Seminar pushes for gender diversity in arbitration

The limited number of women in the judiciary and legal practice, and their struggle to balance career and family demands, are key roadblocks to ensuring gender diversity in arbitration, according to participants at a recent seminar.

The programme highlighted the evolving arbitration landscape in Bangladesh and the importance of diversity, according to a press release.

Discussing the absence of strong female role models, participants also highlighted inadequate infrastructure, instances of sexual harassment, inflexible working hours, and persistent gender bias as other hurdles deterring more women from joining arbitration.

The Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC) organised the event titled 'Empowering Perspectives: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges for Ensuring Diversity in Arbitration' in Dhaka on Saturday.

Justice Khizir Ahmed Choudhury and Additional Attorney General Mohammad Mehedi Hasan Chowdhury participated in the seminar, while BIAC Chairman Mahbubur Rahman and Vice Chairman Muhammad A (Rumee) Ali were also present.

Distinguished speakers, including Barrister Rashna Imam, Dr Rumana Islam, and Barrister Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, shared their expertise and insights on the topic.

To dismantle these barriers, the seminar proposed solutions including encouraging more women to enter the legal profession through targeted training programmes and seminars.

Participants also advocated for implementing institutional measures within arbitration bodies to ensure the recruitment of more female arbitrators, and establishing strong protocols to prevent harassment and foster a secure working environment.

They also discussed 'guaranteed representation', which would require introducing policies that mandate the inclusion of at least one female arbitrator in tribunals.