Bangladesh
Ten years ago, we adopted the landmark resolution 1325 on women, peace and se...
Ten years ago, we adopted the landmark resolution 1325 on women, peace and security in this Council. Bangladesh, then as a member·of the Council and one of the co-sponsors of the resolution was closely associated with the adoption of this historic document that endeavors to ensure women's rights in peace and security. The decisions adopted in the document apply not only to States but also to actors involved in the post conflict peace process. We take a modicum of pride for what we have done a decade ago.
We are, however, disappointed to note that violence against women and girls a...
We are, however, disappointed to note that violence against women and girls are still on as delineated in different reports. As we have mentioned earlier, women and girls suffer most as victims of conflict, while in the peace process they are mostly deprived of the dividends. Women and girls are often viewed as bearers of cultural identities. Thus they become prime targets. Therefore, onus lies on us to ensure that oppression against women and girls particularly gender related ones are stopped forever.
We are well aware that poverty, struggle for dearth of resources, and socio-e...
We are well aware that poverty, struggle for dearth of resources, and socio-economic injustices lie at the heart of conflicts and all of them, sadly create breeding ground for such social blight including violence against women and girls. The resulting impact not only relates to the safety and security of the women and girls but also impairs the political and economic situations, as well as security of the nation. Therefore, protecting women's rights is not an option; it is a compulsion that requires coordinated actions from all of us.
We recognize that empowering women entails them to have command over resource...
We recognize that empowering women entails them to have command over resources and adequate leadership capability for efficient management of those resources. Therefore, we stress on the economic needs of women, and necessity of their engagement internationally in all levels and foons of decision making process. While the former could be achieved through ensuring their access to and participation in income generating and entrepreneurial activities such as micro-credit, education, vocational training, public health; the latter could be ensured through recruitment of women particularly in senior level positions of the UN including in the posts of ASGs, USGs and SRSGs. For clearer understanding of the needs of southern women, we have to make sure that women from global south get due recognition while considering such recruitment. For proper coordination with field, fair representation of TCC/PCCs must be ensured as decided previously in the General Assembly and C34 of the United Nations.
From our national perspective, I deem it a privilege to make a few remarks ab...
From our national perspective, I deem it a privilege to make a few remarks about gender mainstreaming in Bangladesh. Women occupy the top political leadership in our country. The Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees equality of men and women within the broad framework of non-discrimination on grounds of religion, race or gender. The Government has adopted National Policy for Women's Advancement and National Plan of Action. A Women's Development Implementation Committee, headed by the Minister for Women and Children Affairs, monitors the implementation of policies for women's empowerment. The result is highly positive. For example, enrolment of girls at both primary and secondary level schools exceeds that of boys, helped by waiver of tuition and provision of stipends for girls in secondary level.
The Government has enacted laws for protecting women against domestic violenc...
The Government has enacted laws for protecting women against domestic violence and is currently implementing a number of projects for developing capabilities of women. These include Vulnerable Group Development Program (VGD), micro-credit, skill training including computer skill, product display centers, etc. Women registered for VGD and hired for rural works receive skill training and credit or some simple capital machinery i.e. sewing machine-so that they can set up their own small business enterprise. Many affirmative actions have been taken that help women in distress and 'old age. For involving women in decision-making' process, government has adopted quota system for women in national parliament as well as in the recruitment of our civil service alongside the direct election and open competition.
In maintenance of intemational peace and security, we take pride for our mode...
In maintenance of intemational peace and security, we take pride for our modest contribution of troops and police to the UN Peacekeeping missions. Recruitment of women in police and military amply delineates our commitment towards women empowerment nationally as well as in international arena. We are pleased that we could deploy a Full Contingent of All- Female Fonned Police Unit or FPU to Haiti following the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
I am pleased to inform that our all men troop contingent are fully briefed on...
I am pleased to inform that our all men troop contingent are fully briefed on the gender issue. We hope sufficient further training will be arranged for them for reinforcing their understanding. We are aware that we need to ensure a gender perspective into all conflict prevention activities and strategies, develop effective gender sensitive early warning mechanisms and institutions, and strengthen efforts to prevent violence against women, including various forms of gender-based violence.
In conclusion, I would reiterate that we have been making our best efforts to...
In conclusion, I would reiterate that we have been making our best efforts to ensure women's empowerment and participation in all spheres of our lives. We know much more need to be done. We are open to replicate in our national policy, any good practices that we will come across globally, similarly we are ready share our experience with others suitably.