With the theme “Rights, Equality, Empowerment, and Development of Women and Girls,” LEDARS, in collaboration with the Manusher Jonna Foundation (MJF) and the Embassy of Sweden, celebrated International Women’s Day 2025 under the Community-Based Climate Resilience Women’s Empowerment and Action (CREA) Project.
The event featured a bicycle rally with participation from members of women’s and youth groups from Gabura and Burigoalini Unions. The rally commenced at 10:00 AM from 71 Burigoalini Forest Government Primary School. Various activities, including ahuman chain, quiz competition, pillow swapping game, and a theatrical performancehighlighting the adverse effects of domestic violence, were organized by the Dalia Youth Group of Gabura Union.
A discussion meeting and award distribution ceremony marked the culmination of the event. Ms. Fatema Khatun, Female Member of Wards 7, 8, and 9 of Burigoalini Union Parishad, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The meeting was presided over by Ms. Shahanara Parvin, General Secretary of the Climate Action Group of Burigoalini Union, while Project Officer Sulata Rani Saha moderated the session. Keynote speeches were delivered by Sabina Khatun, President of Jamuna Nari Dal, social worker Rabiul Islam, and Project Coordinator Shubrato Adhikary.
In her address, the chief guest emphasized the alarming rise in violence against women and urged men to play an active role in stopping it. She remarked, “Today, none of us, as women, are safe either at home or outside. Awareness and collective action are necessary for our safety.”
During the event, the brutal rape of a seven-year-old girl in Magura was strongly condemned. The president of the session stated, “We stand in protest and solidarity with the victim through today’s Women’s Day program.”
The program concluded with an award distribution ceremony, where winners of various competitions were honored by the distinguished guests.
This impactful celebration reaffirmed the commitment to women’s rights, equality, and empowerment in coastal Bangladesh.
