Barsha Gain, from the coast

Shiltola Self-Reliant Youth Organization organized a discussion session in Dhumghat (Shiltola) village, Ishwaripur Union with the facilitating support from BARCIK to celebrate International Women’s Day. The session was chaired by Mita Rani Mondal, Supervisor of the Agroecology Learning Center.

With the theme, ‘Rights, Equality, Empowerment, and the Development of Women and Girls’ the discussion focused on the protection of women and girls, awareness about good and bad touch, women’s rights, and empowerment. BARCIK Program Officer Babulu Jowarder, Youth Organizer S.M. Osman Gani, and other members of the Shiltola Self-Reliant Youth Organization attended in the events expressing solidarity with the women.

However, addressing the participants BARCIK’s Associate Program Officer Barsha Gain highlighted the existing gender inequality in society and explained the significance of International Women’s Day. She conducted practical training to raise awareness about good and bad touch for protecting young girls.

While sharing their concerns the discussants emphasized that ensuring women’s progress requires securing their rights and empowerment. They said that for equal rights and fair recognition, women’s voices and decisions must be valued in society.

Mita Rani Mondal, representative of the Shiltola Agroecology Learning Center said, ‘a woman plays an undeniable role in the family. She works tirelessly, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, yet her labor is rarely recognized. If we recognize women’s contributions and take initiatives to aware them on their rights they will be able to raise their concerns contributing to eliminating gender discrimination.”

She went on saying, ‘The negative perception of women persists due to outdated patriarchal mindsets. Gender discrimination and violence against women and girls continue to limit their rightful freedom and security. We urge all to contribute to empowering women so that women face no more discrimination in their family and society.’