Girls and youths demand action against oppression on women

Plan International Bangladesh has announced its commitment to work for gender equality and girls' rights in upcoming 10 years.

The organisation made the announcement in a virtual gathering on Saturday.

In the meeting jointly led by youths, around 50 girls and youths from different parts of the country demanded action against all sorts of discrimination, violence, lack of opportunities and violation of rights of girls and young women.

In the event, The girls and youths pressed their call to action to the government, policy makers, development and corporate partners, civil society networks and other relevant stakeholders to support their movement of achieving rights and equality.

Md Rashedul Islam, Director-General of NGO Affairs Bureau of the Prime Minister's Office inaugurated the event and said, "Gender equality is one of the priorities for the Bangladesh Government. From the NGO Affairs Bureau, we are always ready to extend any support in this journey of girls and youths to achieve rights and equality."

Kashfia Feroz, the head of influencing of Plan International Bangladesh emphasised the importance of addressing the needs of girls and young women in the development plan.

Ms Alexandra Berg Von Linde, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh said, "The youths are really doing great work to bring social change."

Ms Asa Britta Torkelsson, Country Representative of UNFPA said significant investment for young people, particularly girls, needs to be made in the areas of health, education, skill development and employment.

Dr Md Sahid Uz Zaman Executive Director of Eco-Social Development Organisation (ESDO) said, "The girls who joined today are the best example of the changes coming in the community level. We do need to cascade this change nationally to achieve the SDGs."

Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, Orla Murphy said, "To achieve the SDGs, it is mandatory to ensure no one is left behind, especially girls and young women."

Marking the International Day of the Girl 2020, Deputy Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, Laura Criado announced five youth organisations as winners of 'Equality Awards: Youth in Action' for their innovative campaign ideas to promote youth actions for achieving girls' rights and equality.

Girls and youth leaders from various districts of Bangladesh, and many others participated in the event and shared their experience and thoughts towards the journey of achieving gender equality and girls' rights.