Speakers, in a function, here underscored the need for changing social and negative attitudes towards women to build a society based on equality and free from all kinds of discrimination and sectarianism.
"As the country's half of the population is women, an emphasis should be given to ensure violence-free environment for all women in their respective working places to push the country forward towards its desired development," they said.
They made the comments while addressing a daylong workshop on "Changing negative, social behavior and ideology towards women" at the hall room of Fulchhari Upazila Parishad of Gaibandha district on Thursday.
Gana Unnayan Kendra (GUK), a non-government organisation, arranged the workshop under "Positive Change in Gender Norms and Harmful Behavior for Inclusive and Resilient Communities Project" funded by the United Nations Population Fund.
Upazila Chairman GM Selim Parvez addressed the workshop as the chief guest with Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Anisur Rahman in the chair. Upazila-level government officials, social workers, NGO activists and journalists attended the workshop and took part in the discussion. The speakers urged all to come forward with their positive mental attitude towards the women for the welfare of the women folk. They also suggested for ensuring equal rights of male and female in the properties, ensuring equal partnership and increasing participation of women in the decision making process.
Earlier, in a power point presentation, changes in social, cultural and psychological attitudes towards women are highlighted side by side with discussing various topics to prevent violence against women.
Similar programme was also held in Ullapara upazila under Sirajganj district at the arrangement of the GUK, sources said.
The project is being implemented at 35 unions of Fulchhari upazila of the district and Ullapara upazila of Sirajganj district aimed to ensure equal rights and remove all sorts of violence against women, said Abdus Salam, chief executive of the GUK.