Naripokkho successfully organised five-day residential basic training programmes for 90 young women under its project titled “Enhancinh Women’s Participation in Leadership and Public Life” across three divisions.
The training sessions were held in Dhaka division from January 15–19, in Chattogram division from January 25–29, and in Rajshahi division from February 2–6, 2026.
A total of 90 young women selected from different districts of the three divisions took part in the programme. Participants included representatives from ethnic minority communities such as Chakma, Pankhua, Marma, Tanchangya and Khiyang. One young woman with special needs also joined the training, reflecting the inclusive nature of the initiative.
The training covered a wide range of topics including Gender equality, discrimination and inequality; Women’s status in public life; The history of feminist movements; Leadership and public life; Feminist leadership; Ethics and values in public life; Rights and Human rights; National and International Conventions and Laws; Communication, mobilisation and Advocacy for development; and Gender-based violence in both public and cyber spaces. Sessions also introduced the project framework, stakeholder responsibilities and the roles of mentors and mentees.
Naripokkho members Gita Das, Maheen Sultan, Rita Dash Roy, Kamrun Nahar, Jahanara Khatun, Amita Dey, Rowshan Ara, Sadaf Saz Siddiqui and Asma Bithi served as facilitators, alongside Project Director Nasima Akter.
At the closing sessions, chief guest Tapati Saha, Programme Manager of UN Women, emphasised that women’s leadership is not merely about personal advancement but a force for social transformation.
She said such initiatives would strengthen young women’s leadership, boost confidence and contribute to building a just and equitable society. She added that UN Women and Naripokkho are working jointly to advance these goals.
Certificates were distributed among participants at the end of each training programme.
