By Tohura Khatun Lily, from Rajshahi
A dialogue meeting on promoting the leadership of women and adolescent girls for urban resilience and social development was held recently in Baje Kajla, a marginalized urban community in Rajshahi.
The meeting focused on strengthening the leadership of local women and adolescent girls, enhancing their social participation, raising awareness of their rights, and encouraging their active involvement in community-based development initiatives. Speakers said that women’s leadership and participation are essential for building an inclusive and progressive society.
The meeting was chaired by local woman leader Azima Begum, who highlighted the importance of building the confidence of women and adolescent girls, encouraging their participation in decision-making processes, and enabling them to take leadership roles in community development. She also urged participants to become more aware of their rights and to contribute actively to the development of their communities.
Around 30 women and adolescent girls participated in the event. They shared their experiences, challenges, and aspirations, and discussed their roles in creating a safe, inclusive, equitable, and resilient urban community.
The session was facilitated by Tahura Khatun Lily, Associate Programme Officer of BARCIK. She said about the need to strengthen the leadership and social capacity of women and adolescent girls and to ensure their meaningful participation in local development initiatives.
Participants unanimously agreed on the importance of further promoting the empowerment and leadership of women and adolescent girls and expanding their effective participation in social development activities. They expressed optimism that the dialogue would inspire greater confidence and encourage more women and girls to take leadership roles in building resilient and inclusive communities.
