The International Women’s Day was observed across the country in a befitting manner on Monday (Mar 8) with a call for building a new world that ensures equal rights for women and men.
On the eve of the day, President Md. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages, greeting all women across the world on Sunday.
Marking the day, various programmes were chalked out in the city while the inaugural programme of the day started with lightening up candle in the first hour of the day at Central Shaheed Minar. Amrai Pari Paribarik Nirajaton Protirodh Jote (WE CAN) organized the event.
Besides, the Women and Children Affairs Ministry organized a function at Bangladesh Shishu Academy auditorium at 10.30 a.m.
Sheikh Hasina joined the function as the chief guest through a videoconferencing from her official Ganabhaban residence, local media reported.
At the function, five successful women were given the best Joyeeta awards with crest and cheque for Tk 100,000 each.
Meanwhile, a seminar titled ‘Muktijuddhe Nari’ was held at the National Press Club on the occasion of the International Women’s Day. Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni addressed the seminar as the chief guest with JPC President Farida Yeasmin in the chair.
JPC Managing Committee Member Ayub Bhuiyan conducted the seminar.
Besides, the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) brought out a colourful rally from its premises. The rally led by DRU President Mursalin Nomani and General Secretary Masiur Rahman Khan ended at the same venue after parading different city streets.
Later, a cake was cut at the DRU office in the city’s Segunbagicha area on the occasion.
Marking the day, Bangladesh Kishani Sabha, Readymade Garments Workers Federation, Bangladesh Floating Women Workers Union, Bangladesh Krishak Federation, Bangladesh Bhumiheen Samiti, Bangladesh Sramik Federation, Bangladesh Building and Wood Workers Federation, Ganatantrik Garment Sramik Karmachari Federation, Abhibasi Nari Sramik Forum, Imarat Nirman Sramik Union Bangladesh and Bangladesh Jatiyo Sramik Federation jointly formed a human chain in front of the JPC.
Later, they brought out a procession and paraded different streets in the city.
Besides, the alliance of anti-cancer, voluntary and women organizations observed the day with different programmes.
Marking the day, 13 voluntary and women organizations led by Community Oncology Center Trust brought out a token street-march titled “Jananir Jonyo Padajatra” at 11 a.m. in the city’s Lalmatia area.
A discussion titled “Reproductive Health and Cancer: How much the Women are Aware” was held at the Oncology Center in the morning. Dr Md Habibullah Talukder Raksin conducted the discussion.
Later, cancer related suggestions, including clinical breast examination, were provided to women at free of cost. Community Oncology Center Trust Secretary and Chief Executive Mosarrat Jahan Sourabh supervised the free medical service campaign.
The International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on Mar 8 every year. It is a focal point in the movement for women’s rights.
After the Socialist Party of America organised a Women’s Day on Feb 28, 1909 in New York, the 1910 International Socialist Woman’s Conference suggested a Women’s Day be held annually.
After women gained suffrage in Soviet Russia in 1917, Mar 8 became a national holiday there.
The day was then predominantly celebrated by the socialist movement and communist countries until it was adopted in 1975 by the United Nations.
