The woman participation in political parties’ central and grassroots committees is still now barely visible. Each political party, particularly major political parties of the country, must ensure 33 percent representation of women in their committees, demanded rights activists.
‘Narir Joye Sobar Joy’, a platform working women’s rights and empowerment, in collaboration with Democracy International arranged a press conference in Brahmanbaria Press Club on Monday in fabour of the demand.
General Secretary of Brahmanbaria District Mohila Awami League Advocate Taslima Sultana Khanom Nishat and president of District Mohila Dal Advocate Ismat Ara read out written statement at the press conference.
Coordinator of advocacy team of Democracy International Deepok Chowdhury Bappi presided over the press conference while master trainer Md Monir Hossain moderated it. Senior Coordinator of Cumilla region of Democracy International Abul Bashar, Mohila Awami League leader Foyjunnahar Tuni and Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal leader Jannat Parvin Sriti also spoke at the press conference.
The speakers said that 33 percent participation of women in the politics must be ensured for woman empowerment and development of politics. If 33 percent women rise to leadership position, it will encourage democratic practice within the parties as well as other women to join politics, they said.
Some of the speakers said that the low numbers of women in the political parties’ central committees and other committees are worrisome. The parties must take measures to improve female participation in their committees.
A 13-point demand was also placed at the press conference. According to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), each political party must have 33 percent women in their committees by 2020 to ensure wider participation of women in politics.
The target was set in 2008. The deadline ends in next year, but women’s participation in major political parties are not visible.
