens is being used in judgment analysis of the 16 indicators used in analysing the budget. Appropriate gender lens and gender sensitivity indicators should be used in analysing gender budget.

BMP noted that allocations for the ministries - working directly for women - need to be increased, and coordination among them also should be enhanced.

It is important to change the discriminatory attitudes of all at the policy-making level. Emphasis should be on fundamental changes in society.

More work should be done to recognise women's household works and ensure equal property rights, the organisation added.

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