By Beauty Sarkar, from Singair, Manikganj

With the theme “Rights, Equality, Empowerment, and Development of Women and Girls,” International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 8 in Baira Haldarpara village, Singair Upazila, Manikganj District.

The event was organized by Baira Haldarpara Ekta-i-Bal Women’s Development Organization and featured a report presentation, discussion meeting, an exhibition of handmade products by women entrepreneurs, and a human chain demonstration. The event was attended by members of the organization, female students, Shimul Biswas (Program Coordinator of BARCIK Singair Resource Center), and Beauty Sarkar (Program Officer).

The event began with a report presentation on International Women’s Day by student Ruma Haldar. Kamna Haldar (President of the organization), Shimul Biswas, and Beauty Sarkar spoke about the significance of the day.

During the discussion, Kamna Haldar said, “We, rural women, are often unaware of International Women’s Day. Even though we work tirelessly at home, we receive little respect. However, when we engage in income-generating activities, we gain some level of dignity. That’s why I urge all women to get involved in income-generating work.” She further emphasized that women should be respected both at home and in society.

Program Coordinator Shimul Biswas stressed the need for women to develop skills for self-improvement and spoke about rights, equality, and empowerment.

Following the discussion, women entrepreneurs exhibited handmade products such as puffed rice (muri), roasted gram flour (chatu), spicy snacks (chanachur), crispy fried snacks (nimki), embroidered quilts (katha), decorative needlework (kushikatar chhoba), and clothing.

Later, participants formed a human chain demanding to ensure empowerment of women,