Exchange of Views Held in Tangail on Women's Empowerment and Economic Rights

An exchange-of-views meeting was held with journalists in Tangail on Monday (August 10) to discuss the role of the media in ensuring women's empowerment and economic rights.

he event was organized in the morning at a restaurant in the city's Habibur Rahman Plaza by the non-governmental development organization Naripokkho.

Held under Naripokkho's project titled "Expanding Women's Employment through Local Engagement," the meeting was themed "Women's Empowerment and Economic Rights: The Role of Gender-Sensitive Media." Detailed discussions took place regarding women's economic rights, employment, decision-making processes, development as entrepreneurs, and the effective role media can play in eliminating existing social discrimination against women.

Rowshan Ara Akhtar, Project Director of Expanding Women's Employment through Local Engagement, presented the project's details during the session. Among others who participated in the discussion were Rashedul Islam, Principal of Tangail Technical Training Centre (TTC); Rowshan Lily, Executive Director of the non-governmental organization 'RPDO'; and Lipi Lillian Rozario, Co-Manager of the Local Engagement Working Women's Organization.

Speakers highlighted that women's empowerment is not solely an issue concerning women's development, but a crucial component of a country's overall economic and social progress. Along with increasing women's employment and involvement in economic activities, their rights and potential must be appropriately portrayed in the media.

They further stressed that when delivering news, women should not be depicted merely as victims; rather, their achievements, potential, leadership, and economic contributions to society need to be highlighted with equal importance. Journalists from various local print and electronic media outlets attended the meeting.