Step to Humanity Association, a distinguished international charity registered in Canada, is leading the charge in empowering women in Bangladesh to contribute to developing a progressive nation. The association, dedicated to sustainable organization and robust advocacy that catalyzes women's empowerment, recently hosted a virtual discussion on women's empowerment and self-determination rights in Bangladesh.
Chaired by Delwar Jahid, the executive director of the association, and featuring Ekramul Azim, a Canadian expatriate scientist, as the main speaker, the event shed light on key developmental issues in Bangladesh. Notable guests included Moazzem Hossain, Step to Humanity Association secretary and agriculturist; Dr. Kamrul Hasan, Step to Humanity Bangladesh president; Dr. Anwar Zahid, former director of Bangladesh Rural Development Academy; and Nasima Akhtar, a women development expert.
Agriculturist Moazzem Hossain, a guest of honor, underscored the organization's commitment to international charity work, explicitly targeting poverty-stricken regions such as Nigeria, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Dr. Ekramul Azim outlined the association's initiatives to combat poverty, improve livelihoods, and enhance self-sufficiency, emphasizing alignment with the five-year strategic plan.
The virtual gathering also saw the participation of dignitaries such as journalist Khairul Ahsan Manik, Dainik Bhorer Suryaday editor Feroz Mia, and other prominent journalists and IT support experts. Various aspects of the association's projects, sociological analyses, and sustainable development strategies were discussed during the session.
Dr. Ekramul Azim shared success stories in goat rearing, showcasing women's significant strides in this traditionally male-dominated sector. He highlighted the importance of association-supported schemes and training programs to empower women in goat rearing.
Dr. Kamrul Hasan conducted a sociological analysis of the association's projects, aligning them with Bangabandhu's vision of self-reliant village development. Dr. Anwar Zahid discussed the challenges and limitations of undertaking projects without sustainable organization and suggested effective ways to overcome them.
Recognizing Bangladesh's progress, women's development expert Nasima Akhtar acknowledged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's efforts to recognize and strengthen women's rights to control wealth. Despite positive legal developments, challenges persist rooted in social and cultural norms, hindering the full realization of women's rights to control resources.
Delwar Jahid emphasized the continuous need to remove social and cultural barriers. She highlighted ongoing initiatives and awareness campaigns aimed at promoting a more equitable distribution of wealth, ultimately increasing the economic independence of women in Bangladesh to foster not only gender equality but also a smarter and more inclusive society.
