ZCZC
BSS-32
GIRLS-RIGHTS-MOVEMENT
Plan International launches Girls’ Rights and Equality Movement
DHAKA, Oct 10, 2020 (BSS) – On the occasion of the International Day of the Girl 2020, the Plan International Bangladesh today launched a campaign titled ‘Girls’ Rights and Equality Movement’ and announced its commitment towards achieving the gender equality and girls’ rights by 2030.
Director General of the NGO Affairs Bureau of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Md Rashedul Islam inaugurated the campaign as the chief guest joining a virtual programme organized by the Plan International Bangladesh, said a press release here.
Plan International Bangladesh Country Director Orla Murphy, Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg Von Linde, UNFPA Country Representative Asa Britta Torkelsson, Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh Ltd Mr. Kedar Lele and Executive Director of Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) Dr Md. Sahid Uz Zaman joined the event as special guests.
The Head of Influencing of Plan International Bangladesh Kashfia Feroz delivered welcome speech in the virtual gathering which was attended by around 50 girls and youths from different parts, including Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Kurigram, Barishal, Barguna, Bhola, Chattogram and Dhaka, of the country.
The girls and youth leaders actively participated in the event and shared their experience and thoughts towards the journey of achieving gender equality and girls’ rights.
They demanded action against all sorts of discrimination, violence, lack of opportunities and violation of rights of girls and young women and urged the government, policy makers, development and corporate partners, civil society networks and other stakeholders concerned to extend their supports to their movement of achieving rights and equality.
Addressing the virtual gathering as the chief guest, Md Rashedul Islam, said “Gender equality is one of the priorities for the Bangladesh government. We really do appreciate the development partners like Plan International which are working with the government to achieve the goals.”
From the NGO Affairs Bureau, “we are always ready to extend any support in the journey of establishing the rights and equality for the girls and youths”, he added.
Echoing the demand of the youths to establish the gender equality, Country Director of the Plan International Bangladesh Orla Murphy announced the commitment to work for gender equality and girls’ rights in the next 10 years.
While announcing the commitment, Murphy said, “To achieve the SDGs, this is mandatory to ensure no one is left behind, especially girls and young women.”
In the end of the event, the Deputy Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, Laura Criado announced the name of the winners of ‘Equality Awards: Youth in Action’.
Marking the International Day of the Girl 2020, Plan International Bangladesh awarded five youth organizations for their innovative campaign ideas to promote youth actions for achieving girls’ rights and equality.
The winners of the ‘Equality Awards’ are WeMen, Evolution360, Bangladesh Marma Students Council, Barishal Youth Society and Deshi Ballers.
BSS/PR/SAH/KU/2006 HRS