DU Correspondent

Speakers at a seminar organized at Dhaka University on the occasion of International Women's Day emphasized women's economic empowerment.

The Department of Women and Gender Studies, Dhaka University, organized this seminar on Thursday at the Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium.

Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor (Admin) Prof Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha presented a keynote paper titled `Women & the Economy: Recognized and Unrecognized Work in the Context of Bangladesh` at the seminar.

The event was chaired by the Departmental Chairperson Dr. Sabiha Yasmin Rozi, and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Professor Dr. Taiyebur Rahman participated in the discussion. Professor Dr. Nazmunnesa Mahtab, a founding member of the department, was honored at the event for being appointed as the Rokeya Chair by the Bangladesh University Grants Commission.

Pro-Vice Chancellor (Admin) Prof Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha emphasized on women's economic empowerment to ensure women's empowerment and eliminate gender inequality. She said that the participation rate of women in the labor market of Bangladesh is much lower than that of men. Women have to face many more challenges than men in entering the labor market. In line with the times, structural changes in the participation of women and men in the labor market are needed to achieve the overall socio-economic development of the country.

The theme of this year's International Women's Day is 'For all Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment'. On this occasion, the Department of Women and Gender Studies, Dhaka University, organized various programs. These included a drawing competition with the participation of departmental students, speeches, art exhibitions and cultural performances. The winners of various competitions were awarded in the concluding phase.