Staff Correspondent

In a significant step towards enhancing gender equality and inclusive development, the Department of Women Affairs (DWA) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have inked a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to empower women and promote sustainable development in Bangladesh.

The MOU was signed by Keya Khan, Director General of the Department of Women Affairs (DWA) and Sudhir Muralidharan, Country Manager of UNOPS Bangladesh in the presence of the representatives from DWA & UNOPS.

The ceremony took place at the DWA Office under the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in Dhaka on Thursday (9 May).

According to a press release of UNOPS, the MoU aims to establish a framework for non-exclusive cooperation and collaboration between UNOPS and DWA across various domains. It underscores the shared commitment of both parties to advance gender equality, women's empowerment, and inclusive development initiatives in Bangladesh.

As part of the commitment to getting Agenda 2030 back on track, this MoU places the spotlight on the

Sustainable Development Goal 5, dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering women in Bangladesh.

Keya Khan, Director-General of the Department of Women Affairs (DWA), emphasised that "In partnering with UNOPS, we are embracing a journey towards realizing the full potential of gender equality in Bangladesh. The statistics speak volumes: from achieving gender parity in primary and secondary education to witnessing a surge in female labor force participation rates, our nation is making remarkable strides in empowering women.”

“As we join hands with UNOPS, we are bolstered by the successes we have achieved thus far, knowing that together, we can surmount remaining challenges and pave the way for a future where every woman and girl in Bangladesh has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our society."

Sudhir Muralidharan, Country Manager of UNOPS Bangladesh stated that, “For too long, women across the globe have faced numerous challenges and barriers, hindering their full participation in society. Today, we take a significant step towards addressing these issues and ensuring that women in Bangladesh have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.”

“Through this Memorandum of Understanding, we will work hand in hand with the Department of Women Affairs Bangladesh to implement programs and initiatives that promote women's economic empowerment, enhance their access to education and healthcare, and provide them with the necessary support to overcome societal and cultural barriers.”

“Our partnership will not only benefit women but will also positively impact entire communities. When women are empowered, societies thrive, and the path towards sustainable development becomes more attainable,” Sudhir Muralidharan, added.

Key Highlights of the MoU

Purpose: The MoU sets forth a framework for cooperation and collaboration between UNOPS and DWA in areas of common interest, focused on gender equality and inclusive development.

Areas of Cooperation: Both UNOPS & DWA intend to collaborate on several fronts, including supporting gender equality initiatives, institutional strengthening, capacity building, hosting joint events, crafting gender-sensitive development tools and guidelines, exploring innovative solutions, and knowledge sharing.

By uniting DWA's mandate and UNOPS' commitment, the collaboration will ensure that Bangladesh strides confidently to cultivate an environment where gender equality flourishes, barriers dissolve, and inclusivity becomes the cornerstone of our development journey. This MoU symbolizes not just a partnership but a shared vision of empowerment and progress for all.