ZCZC
BSS-25
US-EMPOWERING-WOMEN
US to continue support in empowering women
DHAKA, March 6, 2020 (BSS) – Deputy Chief of Mission of the USA Embassy
here JoAnne Wagner today said her country will continue to work with
Bangladesh under strong partnership in women empowerment.
“We’re doing some powerful projects… We trained female firefighters as
well as using key networks with girls from Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) combat
fighters, female entrepreneurs and women scientists,” she said while
attending the ‘USAID’s International Women’s Day Debate Competition 2020’ in
the capital.
Wagner said they are also helping to send Bangladesh female leaders to the
USA for gaining expertise on deal with critical issues like human trafficking
and protecting women within the judicial system.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and ABC
radio 89.2 FM jointly organised the debate as the part of celebrating
International Women’s Day-2020.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA)
President Dr Rubana Huq attended the event as special guest while USAID
Mission Director Derrick Brown and Gender Advisor Mahmuda Rahman Khan also
spoke.
Terming women as the backbone of Bangladesh Readymade Garments (RMG)
sector, the engine of the country’s export growth, Brown said women have been
a very crucial part in Bangladesh’s development.
“USAID believes that when women are doing better the country, communities
and families will be able to do better and we’re definitely feeling it here
(Bangladesh) as well,” he said.
Rubana urged all for judging every person equally instead of according to
gender.
The debate competition was held on ‘The family plays a key role in
ensuring girl’s strength’ by the participation of the country’s top
educational institutions– Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, Notre Dame
College, Holy Cross College and St. Joseph Higher Secondary School
respectively.
In the first head to head, Notre Dame College secured their victory
against Viqarunnisa Noon School and College while Holy Cross College able to
win after defeated St. Joseph Higher Secondary School in the second head to
head.
International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 every year as a focal
point in the movement for women’s rights.
BSS/ASG/MMH/TA/SSS/1802 hrs