Women and human rights bodies on Tuesday called on political parties to adopt and commit to implement clear policies to ensure gender equality and prevent all forms of violence against women.
The call came at a rally held in front of the National Parliament building in the capital organised by the International Day against Violence against Women Elimination Observe Committee, a platform created by 61 organisations, to mark the day, said a press release.
Rehana Samdani, a member of women鈥檚 activist organisation Naripokkho, read out a number of demands to safeguard women rights, followed by a torch rally and a cultural programme.
The demands included ensuring meaningful leadership roles for women at every level of political parties, announcing specific action plans and committing to protect the rights of all marginalised women, including women with disabilities, establishing long-term and sustainable mechanisms for digital security, and resisting misogynistic speech and behaviour through coordination with religious leaders, educators and local influencers.
The organisations also demanded expanding opportunities and spaces for women鈥檚 unrestricted participation in cultural activities of fine art, literature, music, drama, and dance, and ensuring structural reforms to advance women鈥檚 participation and leadership in politics.
