A Parliamentary caucus on gender and inclusion has been formed with the goal of promoting the participation of women, persons with disabilities, and other underprivileged groups in government initiatives and programs.
The 12-member parliamentary caucus was announced during an event titled 鈥楩ormation of Parliamentary Caucus on Gender and Inclusion and a Discussion Meeting,鈥� organized by the Disabled Rehabilitation and Research Association on Tuesday.
Among the members, Sanjida Khanam, a Parliament member from the women鈥檚 reserved seat, was made the convener, while Shabnam Jahan and Zara Jabeen Mahbub, also MPs from women鈥檚 reserved seats, were made as co-convener and secretary member, respectively.
DRRA executive director Farida Yesmin, who read a concept note, said that although women鈥檚 participation and progress in the country has become visible, there are still obstacles in some areas.
She referred to the United Nations Development Programme鈥檚 Gender Social Norms Index, which revealed that 99% of people still hold at least one biased perspective towards women. 69% of people believe that men make better politicians compared to women, while 88% perceive men as more skilled in business and more deserving of employment opportunities.
She added that persons with disabilities face obstacles in education, employment, fair wages, and access to social services and encounter discrimination in both family and social spheres of life.聽
The newly formed parliamentary caucus aims to eliminate gender discrimination and take a proactive role in promoting inclusive practices in policy-making.
