President Mohammed Shahabuddin poses for a photograph with the recipients of the "Best Indomitable Women Award" at an International Women's Day programme at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Sunday. — Focus Bangla The International Women's Day was observed in the country on Sunday with the clarion call for actions to ensure rights, justice and safety for women, with special focus on the need to end the culture of impunity.
Different human rights organisations and civil society platforms organised various programmes highlighting challenges being faced by women and honouring those whose contributions have brought out social and political emancipation of women.
On this occasion, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam assured that the new government would give priority to safety and legal justice for women putting focus on speedy prosecution of gender-based violence.
While addressing a programme organised by National Press Club on Sunday, the state minister also laid importance on increasing female representation in media leadership and starting women's political empowerment from the grassroots level.
"We want to ensure that any rapist cannot escape trial for the heinous act and move freely," she reiterated.
According to Police Headquarters data, cases against women and children repression increased by 25 per cent last year while rape cases rose by 27 per cent.
Marking the day, Dhaka Reporters Unity held a rally while Manusher Jonno Foundation observed the day with the message "Her Voice, Her Rights".
Bangladesh Mahila Parisad and Naripokkho among others organised various programmes to raise voices against the recent increase in the rate of violence, including technology-based gender based violence, acts and laws that increase women vulnerability at all stages.
Though the day was observed globally to press for women's rights, justice and political participation, it turned into a day for celebration by different private organisations through sending flowers and gifts to colleagues and female dignitaries.
On this occasion, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs organised "Indomitable Women Award" (Odommo Nari Award) distribution programme to honor outstanding female leaders including former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for her role in women emancipation at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.
Barrister Zaima Rahman received 'The Best Indomitable Woman in Advancing Democracy' award given to Begum Khaleda Zia as her grandchild.
Nurun Nahar Akter was honoured for achievements in economic empowerment.
Bobita Khatun received the award for her contribution in the field of education and employment while Nur Banu Kabir was recognised in the successful mother category.
Other award recipients are Shamla Begum for overcoming violence-related trauma and rebuilding her life with success and Afroza Yasmin for her notable work in social development.
The UN Women fixed this year's theme Right Justice Action of the IWD to highlight that justice systems are largely absent and perpetrators act with impunity for 676 million women and girls living within 50 kilometres of active conflict zones.
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