United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda has reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh in advancing women’s rights, empowerment, and gender equality.
During a courtesy meeting held in Dhaka on Monday, she met with Bangladesh’s Minister for Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain, MP, and Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Yasmin Parveen. The meeting was also attended by UN Women Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Christine Arab, along with members of the UN Women Bangladesh office.
The discussions focused on strengthening the implementation and monitoring of Bangladesh’s national and international commitments related to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Key issues included ongoing dialogue surrounding existing reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), as well as plans to advance major legislation such as the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace and Educational Institutions Act and the Domestic Violence Prevention Act.
Participants also acknowledged the government’s flagship initiative of issuing “Family Cards” in the names of women, describing it as a bold and significant step toward women’s inclusion and empowerment.
The meeting further highlighted the importance of women’s economic empowerment through investments in the care economy, financing for gender equality, gender-responsive budgeting, and the promotion of gender-sensitive approaches to disaster risk reduction and climate action.
Both sides emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with civil society organizations and Bangladesh’s vibrant women’s movement to further strengthen efforts toward equality and inclusion for all women and girls.