Minister for sending skilled women workers abroad

Sending illiterate women workers abroad from the country should be prohibited, as they become vulnerable in many ways, said Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmad.
He said a woman overseas jobseeker should have a minimum educational qualification, which could be eighth or ninth grade, so that she could manage any situation during her migration cycle.
"If the workers have the minimum qualification, they would be confident to perform their jobs and aware of working environment," he added.
The minister was speaking as the chief guest at the launching ceremony of Alliance for Women Migrant Voices (AWMV), a platform of 22 women migrants' rights organisations, at the Probashi Kallyan Bhaban in the city on Thursday.
Centre for Women and Children Studies (CWCS) organised the inaugural ceremony with the support of Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) and Global Affairs Canada.
Referring to the apparel sector, Mr Ahmad said the women workers in garment industry are playing a pivotal role as game-changers. Women migration is also a big game-changer.
"We should utilise our opportunities before long, as the country is passing through a golden era in terms of its demographic dividend."
There are scopes for migration of skilled women workers in different sectors abroad, which should be tapped properly, he observed.
Dr Ahmed Munirus Saleheen, secretary of the ministry, Shaheen Anam, executive director of MJF, Ishrat Shamim, president of CWCS, and representatives from different rights organisations, among others, were present on the occasion.

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